This Resort in Bohol Brings Local Culture Into a Luxurious Island Escape

Fresh from its recent opening, South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection is welcoming families to Panglao Island with a collection of experiences that celebrate culture, community and connection.

An aerial view of South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection, set on the white sands of Panglao Island.

An aerial view of South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection, set on the white sands of Panglao Island.

As Panglao’s first international luxury resort, the 188-room-and-suite retreat redefines barefoot luxury as a story to be shared across generations.

Boholano heritage and island journeys

At the heart of the resort’s cultural programme is Sirenna, the mythical sea guardian whose spirit flows through the property’s design and nightly Sunset Ritual—a coastal ceremony with music, light and storytelling that honours Boholano coastal traditions. Families are invited on the South Farm Journey to learn organic farming, meet friendly animals and discover the “tree of life” at the Coco Shed House.

The resort’s signature M Moment centers on Asin Tibuok, a rare Boholano sea salt crafted through a slow, traditional process; guests take part with local artisans and keep a hand-made salt crystal as a soulful memento. In the villas, design details and bedtime stories inspired by Visayan deities immerse families in folklore woven into the beachfront.

To see more of the island, the curated Full Day Experience visits the Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Sanctuary, a Loboc River cruise with cultural show, Baclayon Church and the Blood Compact Shrine—guided by local experts who bring the stories to life.

Families can also discover the wonders of Panglao first-hand: world-class reefs for diving and snorkelling, plus island-hopping by boat to Balicasag and Pamilacan with dolphin watching and picnic lunches on secluded sands.

Wellness rooted in nature

Lola’s Sanctuary is a wellness oasis where farm-to-spa treatments meet traditional Boholano healing practices. Surrounded by lush greenery, trees, and herbal gardens, the spa features treatment rooms tucked into nature.

Lola’s Sanctuary is a wellness oasis where nature, tradition, and healing come together.

Lola’s Sanctuary is a wellness oasis where nature, tradition, and healing come together.

All treatments use locally grown herbs sourced from the resort and South Farm. Guests can experience traditional hilot massage made with natural ingredients like coconut oil, lemongrass, and Asin Tibuok. Lola’s Kitchen (the spa’s open-air reception) serves detox juices and herbal teas, while also hosting educational sessions on traditional healing practices.

For those seeking gentle movement, the Mindful Walk guides guests through gardens and coastal paths with meditation and discovery built into the trail.

Family adventures and mindful escapes

South Palms was designed with families at its heart. Aya Kids Club blends cultural play—sungka, arts and crafts, a playful outdoor tarsier house—with over 150 sqm of indoor-outdoor space. Out on the water, there’s a traditional Maui canoe, kayaks (single and tandem), stand-up paddleboards, 4-seater pedal boats, a bamboo raft experience and snorkelling gear hire—easy fun a few steps from the shore.

Aya Kids Club offers indoor-outdoor play space, filled with cultural games, crafts and activities for younger guests.

Aya Kids Club offers indoor-outdoor play space, filled with cultural games, crafts and activities for younger guests.

Culinary moments bring everyone to the table. UMA showcases progressive Filipino cuisine—think “build your own boodle fight”—while Manja serves international comfort food from rotisserie jaffle sandwiches to brick-oven pizza. For golden hour, Sirenna is a Mediterranean-tiki beach bar with terraced seating, a fire pit and feet-in-the-sand dining.

Celebrations and community

With its blend of coastal scenery and organic-modern design, South Palms provides striking venues for milestones. The Acqua Pavilion hosts intimate gatherings; the Marcela Ballroom and a sweeping beachfront lawn create settings for weddings, reunions and multi-generational celebrations. (Acqua 100 sqm / ~50 guests; Marcela 200 sqm / ~100 guests; lawn 500 sqm).

The Acqua Pavilion blends coastal charm with contemporary design for intimate events.

The Acqua Pavilion blends coastal charm with contemporary design for intimate events.

“South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection is a place where families create and share their own stories—through Boholano traditions, wellness rituals and adventures on land and sea,” said Danish Khan, General Manager.

“Elite Access” Offer

To be among the first people in the world to experience South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection, guests can enjoy an exclusive “Elite Access” offer, which is available to book for stays until 31st October 2025. This rewarding promotion includes PHP 3,000 in resort credit, which can be redeemed for dining experiences and leisure activities. ALL and Accor Plus members will receive additional benefits. To book, please email southpalmsmgallery.reservations@accor.com or call +63 038 507 0010.

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