From the moment you arrive, a majestic banyan tree welcomes you, symbolizing a deep connection to nature and local heritage. Inside, the lobby’s local artistry and thoughtfully curated displays immediately immerse you in the island’s spirit. As you move further in, sweeping views unfold, revealing a stunning new landmark on Panglao Island.

This is South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection, the island’s first international luxury brand, set along a pristine stretch of Bohol’s shoreline and only 10 minutes from Bohol-Panglao International Airport.

With 188 beachfront rooms, the resort is the creation of a world-class creative team guided by a storytelling approach that celebrates the land, the community, and the island’s rich cultural heritage. Its intentionally low-rise buildings blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, embracing a design philosophy often overlooked in the Philippines. Here, the architecture does not compete for attention; instead, it allows Mother Nature to take center stage.

This brand-new South Palms MGallery Panglao is a distinct property from its sister resort, the original South Palms Resort, which has been renamed Oceanica Resort.

My room was a masterclass in thoughtful design, filled with meaningful details. Like every guestroom, it features reclaimed Boholano wood sourced from abandoned island homes, transformed into a gamified wall with wooden pins and patterns for guests to create their own designs. In the bathroom, a wooden bench sits in the shower—perfect for lingering moments of reflection—while colorful tiles bring a vibrant, cheerful energy to the space. The bed is plush and inviting, the kind you sink into without hesitation. Yet when I draw the curtains, the view takes over: the resort’s pools, the beach beyond, and the spread of amenities stretching before me. It feels as if I am outdoors, yet I remain cocooned in comfort.

Other rooms open directly to the dipping pool, while the beachfront villas step right onto the pristine white sand.

The resort offers four distinct dining venues. UMA, a relaxed beachfront seafood concept, features market-style stalls and tropical fruit tastings. It is also where breakfast is served, with the option to dine alfresco under the stars. Manja invites guests to gather around big tables in a playful space, serving crowd-pleasing favorites such as brick-oven pizzas, rotisserie chicken, and tropical fruit mocktails. For sunset, Sirenna Bar offers cocktails infused with lambanog, poured with a storytelling flair. Soon to open is Tiya, housed in an old structure styled like a heritage home, complete with an eye-catching chandelier.

Each dining space embraces open layouts that welcome the sea breeze and frame views of the ocean. Guests can linger on daybeds at Sirenna, sway in duyans at Manja, or enjoy a meal with their toes in the sand at Tiya.

While the design is striking, the culinary experiences are just as memorable. Chef Bettina Arguelles, the first female executive chef of the recently closed Sofitel Manila, prepared a remarkable eight-course feast highlighting the bounty of the sea. Drinks are equally considered—from refreshing welcome beverages to healthy sips throughout the day, and inventive cocktails in the evening.

The beach is wide, with powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. Scattered daybeds and reclining loungers provide inviting spots to unwind and take in the view.

Other amenities include a gym and Aya’s Jungle, a nature-inspired kids’ club designed for creative and cultural discovery. A spa will open soon, promising more opportunities for relaxation.

For a signature experience, the resort offers an M Moment—an activity unique to each MGallery property that reflects its history and local culture. Here, it takes the form of a visit to Alburquerque, Bohol, to discover Asin Tibuok, a rare sea salt produced by filtering seawater through coconut husks. Guided by a local artisan, guests can witness and connect with this centuries-old tradition.

The resort also champions sustainability through South Farm, its nine-hectare organic farm located just minutes away. The farm supplies fresh produce to South Palms MGallery Panglao and its sister resorts while offering family-friendly activities and rural tourism experiences.

Event spaces are as thoughtfully designed as the rest of the resort. The 100-square-meter Acqua Pavilion draws inspiration from the fluid geometry of sea creatures. The 200-square-meter Marcela Ballroom incorporates indigenous Filipino motifs. The expansive 500-square-meter beachfront lawn connects to a rooftop garden via a grand staircase, creating a dramatic setting for alfresco celebrations.

South Palms joins the Admiral Hotel Manila in the MGallery Collection as the brand’s second property in the Philippines and its first resort experience in the Visayas. Both properties reflect MGallery’s global commitment to meaningful design, cultural immersion, and storytelling through place.

At present, guests can enjoy an exclusive Elite Access offer for stays between 8 August and 31 October 2025. This includes PHP 3,000 in resort credit, redeemable for dining and leisure activities. ALL and Accor Plus members enjoy additional benefits. Reservations may be made via southpalmsmgallery.reservations@accor.com, by calling +63 038 507 0010, or booking online.