South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection Introduces Cultural and Wellness Experiences in Bohol

South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection invites travellers to enjoy curated cultural and wellness experiences aimed at encouraging longer, more immersive stays. The resort, which opened in August 2025, is the first MGallery Collection property in the Philippines and joins Admiral Hotel Manila – MGallery Collection as part of the brand’s presence in the country.

Located on a stretch of white sand along the Bohol Sea on Panglao Island, the resort draws inspiration from the local legend of Sirenna, known as the “Spirit of the Sea.” The design integrates natural materials and elements of Bohol’s folklore and traditions, reflecting the island’s culture and landscape.

Cultural Activities, Nature Experiences, and Wellness Programmes

The resort’s architecture was developed by designers Patricia Ho of White Jacket and Philip Pond of Atelier Pond. The design incorporates local storytelling through artwork, traditional patterns, and reclaimed wood sourced from ancestral houses in Bohol.

Guests can participate in cultural workshops introducing traditional instruments such as kulintang, kawayan, and djembe. The resort also offers an experience centred on asin tibuok, a traditional sea salt produced in the region, where visitors learn about its historical production and culinary use. At sunset, the Sirenna Ritual features music, drumming, and fire-lighting inspired by local Visayan traditions.

Outdoor activities focus on exploring the island’s coastal environment. The Sirenna Plane Wreck, located about 150 metres offshore, attracts marine life and is accessible for snorkelling and diving. The resort’s Aqua Sports Centre offers kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and boat trips to nearby islands such as Balicasag Island and Pamilacan Island. Additional excursions include dolphin-watching trips and diving programmes.

Sustainability and agriculture are also integrated into the guest experience. Located about one kilometre away, South Farm provides tours focused on organic farming, hydroponic greenhouses, and local agricultural traditions.

Wellness programmes are centred at Lola’s Sanctuary, where treatments incorporate herbs from the resort gardens and South Farm. Traditional hilot massage techniques using coconut oil, lemongrass, and local salt are offered alongside activities such as sunrise beach yoga, guided walks, and fitness sessions.

Dining venues include Lola’s Kitchen, which serves juices and herbal teas alongside educational sessions on traditional remedies, and UNA, which highlights Filipino cuisine using ingredients sourced from the farm.

The resort is approximately 5 kilometres from Bohol–Panglao International Airport, which offers direct flights from cities such as Seoul and Busan, as well as connections via Manila.