Rooted in mythology, memory, and place, the new MGallery flagship combines Filipino craftsmanship, tropical wellness, and sustainable design.
Panglao Island, Bohol, Philippines – South Palms Resort and Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection presents a new, design-focused hospitality experience in the Philippines. Situated on a pristine Bohol beach, the hotel combines a talented creative team with a storytelling approach that embraces the land, local community, and island culture.
South Palms MGallery at Night
Surrounded by clear waters of the Bohol Sea and lush coconut groves, this 188-room beachfront resort redefines tropical luxury by incorporating Boholano mythology, handcrafted design, and natural wellness. Located just 10 minutes from Bohol-Panglao International Airport and close to the Chocolate Hills, renowned dive sites, and forests inhabited by the Philippine tarsier, the resort provides direct access to the island’s stunning and peaceful environment.
A resort discovered and dreamed
The resort is the vision of a globally renowned creative team, including interior designer Patricia Ho Douven of White Jacket, F&B and detailing specialist Phillip Pond of Atelier Pond, public space designer Patrick Keane of Enter Projects Asia, and master planners Chris Singer and Prasasti Chenchin of SCSY Studio. Together, they have crafted a property that embodies tactility, sustainability, and a profound respect for local culture.
“Sirenna emerged from a rare alchemy where global design met the soul of Bohol. By listening to local voices and weaving in cultural memory, we shaped a hotel that feels both discovered and dreamed,” said Bill Barnett, Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks and lead consultant for the project.
Every space embodies Sirenna, the mythical sea guardian believed to protect the surrounding waters. Her spirit is woven throughout the resort, reflected in coral-inspired lobby designs, nightly oceanfront rituals, and the sacred banyan tree that anchors the landscape.
Every design choice embodies the spirit of the island’s cultural memory. Ho Douven transformed interiors with reclaimed Boholano wood panels and banig headboards, creating a tactile homage to craftsmanship in each room. Pond enriched dining spaces with mosaic murals and native iconography, while Keane introduced fluid forms of natural rattan throughout pavilions and ceilings.
Shaped by Singer and Chenchin, the architecture respects Bohol’s topography through low-rise, bioclimatic structures that harmonize with land and sea. Together, their collaborative efforts weave a narrative of thoughtful materiality and place-based design.
Design woven from local materials and memory
Each guest room features a wall of salvaged Boholano wood, sourced from abandoned island homes, inviting touch and discovery. Handwoven banig headboards, coconut wood furnishings, and artisan-made rugs foster a sense of cultural intimacy. Designed as serene sanctuaries, these rooms are elegant, textured, and grounded.
For those seeking deeper immersion, eight spacious beachfront villas offer private sunset picnics and curated turn-down rituals. Thoughtfully placed artisanal keepsakes allow guests to carry the spirit of Bohol home with them.
Culinary storytelling, from land to sea
The resort’s culinary philosophy celebrates local ingredients and traditional techniques. At UMA, a relaxed beachfront seafood concept, market-style stalls offer tropical fruit tastings and alfresco dining under the stars.
For sunset, guests can enjoy cocktails infused with lambanog at the Sirenna Bar, where storytelling enhances the experience. Throughout all venues, the design by Phillip Pond infuses rhythm, color, and a hyperlocal sensibility, enriching the dining experience.
Wellness, movement, and nature rituals
Guests can enjoy a variety of activities, such as following herbal trails, visiting hydroponic gardens, or practicing sunrise yoga by the sea. The gym caters to more active pursuits, while quieter moments encourage stillness and sensory reconnection.
Evenings bring a sense of quiet wonder with torch-lit ceremonies and firelit drumming rituals that honor the island’s rhythm.
Children can explore Aya’s Jungle, a nature-inspired kids’ club that offers opportunities for creative and cultural discovery.
The M Moment: Salt as soulwork
The resort’s signature M Moment invites guests to honor Asin Tibuok, a unique sea salt created by filtering seawater through coconut husks. Under the guidance of a local artisan, guests learn the traditional craft of making Asin Tibuok, fostering a deeper appreciation for this centuries-old heritage. It’s a perfect opportunity to pause, reflect, and immerse oneself in a living tradition.
Events and community connection
Events take place in three main areas: the 100-sqm Acqua Pavilion, inspired by sea creatures; the 200-sqm Marcela Ballroom, featuring indigenous Filipino motifs; and a 500-sqm beachfront lawn linked to a rooftop garden by a grand staircase, ideal for outdoor celebrations.
In addition to its design, South Palms Panglao supports two local orphanages—Bohol Sunshine Home and Trinity Angels Care Home—through donations, visits, and shared meals, reflecting the brand’s belief that hospitality starts at home.
“South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection is redefining what lifestyle hotels mean in the Philippines. Every guest experience tells the authentic story of our island through traditional craftsmanship and time-honoured traditions woven into our design and programming. We have created a place where Boholano culture comes alive, where nature and luxury exist in harmony, and where every guest forge meaningful connections that transform their stay into a personal story,” said Danish Khan, General Manager at South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection.
A new flagship for MGallery in the Philippines
South Palms is now part of the Admiral Hotel Manila – MGallery Collection, marking the brand’s second property in the Philippines and its first resort in the Visayas. Both locations embody MGallery’s commitment to meaningful design and cultural storytelling.
South Palms Resort and Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection offers more than just a beachfront retreat; it represents a thoughtful reimagining of hospitality, where design prioritizes listening to its environment.
Experience the luxury of South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection with our exclusive “Elite Access” offer. Available for stays from August 8 to October 31, 2025, this promotion includes PHP 3,000 in resort credit, redeemable for dining experiences and leisure activities. ALL and Accor Plus members will receive additional benefits. To book, please email southpalmsmgallery.
South Palms Resort and Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection
Address: Barangay Tawala, Panglao Island, Bohol Province, 6340 PANGLAO Philippines
GPS:9.5525, 123.79805
Telephone; +63 38 507 0010
Contact email: MGallerySouthPalmsResort@accor.com
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Read: Family and Folklore define pioneering Hotel design at South Palms Resort Panglao Bohol-MGallery
