Brian Kennett
Amateur Chef and Boozy Traveling Foodie Extraordinaire
SOUTH PALMS RESORT AND SPA - ACCOR'S FIRST MGALLERY COLLECTION ON PANGLAO: BEST REVIEW
South Palms Resort and Spa Review. Accor ‘get busy’ in Panglao with it’s first MGallery 5* Resort. And it is a WOW: Grab your flip flops and a sense of fun + relaxation, because South Palms Resort and Spa in Panglao has me questioning why I bother with Singapore‘s concrete jungle when Bohol’s beaches are calling like a siren with a cocktail shaker. It’s December 2025, and after dodging typhoon season (fingers crossed), I touched down at this South Palms Resort Panglao outpost expecting the usual island filler—think faded cabanas, Hawaiin shirts, and lukewarm beer (not really – this is purely my poetic license).
Instead, blimey, it’s a Filipino Heaven on a Talcum Powder Beach with Topaz Seas: sprawling villas with thatched roofs that scream “colonial chic gone tropical,” five pools defying physics (one infinity edge practically high-fives the ocean + even has a mermaid), and a private beach so powdery you’d think the sand fairies unionised for extra softness.
I booked South Palms Resort & Spa as a special treat for Wifey’s birthday – all rather special and covert-like as this place only opened in August this year. Wifey was in total surprise, shock and intensely happy (Brownie points for another year), so we dumped the bags in our incredible room (see more later) and ran off to the uber-cool Sirenna Beach Bar where I ordered a Pilsen that slid down smoother than a greased carabao.
Now, folks, there may be some confusion. You may remember my Blog review some years back of South Palms Resort Panglao – and our frequents return trips to stay and dine, and also to visit the stunning South Farm. Well, let me explain. Panglao Shores became a thing – with massive investment from the local Alturas family and Accor Group to the tune of $25B Peso, for a ten-year development over an expanse of 50 hectares. It is seriously impressive. So, South Palms, as was becomes Oceanica Resort, releasing the name to now South Palms Resort and Spa Panglao, MGallery. Got it, or do I need to go slower?
Accor and Alturas partner to create resort magic in Panglao
This new venture between Alturas and Accor has opened something special on our island of Panglao. I have been to, and stayed at, many of the resorts here: Oceanica, Bellevue, Modala, BE Grand, and so on… But, and this is a BIG but: I think we have a new winner, South Palms Resort and Spa is stunning, absolutely breath-takingly stunning. The rooms are immaculate, the beach is divine, the pools – goodness me the pools, the Sirenna Beach Bar is the ultimate in kool, it’s design is one of peace with nature – notice no high-rise, even the check-in will make you take a breath – and then the staff: bar-raising, best-in-breed and so proud of who they work for. It’s intoxicating,
Again, I tip my hat to Alturas and MGallery / Accor here: they want as many of the staff to be local from Bohol as possible – and I totally thank and applaud that. You’re developing Bohol aand at the same time keeping families together. Bravo. You should take the Gold Medal status of best on the island with pride – it is a beautiful thing you have created here – and we’ll be seeing you again and again and again!!!
South Palms Resort and Spa Review: Table of Contents
South Palms Resort and Spa Check-In - best check-in experience
Check-in’s a breeze, with staff flashing smiles brighter than the midday sun and handing over keys to rooms that could swallow your HDB flat whole in Singapore. Opt for a beachfront villa at South Palms Resort and Spa, or deluxe room from where you walk out into your own private swimming pool area. Yes, I am not kidding…and you’re sorted.
Check-in is your first impression, and boy have South Palms and the front of house crew at Panglao Shores smashed it out the park. Check-in at South Palms Resort Panglao kicks off like a warm hug from a long-lost tita—smooth, welcoming, and with zero faffing about that makes you question why this is your first time here.
Roll up to the open-air lobby, modernized local art and sea breezes slapping you awake after the airport slog, and you’re hit with staff in uber-cool bright uniforms and smiles that could melt an iceberg. No endless queues or passport wrestling; they whisked our bags away faster than a Grab driver who spotted a fair increase, handing over chilled welcome drinks and iced towels. One punter on TripAdvisor called it “seamless from the off,” and blimey, they’re spot on—no corporate clipboard nonsense, just Filipino charm cranked to eleven.
Overall, it’s the sort of arrival that sets the tone for Panglao beach resorts: no stress, all smiles, and then escorted to a waiting golf buggy that gives you a resort tour, before driving you to your room feeling like resort royalty rather than a sweaty tourist. Proper sorted, and worth every Peso of that first-night glow.
Dumaluan Beach, Panglao - longest beaches in Panglao
Ah, the beach—Panglao beach resorts don’t get much lazier than this private Dumaluan Beach stretch – it’s immaculate. Mornings mean barefoot jogs (yes, alright, alright – I meant walks) past mini-crabs plotting ambushes, fresh buko juice (AKA San Miguel Pilsen) from the beach bar, and kayaks for paddling to snorkel reefs where fish eye you like gatecrashers, as you try to get your Instagram fix. Afternoons? Loll on loungers under umbrellas woven from dreams, dodging the odd coconut missile while the kids build sandcastles that rival the Chocolate Hills.
One punter on Agoda called the beach “pristine paradise,” and after burying my toes in that flour-fine sand, with an icey cold San Miguel I’m more than inclined to agree—no seaweed surprises, just waves whispering sweet temptations. It’s the sort of spot where time bends, turning a “one more libation” moment into “holy sh!t it’s dinner o’clock”.
The Rooms at South Palms Resort and Spa
We booked a deluxe, because I wanted that walk-from-room-to-pool experience for Wifey. Nailed it. What an incredible room. Themed throughout with local art and artisinal designs. A patio to the pool, with an uber-cool hanging chair and chaise lounge. It’s truly one of the nicest rooms I have stayed in, and I have stayed in a lot – you have that moment of walking round trying to take it all in.
King-sized beds begging for a nap, plunge pools for midnight dips (because who needs sleep?), and balconies where the sunset turns your San Miguel pink and fizzy. The air-con whispers sweet nothings, the minibar’s a treasure trove of local libations that sneaks up like a cheeky song at a karaoke night, and bathrooms… let me tell you about the bathrooms…
Rain showers big enough for a conga line, stocked with scrubs, and potions that leave you smelling like a piña colada – in my case a bloody big one. Reviews from Booking.com and TripAdvisor back it up: guests rave about the space and that “oh-so-comfy” vibe, with cleanliness scores hovering at 9/10.
What's the food at South Palms Resort?
Now we’re talking my language, and it’s singing in Filipino harmonies: they even use locally produced salt, the infamous Dinosaur Egg of Bohol: Asin Tibuok. See below for what else you can do as a guest, aligned to that most wonderful ingredient.
Uma Restaurant kicks off with breakfast buffets that assault your arteries in the best way: piles of garlic rice, crispy tapa that snaps like bubble wrap, longganisa links juicier than gossip at a fiesta, and bangus belly flaking under your fork. I loaded up on pandesal slathered in kesong puti, eyeing the merienda station like a hawk.
I recommend you then lunch at either Sirenna Beach Bar, or Manja for more casual beach-dining Mediterranean fair – try the Jaffles with lamb and beef kebab meat – yummo. Plus, must have toes in sand whilst eating and drinking… You could also take a 5-minute beach walk to Oceanica Resort and grab some food there.
Dinner has to be UMO, if you’re staying at the resort of course, as that is the third and final choice of dining at South Palms Resort and Spa. Modern Filipino, with lots of little twists and turns on the way – loving the fact they have bone marrow on the menu: HERO STATUS!!!
Manja Restaurant
“At Manja, family fun and flavour come together in a bright, playful space designed for all-day enjoyment. Large communal tables, sunken seating and a vibrant kids’ garden with games invite families to relax and connect over flavoursome, comforting food. The menu is full of crowd-pleasing favourites, sure to keep everyone happy – crispy brick-oven pizzas, juicy rotisserie chicken, hearty burgers and kid-friendly pandesal bread. Young guests stay engaged with a dedicated play corner, while parents unwind with fresh juices or tropical-inspired cocktails and mocktails. Manja’s modern design and laid-back energy make it the go-to spot for relaxed family dining.” says South Palms Resort and Spa.
Manja Restaurant at South Palms Resort Panglao is the cheeky lovechild of a pizza parlour and a Filipino beach-bar gone right—think brick-ovens and open-kitchens hiding no secrets, with rotisseries spinning lazily under heat lamps, and a vibe so colourful it makes your Instagram finger itch before the first San Miguel lands.
One TripAdvisor punter swooned over the “inviting warmth” from the off, and after Christopher, our waiter slung multiple San Miguels my way without a eye-roll, I’m nodding like a bobblehead—proper family-friendly without the forced fun. I was still burping up Mediterranean mischief after a lunch that started with San Miguels and ended up with Festive Tequila Cocktails, punchy enough to wake your inner child. Must-try the Jaffle pancake sandwiches stuffed with Rosemary Lamb or Beef Kebab, because these bad-boys could seduce a vegan.
Portions at Manja hit that sweet spot where you’re stuffed but scheming seconds or dessert – Halo Halo is a really good one by the way!!! The open design lets sea breezes flirt with your pasta, turning lunch into a lazy flirtation with holiday vibes a many. Proper sorted, Manja; you’ve earned your spot in the South Palms Resort food hall of fame.
Uma Restaurant
“UMA is where local heritage meets nature’s bounty in a soulful dining experience overlooking the sea. This all-day restaurant celebrates Boholano flavours with a modern twist, using organic fruits, vegetables and herbs grown at South Farm, and the freshest locally caught seafood. Start your day with a delicious breakfast spread that includes local favourites like pandesal breads and coconut-infused bibingka cake as well as international options.
Come lunchtime, farm-to-table plates take centre stage, while dinner highlights signature dishes such as Maranao crab rendang and seafood paella. Rustic yet refined, UMA is a true expression of place: bold, fresh and deeply rooted in the island.” says South Palms Resort and Spa.
UMA Restaurant at South Palms Resort Panglao is the boisterous beating heart of Filipino feasts, where the air thickens with garlic sizzle and the promise of a bellyache you’ll thank later—think long communal tables under breezy thatch, begging for boodle fights that turn strangers into sauce-smeared mates. I sat here, still haunted by the copious amounts of Jaffle sandwiches and tequila at lunch, with rosemary lamb kebab so juicy it wept sheepy tears onto my plate (did I really just say that…?).
Bangus belly flaked apart like it held grudges, pandesal sopped up kesong puti like a sponge at a fiesta, and the halo-halo? Shaved ice mountains crowned with ube purple as a bruise and leche flan wobbles that jiggled mockingly of my very own stomach. Staff like Rommel serves plates with smiles that will disarm even the grumpiest jet-lagger, and one TripAdvisor chap called it “freshly prepared and flavour-packed”—spot on, especially when the adobo lands herb-kissed and fork-tender, leaving you plotting seconds before the first bite settles.
For dinner at Uma we ordered a table of food massive enough to feed a barangay reunion, prices fair for the resort polish. UMA’s the proper Pinoy powerhouse, where fresh fruit, veggies and occassional livestock from South Farm’s Bohol fields hit harder than a tita’s bear hug. UMA is a proper champ in the South Palms Resort food stakes.
South Palms Resort Spa: Lola's
“Feel your senses awaken at Panglao Spa, where wellness begins the moment you arrive at our Philippines spa hotel. Let the scent of pandan, lemongrass and jasmine welcome you into a world of serenity and calm. Whether you choose our quiet, air-conditioned rooms or our breezy beachside cabanas, all our treatments offer a deep connection with nature, using organic herbs and botanicals grown at nearby South Farm.
Rejuvenate further with yoga or Pilates, swim in the infinity pool or enjoy a workout in our state-of-the-art gym. At Lola’s Kitchen, sip detox juices and herbal teas in the open-air spa lounge, where healing rituals and nourishing snacks complete your path to island wellness.” says South Palms Resort and Spa.
Spa fans, rejoice—or groan sarcastically, because South Palms Spa Panglao is pure indulgence without the guilt trip. Open-air huts sway with palms, therapists wielding coconut oil like wizards. Try booking the signature scrub: calamansi zing stripping away city grime, followed by a hot stone session that will melt your tensions faster than ice in a Bulalo.
Couples pavilions overlook the sea, crashing waves masking your partner’s snores (notice I didn’t say which partner…). Post-massage, flop into pillow menus (pick your fluff: firm, soft, or “don’t wake me”) for sleeps deeper than a counselling session. Yelp reviews nod to the “relaxing treatments.” I’m sold— sounds like the perfect antidote to poolside Tequila excesses.
South Palms Resort Swimming Pools
Just how many pools are there at South Palms Resort and Spa? There’s countless from the walk-in-from-room throughout the resort. There’s the big one by the Serinna Beach Bar. There’s the awesome and quirky amphitheatre pool (yes stand in the middle, on the dot, speak, and let me know what happens). Kid’s splashy. Infinity + mermaid at night (I am not lying), and and and… So many to choose from. Oh yeah, and there’s this HUGE topaz pool, just off the beach…
Activities keep the family friendly resorts Bohol brigade buzzing without breaking a sweat. Kiddie pools shallow as puddles for splash wars, while mums and dads hit the booze—with no shame. Water toys abound: banana boats bucking like broncos, paddleboards testing your sea legs, snorkel gear for reef peeks + divig excursions – likely over to Balicasag Island.
Off-site, arrange Tarsier treks or Chocolate Hills jaunts—the resort’s tour desk sorts it seamless. One family on Expedia praised the “kid-proof fun,” and watching tots chase fireflies while parents sip beers? Gold.
Sirenna Beach Bar: Coolest beach-bar on Panglao
Customer Service at South Palms Resort and Spa
Service seals the deal—Filipino warmth cranked to eleven. They’re proactive legends, with Accor MGallery branding shines through: polished yet personable, no stuffy French airs. Booking.com scores it 8.5/10 for staff, with punters calling them “exceptional” and “always smiling.” I’d be up there around the 10/10, sorry Booking.com – my final memory yesterday morning as we drove away was about 8 staff all lined up smiling and waving – and doing that genuinely, not because their KPIs depended on it – truly incredible experience.
So, I just want to call out a few of the amazing staff at the resort that made our stay just so damned spoecial and made my wife feel so very special on her birthday: Melia for just being so helpful from booking flowers for my wife to being a fixer, Jellie for sorting out all the birthday dinner for me, Rommel for being the most amazing dinner server at UMA, Christopher for being a total legend at MANJA, and most awesome crew at SIRENNA Beach Bar: Lyn, Ron, Glenn, Marc and Juevena. So many more who’s names I just don’t have – but there was the legendary Bryan and Kenneth – yes, Bryan Kenneth (how could I ever forget them…)
#BeProud South Palms Resort – you have the most incredible staff!!! So, folks, get yourself here and say hello to all the above from Islifearecipe. We miss them already.
South Palms Resort Location, Location, Location
Location’s a winner for best resorts in Panglao hopefuls: Panglao Airport’s a hop away (no red-eye regrets), 30 minutes from Tagbilaran sea-port if coming in by ferry from Cebu, and far from Alona Beach’s booze-fueled frenzy but close for bar crawls. Dumaluan Beach’s serenity suits shell-hunters, bookworms, and romantics alike. Honeymooners love private pool nooks; families dig the sprawl and safety nets. Pet-friendly rumours swirl, though I stuck to human chaos.
South Palms Nature Designs
South Palms Resort and Spa Panglao weaves into nature like a cheeky Boholano artisan high on tuba, using low-rise villas that hug coconut groves instead of bulldozing them flat. Bamboo beams sway with sea gusts, open layouts let breezes crash the party through screens, and serpentine paths lined with water features snake past 70% green space where palms whisper secrets to infinity pools that tease the horizon: did you like that? I sure did. Joking aside, it is beautifully done. Perect integration with nature, no high-rise here, folks, turning the whole sprawl into a living sketch of Filipino folklore—proper seamless, no concrete monstrosities stealing the show from Dumaluan Beach’s white sands.
Asin Tibuok: Discover Artisanal Boholano Sea Salt
“Observe the art of handcrafting Asin Tibuok, the rare Boholano sea salt. This traditional process creates a smoky salt that is delicious grated over local cuisine. Coconut husks are soaked in seawater for three months before being dried and slowly burnt over an open fire to produce the perfect ash. Seawater is then filtered through the ash and cooked by hand, layer by layer, to achieve the final product. Each batch reflects the island’s rich artisanal culture, making this a rare and unforgettable thing to do in Panglao.” says South Palms Resort and Spa.
I love what South Palms Resort and Spa is doing by promoting the legacy and heritage of Bohol’s artisinal crafting of making salt the traditional way. They have created an experience, during which you get to make your own Asin Tibuok clay pot, and watch to process of making the salt. You may remember I wrote about this back in June, during my last trip to Bohol – see below.
I have a number of these ‘dinosaur eggs’ of salt at my home in Bohol, you can’t beat the flavour of Asin Tibuok – it is totally unique. So, to also hear that the Chefs are using the salt in their cooking in both UMA and Manja Restaurant is truly awe-inspiring – great job MGallery.
Voice of the Resort: South Palms Resort and Spa, MGallery
An Enchanting Journey into the Heart of Island Culture
“A tropical sanctuary on the powdery shores of Panglao Island, South Palms Resort and Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection blends barefoot elegance with authentic Filipino charm. Nestled within a coconut grove and lapped by the turquoise sea, the resort’s beachfront villas and rooms offer a serene escape framed by nature’s beauty.
Here, time slows to the rhythm of the tides, as restorative spa treatments, fresh island cuisine and warm Boholano hospitality create a seamless retreat. Whether you’re snorkelling the coral reefs, dining under the stars or simply swaying in a hammock next to the infinity pool, every moment at South Palms feels immersive, unhurried and unforgettable.”
South Palms Resport and Spa Review: Final Thoughts
In the end, South Palms Resort and Spa Panglao is a glorious retreat blending beach bliss, belly-filling feasts, and enough laughs and fun to fill this blog post, and some – and we only stayed one night this time, folks. From a beach bar that stole my heart to sunsets that steal your breath, it’s got me and Wifey eyeing return tickets already. Singapore hawker loyalist or not, swap the queues for this island idyll—you will thank me. In fact, I have a load of friends from Singapore incoming over Xmas, some of whom are staying at South Palms Resort and Spa – I’ll let you know their feedback!!!
I had a wonderful day lounging like a beached whale at South Palms Resort and Spa Panglao, but soom it will be time to pack the flip-flops and face the grim reality of Singapore’s humidity slapping me back to earth. This place isn’t some fly-by-night beach shack—it’s a full-on Filipino fever dream where the pools outnumber your bad decisions, and the beach sand clings like a needy ex. South Palms Resort Panglao and it’s amazing crew deserve a gold star.
It’s family friendly resorts Bohol done right, where families frolic without fistfights, kids splash without drowning drama, adults unwind without wallet weepage, honeymooners canoodle without cringing onlookers, and even foodies like emerge fatter, happier, and plotting excuses to quit the day job (yes, I am talking about myself… but you knew that already). In a sea of Panglao beach resorts, this one’s the cheeky champ, blending MGallery polish with island-living bliss that feels like home after one San Miguel (maybe ten). Cheers to sandy regrets and zero FOMO. ENJOY!!!
South Palms Resort and Spa Address
South Palms Resort and Spa Contact Details
- Telephone: +63 385070010
- eMail: MGallerySouthPalmsResort@accor.com
South Palms Resort and Spa Panglao, People Also Asked
- South Palms Resort Panglao contact number: +63 385070010
- South Palms Resort Panglao address: South Palms Resort And Spa, Anos Fonacier Circumferential Rd, Panglao, 6340 Bohol
- South Palms Resort Panglao prices: Very difficult question to answer, as depends on time of year, and type of room. Let’s just say between USD $3-800 a night.