South Palms Resort and Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection is redefining the luxury hotel experience by weaving together local materials, thoughtful design, and a deep respect for nature—creating what it calls “inexpensive luxury.”
A bold new chapter in design-led hospitality
The 188-room-and-suite beachfront resort opened as a striking new expression of design-led hospitality in the Philippines. Located on a pristine stretch of beach in Bohol, the property brings together a world-class creative team and a storytelling approach that listens to the land, the community, and the island’s cultural memory.
Centered on the vision of a globally renowned creative team: 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 created a property defined by tactility, sustainability, and a deep respect for local culture.
Sirenna: The mythical theme
At the heart of the resort is Sirenna, the designed theme of the resort inspired by the mythical sea guardian believed to protect Panglao’s waters. Sirenna shapes every aspect of the property both cultural memory and a design story. Her spirit is expressed in coral-inspired lobby forms, nightly oceanfront rituals, and the sacred banyan tree anchoring the landscape. This narrative flows through every design choice—interiors crafted with reclaimed Boholano wood panels and banig headboards, dining spaces layered with mosaic murals and native iconography, and fluid rattan forms sculpted across pavilions and ceilings all reinforce this theme. The architecture, shaped with sensitivity to Bohol’s topography, features low-rise, bioclimatic structures that blend seamlessly with land and sea.
Biophilic design in action
While biophilic design has appeared in Philippine hotels before—often as token touches of eco-tourism and sustainability—MGallery takes the concept further, embedding it across the entire property.
“The master plan journey began in 2018 when we first arrived at Panglao Bay. We envisioned a resort hotel in harmony with the natural surroundings, inspired by its culture and people. Now, what we envisioned has been realized,” shared Prasasti Chenchin, one of the master planners of Panglao Shores. “The community becomes part of the story, and the development is low density, low impact, working with the natural topography of the land.”
From the moment guests arrive, they are greeted by heritage trees—the old Balete, rubber, and Neem—underscoring a commitment to native preservation. The open-air lobby features rattan furniture, vibrant tropical cushions, and sweeping views from pool to sea, offering an immediate connection to nature.
“It wasn’t part of the original master plan, but the rattan and other elements in the lobby make it a distinctly Filipino biophilic design,” explained Patrick Keane. “It plays a vital role in shaping the guest’s first interaction with nature.”
The guest rooms echo this theme. Each detail—from wooden benches in bathrooms, stone accents on walls and pathways, to organic materials repurposed into lamps and décor—draws from the richness of Bohol’s environment.
“In our case, using natural and reclaimed materials saved time and money. We sourced raffia from a nearby bee farm, Bohol stones, and reclaimed timber from old houses across the island,” said Phillip Pond. “This is Biophilic version 1, a continuing discovery that begins here in Bohol.”
General Manager Danish Khan highlighted sustainability as the resort’s core, “We recycle tiles, leaves, and lumber. We harvest rainwater and grow our own food on a 9-hectare farm. Bohol is an amazing place, and we connect deeply with its people,” he said. “We’re also self-sustaining in water, with 14 refill stations, plus 1,017 solar panels generating 536 kilowatts—enough for 6 to 7 hours of use daily.”
A living connection to Bohol
South Palms MGallery extends its cultural identity through South Farms, which sustains the resort with fresh produce and water while showcasing local life. Its three villages—a farmer’s village, fisherman’s village, and artist’s village—highlight Bohol’s traditions from aquaculture and agriculture to basket weaving, clay-making, and coconut crafts.
Wellness and cultural immersion are integrated into the guest experience, from herbal trails and hydroponic gardens to sunrise yoga by the sea. Evenings come alive with torch-lit ceremonies and firelit drumming, while younger guests explore creativity and nature at Aya’s Jungle kids’ club.
Culinary identity and signature experiences
The resort’s culinary philosophy emphasizes local flavors and traditional methods. At UMA, a beachfront seafood concept, guests enjoy market-style stalls and tropical tastings, while The Sirenna Bar serves lambanog-infused cocktails against panoramic sunsets. Across all dining spaces, Philip Pond’s design details infuse rhythm, color, and authenticity.
A signature highlight is the M Moment, honoring Asin Tibuok, a centuries-old Boholano sea salt tradition. Guided by local artisans, guests learn how seawater is filtered through coconut husks to produce this rare delicacy, deepening their appreciation of heritage.
Spaces for gatherings and future growth
Events unfold across three key venues: the 100-sqm Acqua Pavilion, inspired by sea creatures; the 200-sqm Marcela Ballroom, showcasing indigenous Filipino motifs; and a sweeping 500-sqm beachfront lawn connected to a rooftop garden, designed for alfresco celebrations.
Future developments include a marine sanctuary led by a marine biologist and a spa opening in September, offering oils and treatments crafted entirely from local materials.
Rooted in place, global in vision
“We want to bring guests to an international resort that feels uniquely Bohol—reflecting its culture, its people, and its nature,” said Bill Barnett of C9 Hotelwork, lead project consultant. “What makes this unique is that our designers work hand in hand with local artisans.”
For Accor Hotels, South Palms Resort and Spa Panglao – MGallery represents for sustainability and authenticity. Tom Meyer, Accor’s Senior Vice President of Operations for Accor Luxury, noted, “We have 120 M Gallery hotels worldwide, this is our second in the Philippines and first in the Visayas. It is easy to find a luxury resort in the Philippines, but it is rare to find the Philippines in a luxury resort. So here, I give you the fabulous South Palms Resort and Spa Panglao – M Gallery Collection.”
