Well known as the "Little Paradise of Pure Heart”, Panglao is a beautiful island that has many fascinating beaches that is serene and perfect for diving. It is within the province of Bohol which is famous for the Chocolate Hills. The island has hilly to mountainous terrain and is made of Marinojoc limestone which is the youngest among the limestone units found in Bohol.

Panglao island is a major tourist destination in the Philippines and people who knows Panglao immediately thinks of ‘Alona Beach’, a white sand beach similar to Boracay where one can enjoy the pristine and crystalline water. Like Boracay, this place has lots of resorts and this includes the newly opened South Palms Resort Panglao.

It is the newest luxury beach resort in Panglao and recently opened last December 2013.  As mentioned in their website, the beach resort boast its longest strecth of the finest white sand beach in the entire Panglao Island and dazzles with its elegant blend of spectacular seascape with cool private villas and warm Boholano hospitality.

The resort also possessed architectures that highlights local craftsmanship and Boholano heritage. South Palms Resort Panglao is just  a few steps from the beach,  they have tropical-styled rooms that frames a panoramic glimpse of the ocean. Beyond their sandy shores, are marine sanctuaries that teem with aquatic life that awaits tourists.

The offer first-class amenities that cater to a wide range of activities such as sports, business and recreation. One can also have a fresh produce and live catch food from their farms that are delivered straight to their kitchens daily.

Actually, the resort is best for budget travelers who prefers a beachfront resort along Alona beach  that has a swimming pool and offers free breakfast. South Palms Resort Panglao also has tours and recreation where one can explore the countryside and tour the popular sites of Bohol. This includes marine sanctuaries, unspoiled dive spots and the world-renowned Chocolate Hills.

The resort has a majestic beach cove which  has a 9.3 hectare tropical enclave entrenched within a 45-hectare spread of beach front property, South Palms Resort Panglao is surely the best beach destination to have your vacation. It is cloaked in verdant landscapes and crystal white sand.

The cove is exclusive and boasts the longest white sand beach stretch in Panglao where guests can take a walk barefoot without bumping other visitors.

Dining at South Palms Resort

There are two food facilties inside the resort that offers the best dining experience that one will have Visitors can enjoy the island’s culinary treasures. The resort’s restaurants boast of its unforgettable food that is served fresh daily which most of the ingredients are ferried from their farms in Bohol straight to their kitchen.

As stated in their website, guests can  sample the island’s culinary treausres with their half board meals package which is  a special treat from them to the guests so that there’s no need to worry where to dine next. Here are the two restaurant/bar of the newly opened resort:

1. OCEANICA Seafood Restaurant – located at the garden level. The restaurant offers a breathtaking view of the ocean and the surrounding tropical landscape that offers sensational dining experience.Aside from their myriad of seafood specialties, guest can look forward for the ala carted fares and an all-day buffet spread which includes special dinners.

2. Coast Pool Bar – the bar is just adjacent to the beach where one can enjoy a full view of the Pamilacan and Siquijor islands, guests will be easily drawn to the Coast Pool Bar for a drink of two or more with its cozy ambience that has signature concoctions and a totally fine menu. The bar transforms in the evening as a perfect spot for an intimate dinner where one can chill out amidst the subduing sound of the sea breeze.

Room Accomodations

One can experience a relaxing atmosphere with any of their 90 rooms and villas. Tropical-styled rooms are just a few steps to the beach that highlights Boholano craftsmanship while providing  a private corner where one can admire the stunning view of the sea. Guests can just swim away to the coral gardens and dive around the marine sanctuaries that swarm with aquatic life.

Here are the complete list of accommodations with room amenities and published room rates provided by their website:

1. Deluxe Garden View – offers various bedding configuration. Room amenities are 32-inch LED Cable TV, free wi-fi access, coffee maker/tea service, mini-bar, safety deposit box, alarm clock, emergency torch, hair dryer, energy sving device and a electronic lock system. Room rate is P10, 000.

2. Deluxe Pool View - offers various bedding configuration. Room amenities are 32-inch LED Cable TV, free wi-fi access, coffee maker/tea service, mini-bar, safety deposit box, alarm clock, emergency torch, hair dryer, energy sving device and a electronic lock system. Room rate is P11, 000.

3. Deluxe Beachfront - offers various bedding configuration. Room amenities are 32-inch LED Cable TV, free wi-fi access, coffee maker/tea service, mini-bar, safety deposit box, alarm clock, emergency torch, hair dryer, energy sving device and a electronic lock system. Room rate is P13, 500.

4. Premium Beachfront –offers one bedroom suite, one king size bed and T&B with bathtub. Room amenities includes living area, mini bar, safety deposit box, ipod dock, iron and board, weighing scale, bathrobe, magnifying mirror, 40-inch LED Cable TV, free wi-fi access, coffee maker/tea service, alarm clock, emergency torch, hair dryer, energy sving device and a electronic lock system. Room rate is P19, 000.

5. Beach Villa -  offers one bedroom suite, one king size bed and T&B with bathtub. Room ameninties includes living area, 40-inch LED cable TV, free wi-fi access, coffee maker/tea service, mini-bar, safety deposit box, ipod dock, iron and board, weighing scale, bathrobe, magnifying mirror, emergency torch, hair dryer, separate bathtub with special design and telephone shower, energy saving device and electronic lock system. Room rate is P21, 000.

6. South Palms Villa – offers two bedroom suite, one king sized plus semi-double bed and T&B with bathtub. Room ameninties includes living area, 40-inch LED cable TV, free wi-fi access, coffee maker/tea service, mini-bar, safety deposit box, ipod dock, iron and board, weighing scale, bathrobe, magnifying mirror, emergency torch, hair dryer, separate bathtub with special design and telephone shower, microwave, dining facilities,  energy saving device and electronic lock system. The room rate is P31, 000.

7.  Panglao Villa – offers two bedroom suite, one king sized plus semi-double bed and T&B with bathtub. Room ameninties includes living area, 40-inch LED cable TV, free wi-fi access, coffee maker/tea service, mini-bar, safety deposit box, ipod dock, iron and board, weighing scale, bathrobe, magnifying mirror, emergency torch, hair dryer, separate bathtub with special design and telephone shower,one jacuzzi,  microwave, dining facilities,  energy saving device and electronic lock system. Room rate is P41, 000.

Extra person with breakfast cost P2, 500. Inclusions are overnight accommodation, breakfast, round-trip seaport/airport, welcome drinks, welcome amenities, complimentary wi-fi access, no additional charge for children 7 years old and below if sharing with parents, 24-hour front desk service, daily housekeeping and a choice of lunch or dinner. Maximum of two extra persons for each room.

As described on their website, South Palms Resort Panglao is an exceptional backdrop for celebrating life’s milestones. The province of Bohol charms with hospitality match with your distinctive vision of your very special day, celebrations here truly promises every celebrant and guest a truly unforgettable event which include weddings, functions and meetings, and banquets and conference facilities.

How to get there:

If you’re from Manila, you can refer to this article: Panglao Island: The Little Paradise of Pure Hearts. One can also take a direct flight to Cebu. Upon reaching Cebu, you can easily buy tickets bound for Tagbilaran City, Bohol. You can have your ride on the OCEANJET fast craft located at Pier 1. There are also other shipping lines that are bound for Tagbilaran City. For those interested, you may refer here: www.oceanjet.net

Upon arrival at the Tagbilaran Bohol Port, there are many taxis and V-hires that wait for you outside. There are also tricycles available for hire that will take you to Panglao which will cost you around 300 pesos meanwhile taxi or vans can cost you 300 pesos.

You may also check The 10 Gorgeous Beachfront Resorts of Alona Beach, Bohol.