Hotel Review: South Palms Resort & the Longest Fine White Sand Beach in Panglao, Bohol

When I finally got the chance to visit Bohol last week, I wanted to stay somewhere close to the best beaches of Panglao. After researching online, I came across South Palms Resort Panglao, which is a new property molded out of the former Bohol Beach Club. There were barely any pictures of the hotel available online but I decided to take the plunge anyway.

the pool at south palms resort panglao

South Palms Resort Panglao has inherited the top selling point of the Bohol Beach Club back then, which is the longest fine white sand beach in Panglao Island. Last year, a large chunk of the club was sold to a new owner and underwent several months of extensive refurbishment. The result of that is South Palms Resort, a new upscale accommodation option in Panglao Island.

I arrived in Tagbilaran Airport with the driver from the resort waiting for me. The resort offers complimentary two-way airport transfers which is very convenient for guests looking for a fuss-free getaway. The distance between Tagbilaran Airport and South Palms Resort Bohol is about 10 to 15 kilometers. If not for the complimentary transfers, I would have needed to find my own transport for the 30 to 40 minute drive! The staff’s service-orientedness was palpable from the time I took to my seats. Instead of remaining dead silent as with my experience with airport pickups elsewhere, my driver acted as a guide and keenly pointed out all the notable sights we passed by as we made our way down to the resort.

entrance to the resort

Stepping into the property for the first time, I was impressed by the exteriors which I thought was comparable to the look of more upscale lodgings elsewhere in Southeast Asia. I especially liked the open air concept, which is utilized pretty well considering the cool breeze that emanate from the Bohol Sea. I was served a welcome drink upon check-in, a fine concoction of herbs filled with a natural lemon flavor. It had such a pleasantly distinct taste that I still could not forget it to this day.

the bed of the beachfront room

I was given a beachfront room which really drove the point home for me of staying in Panglao. The room itself was of reasonable size and done in light hues. The wall above my bed was texturized to mimic the ocean waves while the lamps took the shape of seashells. The room’s soothing nautical theme complimented its sea-facing location pretty well while the earthly tones blended perfectly with the natural elements outside.

branded FACE toiletries

The room has all the essentials for a relaxing getaway without being out of touch with the comforts of modernity. The flat-screen TV came with an assortment of channels while the minibar was filled to the brim with local delights perfect for late night hunger pangs.  My bed was quite large – king-sized and fitted with premium sheets but despite its snugness I had preferred lounging in the balcony, with the azure Bohol Sea within my view. The bathroom was a well-stocked affair, and included branded toiletries from FACE. But despite the fine amenities, I could not turn my attention away from the white sands and the beach lying just in front of me.

 the beach – i could lounge around here all day!

The room was great overall, but the beach is perhaps the top reason to stay in South Palms and in this regard it certainly didn’t disappoint. I was there just before and right after a typhoon and yet the waters were still translucent. The resort had correctly anticipated that guests would find the fine white sands too hard to resist and had thus placed lounge chairs overlooking the sea. Seriously, the whole set-up gave me second thoughts about exploring Bohol. I was too tempted to spend the entire day in the resort!

oceanica restaurant

My stay came with complimentary breakfast which is set in the in-house Oceanica Restaurant overlooking the pool. During my two night stay, I observed how the menu changed from day to day. There was also good variety. The food selection consisted of old-time Filipino favorites such as longganisa, tocino as well as international fare such as various types of cheeses, bacon and even maki.

the resort also comes equipped with a gym

I was also quite impressed with the resort’s service. From my first touch point during hotel pick-up to the waiters at the restaurant, I was constantly greeted with warm smiles and a genuine desire to please.

Overall, I had a fantastic experience at South Palms Resort Panglao and would definitely stay there again the next time I’m in Bohol. While it’s not the most luxurious option in the island – and it doesn’t claim to be – the overall ambiance amidst a long coastline, certainly makes it more worthwhile for a stay in my opinion. If you’re looking for a pretty secluded place to stay in Bohol with a natural seaside setting, this resort is hard to beat! It’s got the type of location that almost makes the room, which by itself is already tasteful, become an afterthought.

My stay at South Palms Resort Panglao was partly sponsored by the property. However, all opinions are my own.

South Palms Resort
Barangay Bolod Panglao
Bohol 6340
Philippines
Reservations: Compare best prices HERE