A Double Recognition for Bohol Hospitality
BOHOL - South Palms Resort & Spa, MGallery Collection in Panglao earned two honors at AHEAD Asia 2026, receiving awards for Sustainability and Spa & Wellness. The recognition places attention on how a Bohol resort can combine hospitality with environmental responsibility and locally inspired design. The property’s approach draws from the island’s landscape, communities, and traditional materials, creating spaces that connect the guest experience with the character of Panglao. The AHEAD Asia ceremony was held on September 11 at Pan Pacific Orchard in Singapore, with the awards recognizing hospitality architecture, interior design, and guest experiences across Asia.
Local Materials Become Part of the Resort Experience
One of the notable features of the project is its use of materials connected to Bohol and the Philippines. According to the Manila Standard report, reclaimed timber from fishing boats and typhoon-damaged structures was incorporated into the resort, while limestone excavated during construction was reused as architectural cladding. Philippine-made furniture, handwoven raffia, local earthenware, and locally sourced ingredients also contribute to the property's identity. Rather than simply adding decorative Filipino elements, the design team worked with local craftsmen and materials to develop a concept that reflects the island's building traditions and relationship with the land and sea.
Sustainability and Wellness Shape Modern Panglao Hospitality
The resort also demonstrates how sustainability can be incorporated into everyday hotel operations. Its reported practices include passive design, solar energy, greywater reuse, on-site water bottling, glass recycling, and composting, while its wellness component adds another dimension to the guest experience. For visitors exploring Panglao and nearby areas such as Dauis and Tagbilaran, developments like this show how Bohol's tourism industry can combine contemporary hospitality with local craftsmanship and environmental considerations. The recognition also highlights the growing role of Bohol's creative and cultural identity in shaping the province's modern tourism spaces.
