Discovering Bohol is a great opportunity in the midst of summer. Many historical places to visit and much food should try. If you want to relax or party on the beach, Panglao Island is the good spot. But if you ask me, I just want to relax, so I decided not to go to the famous “Alona Beach” I opt to choose the South Palms which is located at Bolod Beach.
South Palms Resort, is rated as 5 star hotel in Panglao besides Bohol Beach Club (BBC). South Palms Resort stands out with its beautiful architecture that shows the Boholano craftsmanship and also the first class amenities such as infinity pool, gym, tennis court, spa etc. The food that they cater on their restaurant is fresh from their own farm. How cool is that. They have lovely long stretch beach and other water activities to choose from.
south palms resortHonestly my first option is to book the Bohol Beach Club (BBC), unfortunately they are fully book when I checked their website. So I ended up with the South Palms which is too expensive than BBC. It cost me for PHP 12,000 per night. I said why not let’s try South Palms. Their website seems deceiving and I go on more research about this resort so I can measure my expectations. Some reviews are good some reviews are bad. So I need to see it with myself to have my own point of view.
When I arrived at Tagbilaran Port, I did not opt to ride on the Shuttle of South Palms Resort. I believe it is unreasonable for PHP 800 per one way. It’s ok if we are in a big group. Which I believe it is less than 30 mins from Tagbilaran Port to South Palms. So being a cheapskate I ride a tricycle or multicab going there which cost me 300 for 3 persons.
entrance to reception areaMy happy feet are now in South Palms. The Hotel is too far from the main road. You really need their shuttle if you want to get out exploring other parts of Bohol which will cost a tourist like me a lot. Cheers! You need to pay at the reception for deposit fee of PHP 2000. They also gave me my key card with a coupon for free paddle boarding or kayak for 20 minutes.
So we are going to our room.
The room is just ok, nothing special.
I’m excited to go swimming with their infinity pool.
colorful chairs.. I love it
enjoying the infinity poolThey have 2 swimming pools. I love their infinity pool in front of Oceanica Restaurant. And also there are lifeguards on duty all the time.
So I’m famished now because of my swimming activity. I need to go for the dinner on 6:00 PM at Oceanica Restaurant which is included with my accommodation and its buffet! Yeeey! But you can pay for the buffet if it’s not included in your accommodation for PHP 1,200 ++ and you can opt to have the ala carte if you are on the diet mode.
Oceanica Restaurant
dinner time
First I was disappointed because I expected the buffet is same as Vikings. But its ok the food is great my taste buds and my cravings are very satisfied. Thumbs up! During the dinner there are special performances by the locals. There are Hula dancers and Fire dancers. The dancers are really awesome, I didn’t expect that.
So I went to sleep after dinner…Zzzz…
I had a peaceful sleep, the bed is very comfortable same as their down feather pillows.
If its morning, its breakfast buffet time. At first it’s very exciting for me. So here it is.
Good morning buffet
After breakfast, next is swimming time! Just want to relax and have some fun on the beach!
The beach stretch is nice but other parts are rocky and it is true that there are sea urchins there. So better watch out with those. The beach is very shallow on most part and there are seaweeds under the water. I can’t swim further because I have some issues with the seaweeds and it seems creepy to swim there. So I stayed on the shore and then I went kayaking to go further. While in the kayak I see many starfishes under and some coral reefs which is nice and sea weeds under plus many sea urchins which is bad. The depth of the water is almost my waist, I measured it by the paddle and I’m too far away from the shore. They can’t see me if I fell. So I came back immediately and tried the paddle board instead.
I did not go to their gym and tennis court because I went to Alona and Hinagdanan cave.
I stayed in South palms for 3 nights with the same activity every day. It’s a perfect vacation day with family and loved ones. The place is very relaxing, to think that I don’t want to go home anymore. I imagine what if I stay here for 1 week, and my meal is buffet every day and every night. I said no, I don’t want because after the buffet. I’m too overwhelmed. 3 nights is ok and I’ll go. But I definitely come back here again just to relax despite of the beach with sea urchins.
So here is my review based on my wonderful experience.
The Hotel
The ambiance of the Hotel can be compared to world class standards. It seems that you’re in Phuket because of the design of the villa plus the trees around. South Palms is better in other hotel in terms of amenities, food, design, ambiance and culture. There are hammocks everywhere. You can read a book while lying there. I can say that it is worth the price that I paid for. Best place for families, friends and honeymooners. Exceptional hotel.
The Rooms
The room is not too big it’s just ok. Their bed and pillows are very comfortable. If you can check the room, you can see that the owner of the hotel invested a big money. Their toiletries are branded as well. They also provide coffee, dimlah tea and peanut kisses every day. When you go outside of the room, you can see the roof design is inspired by sawali weaving with a relaxing view of the trees. During at night it’s very dark but you can see the pathway going to the restaurant because there are lights on the trees. But there is flashlight provided in the room so it’s not a problem.
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outside of my room
love this scent
quite disappointed because there's no bath tubThe Food
Oceanica restaurant is highly commendable. During my dinning here, my cravings are very satisfied. But I preferred the breakfast than dinner. I think there are more selections during breakfast. They also cater fresh sea foods from the aquarium which is not included in the buffet. My favorite in the buffet is the Mongolian and tempura section, fabulous meals every day.
my favoriteThe Pool
The pool is my most favorite part during a vacation. When I’m booking a Hotel, a nice pool is my prerequisite and it should be awesome. Their infinity pool is very nice, swimming with the sight of the spectacular view of the beach. The other pool is good indeed it has different design, but you can’t see the beach.
love the viewThe Beach
As I say, the beach line is very nice that almost Boracay sand except for the little rocks on some parts. And also, I’m afraid with the sea urchins and seaweeds so I don’t want to swim too far and I don’t have aqua shoes. But all in the entire beach is good compared to other parts of Panglao. I advise to bring aqua shoes if you have plans going in South Palms.
The People
The staffs here are very accommodating with smile and the good thing is they can speak English with the foreigners. Many foreigners are staying with this hotel 10 % are the locals included me. The staffs are very friendly and attentive with my entire request. The management is commendable! Thank you for such a wonderful vacation. We will definitely coming back here again and again.
Thank you for reading my blog!
