The five-star resort will draw inspiration from local heritage and art and take an ‘adaptive reuse’ approach to its design.

A milestone project

The largest international tour operator in the region, Accor is further expanding its portfolio with the signing of South Palms Resort Panglao Bohol – MGallery on the island of Panglao. This locally-inspired luxury resort promises to connect its future guests with the heritage and community values of its surroundings.

The family-run Alturas Group of Companies (AGC) is developing this hotel with support from the MD of Asian hospitality consultancy C9 Hotelworks, Bill Barnett. AGC’s deep connection with the area will be reflected in the resort’s reference to local folklore and reuse of materials and artisanal objects from local village dwellings.

Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery and Emblems, commented: “South Palms Resort Panglao Bohol – MGallery is an exceptional resort that adds another outstanding destination to our expanding presence in Southeast Asia, joining our flourishing collection of memorable hotels and resorts full of character and charm.

“Panglao is an island paradise that promises the perfect blend of soft, sandy beaches, sparkling seas and rich cultural heritage, encouraging more globally-minded travellers to experience its pleasures, and connecting them to the delights of the local neighbourhoods.

“The opening of Bohol-Panglao International Airport in 2018 has allowed this exotic island to usher in an exciting new era of travel and tourism, and we are delighted to be at the forefront of this trend. We look forward to working with our partners at AGC to bring this exciting, locally inspired project to life.”

A community-driven development

The 188-key property will span 6.4 hectares of land on the sandy shores of Panglao’s south coast. Amenities within these grounds will include four restaurants, a swimming pool and pool bar, a fitness centre and spa. The property will also feature meeting rooms and a ballroom for events.

Guests will be able to explore the cultural and natural sites of this scenic island, snorkel and scuba dive in the surrounding waters and make use of extensive leisure and MICE facilities of Panglao Shores.

A new lifestyle destination by AGC, Panglao Shores will feature a mall, hospitality offering, a night market, gardens and areas for live performance. Sustainability is a focus of this development, which is being created in consultation with local artisans, vendors, farmers and fishermen.

Commenting on the development, Hope Uy, MD of Panglao Shores, said: “AGC is a family company that was born in Bohol and cares deeply about this destination. By coming together with Accor, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, we are proud to enhance the quality of hospitality on the island by blending world-class facilities and international standards with the genuine local charm and authentic cultural heritage of Bohol, which is based on shared community values. In combination with Panglao Shores, our destination-defining lifestyle development, we hope to build a bright future for the people of Panglao.”