South Palms Resort and Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection Unveils Lola’s Sanctuary, Bohol’s First International Luxury Resort Spa, Blending Filipino Traditions with Modern Wellness

Published on December 10, 2025

South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection introduces Lola’s Sanctuary, the first international luxury resort spa of Bohol in the Philippines. Nestled within Panglao’s only luxury resort compound, this new well-being space combines the rich healing heritage of the region into a restorative and culturally expressive retreat.

Lola’s Sanctuary is a reflection of the resort’s vision to integrate well-being into local culture for an immersive experience at the heart of Bohol. This opening marks the final chapter in the resort’s launch as the first international resort in Panglao, which opened its doors in August 2025. This addition will complete the vision of the resort to be a destination where design, culture, and well-being are intrinsically intertwined.

A Return to Ancestral Healing: The Hilod Dalisay Ritual

At the heart of Lola’s Sanctuary lies Hilod Dalisay, an ancestral body-purifying ritual inspired by ancient Filipino cleansing practices. The 90-minute treatment features Asin Tibuok, one of the world’s rarest salts, handcrafted in Bohol through a 400-year-old tradition. This salt, combined with lemongrass and virgin coconut oil, provides a powerful cleansing experience that brings a renewed sense of clarity and calm. The ritual is a testament to the quiet discipline and grace of traditional Filipino wellness practices.

The Hilod Dalisay ritual is just one example of how Lola’s Sanctuary integrates ancestral Filipino healing traditions with modern luxury spa experiences. Guests can also explore the story of Asin Tibuok through the resort’s MGallery “M Moment”, a cultural immersion experience that allows visitors to witness the salt’s creation alongside Boholano artisans. This reflects MGallery’s philosophy of curating Memorable Moments, celebrating each destination’s unique identity and cultural heritage.

A Wellness Sanctuary Shaped by Nature

The design of Lola’s Sanctuary is inspired by the natural surroundings of Bohol, with the experience starting at Lola’s Kitchen, an open-air reception area surrounded by pandan, lemongrass, and fruit trees. Guests are greeted with fresh detox juices and herbal teas, prepared each day using ingredients cultivated on-site. The design philosophy incorporates the island’s lush natural beauty, creating a sense of calm from the moment guests arrive.

Inside the sanctuary, the treatment rooms and open cabanas are designed for quiet retreat, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the restorative experience. Every oil, scrub, and compress used in treatments is crafted from ingredients cultivated at South Farm, just a kilometer away from the spa. This connection to nature ensures that every treatment reflects the local botanical heritage, offering an authentic and grounded wellness experience.

A Holistic Wellness Experience

The spa experience extends beyond traditional treatments, with a range of mindful activities designed to enhance the overall well-being of guests. In addition to the Hilod Dalisay ritual, visitors can enjoy beach yoga sessions, mindfulness walks, and personalized fitness activities at the resort’s Fit Studio. These activities are designed to restore balance in a way that reflects Bohol’s slower pace of life and its deep respect for the natural world.

The focus on holistic well-being allows Lola’s Sanctuary to offer a comprehensive wellness experience, helping guests reconnect with themselves and the environment. The sanctuary promotes mental clarity, physical rejuvenation, and spiritual grounding, offering a blend of ancient practices and modern wellness solutions.

Tourism Impact: Enhancing Bohol’s Appeal as a Luxury Wellness Destination

The opening of Lola’s Sanctuary marks a significant milestone for Bohol’s tourism sector, positioning the island as a luxury wellness destination in the Philippines. Bohol has long been known for its natural beauty and eco-tourism offerings, but with the addition of a luxury resort spa like Lola’s Sanctuary, it now offers a more comprehensive wellness experience.

As wellness tourism continues to rise globally, Bohol is set to attract affluent travelers seeking luxurious, sustainable experiences that promote mental well-being, physical rejuvenation, and cultural immersion. The integration of local traditions with modern wellness practices makes Bohol a competitive destination in the growing global wellness tourism market.

This expansion in luxury wellness tourism will also have a positive impact on the local economy, supporting small businesses, local artisans, and tourism-related services. The increased number of high-end visitors will contribute to job creation and further develop the region’s hospitality and wellness infrastructure.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Wellness Tourism in Bohol

The introduction of Lola’s Sanctuary represents just the beginning of a new chapter in Bohol’s tourism development. As travelers increasingly seek destinations that offer holistic wellness and cultural authenticity, Bohol is poised to become a premier wellness destination in the Philippines.

Future developments are expected to build upon the success of Lola’s Sanctuary, with additional luxury wellness resorts and eco-tourism initiatives enhancing the island’s appeal. The growing trend of wellness tourism, combined with sustainability practices, will continue to drive Bohol’s tourism growth, ensuring that it remains a highly sought-after destination for travelers seeking restorative and meaningful experiences.

A Landmark Moment for Luxury Wellness in Bohol

The opening of Lola’s Sanctuary at South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao – MGallery Collection is expected to become a milestone in Bohol’s tourism development and wellness tourism across the region. By fusing Filipino healing with modern luxury, the spa presents an unprecedented benchmark for luxury wellness hospitality in the Philippines. The tourism influence of this enhancement will reverberate throughout the years ahead, attracting new tourists, business opportunities, and economic viability to the island. By forging ahead as a luxury wellness destination, Bohol’s tourism sector is slated to play a key role in defining the future of wellness tourism in Southeast Asia.

Image Source: Accor