Walking into our rooms.

While I mooted about how the room in Manila looked bigger, brighter and prettier to my parents, I was reminded that this was a beach resort and ultimately it does take the cake when you open up your door and let the sea breeze flow into your little sanctuary.

Goodies on our beds.

With a tinier bathroom space.

And glass shower cordons.

Food for the hungry.

I was glad to have stepped into the hotel room with Jacky, Deputy Editor of Cosmopolitan Magazine and she didn't at all find me weird for the need to snap everything before we crashed for the night. Unfortunately, I found the room slightly dim for my liking and there were no options for a brighter look so that could be a problem for someone who really likes the brightly lit rooms like myself. Water pressure was also set to such unsatisfactory levels but perhaps that's just me as I've been eternally spoiled with the blessings of high water pressure at home.

 

Priced at PHP 10,000 a night (RM 744), these Deluxe Garden View rooms fits up to 2 adults and 2 children while additional guests can opt to pay PHP 2,500 a night (RM 186) each inclusive of breakfast and dinner in the resort itself.

Colourful rattan chairs by the beach bar.

And that's me basking in the sun at 7 AM. Read, it says 7 AM and I am not kidding!

Rooms aside, the environment of South Palms Resorts Panglao is still a winner, what with the colourful rattan chairs that invade the beach bar and the perfect spot for sunrise watching with the ones you love. Note that the sun rises REALLY early in the Philippines however so if you're out any later than 5.30 AM, you will probably just be greeted with a full out sun. That could also be a reason on why the water in the infinity pool felt slightly warm when I took a dip around 10 PM on my final night.

Taking a step forward, Illa?

Because jumpshots, everyone! Jumpshots!

For the ones who can't live without the Internet, fret not because WiFi is free all over the resort but it could get limited at certain areas so the trick is to simply seek the right spot. Massage services are also available and you could opt to go to the masseuse or have the masseuse come to you...or your room anyway. It is however limited to certain massages and you will definitely have to be at the spa if you opt for the hot stone massage and I would definitely recommend you be there as they would massage you...by the beach. Just imagine the feeling of getting your bones cricked and lightly cracked with the sounds of waves crashing on the sand and that's what you'll get when you're there at Palm, The Spa.

I hope you drool.

Their buffet spread for the morning also leaves a lot to be said what with great picks of western and Asian food for different palates on different days. My greatest surprise had to be the yogurt drink that was served in a bowl of ice; that of which I had 3 or 4 servings of in a single morning. It was delicious! Also when you're in the Philippines, you'll never go wrong with mangoes.

The only problem however is that it does take quite a while for you to walk OUT of the entire resort area as it takes about a 3 minute drive from the guard house right into the lobby of the resort, which makes this less than satisfactory for backpackers alike. For the less curious, the resort serves a fantastically clean and white beach for your mind to relax and your body to unwind on hammocks all over.

 

 The true enjoyment of the Philippines sun.

Sweet heavens, hammocks are a bliss!

And selfies of my face with no make up because I woke up at 5 AM is mandatory!

Phew, was that a wrap for the stays I've had in the Philippines? Absolutely. Just as a final word to the amazing stay in South Palms Resort Panglao: It will probably top the list of beach resorts that I have stayed in for a while now. Being so close to the beach is such a wonderful blessing and the sounds of crashing waves is something everyone should hear when it comes to making your holiday worthwhile. After all, it's the way a Bohol beach holiday should be!

South Palms Resort Panglao

Barangay Bohol, Panglao, 

Bohol 6340, Philippines

info@southpalmsresort.com

Disclaimer: This has been a trip graciously sponsored by AirAsia and the supporting parties on hotels, tour services and visitation fees in the Philippines. Much thanks shall be given to AirAsia MY and AirAsia PH as well as the F1 Hotel Manila, South Palms Resort Panglao, Angels' Wings Tours and Tourism Bohol for the gracious 4 days 3 night AirAsia Media Familiarization Trip.