New Panglao hotel puts Boholano hospitality first

Visitors may come to Bohol for its white-sand beaches, Chocolate Hills and tarsiers, but a newly opened hotel hopes they’ll leave remembering something less tangible: Boholano hospitality.

Galilea Hotel Bohol has officially opened in Panglao, positioning itself not only as a place to stay but as a destination that introduces guests to the island’s culture, heritage and way of life.

The property, which soft-opened on 16 October, draws its philosophy from the Sandugo, the historic blood compact symbolizing friendship and trust.

“Our approach to hospitality is distinctly Boholano, guided by the Sandugo values of friendship and trust. We welcome every guest as a friend, with warmth, care, and thoughtful service that makes them feel comfortable and part of our community,” said general manager Grace Bartolome.

Located on a 1.3-hectare property in Barangay Looc, the hotel features more than 100 guest rooms alongside 14 dormitory-style accommodations for larger groups. Guests can choose from Superior Twin, Deluxe Queen, Deluxe Triple, Premier Queen and Premier King rooms, with selected Premier accommodations offering direct access to the swimming pool.

Beyond its accommodations, the hotel incorporates Bohol-inspired design elements and locally crafted pieces by Tubigon Raffia to showcase the province’s cultural identity throughout the property.

Dining options include Hikay Restaurant, which serves both international dishes and Boholano-inspired cuisine, while the Lipay Pool Bar offers a more relaxed setting for drinks by the pool.

The hotel also caters to meetings, conventions and social events through the Danao Ballroom and Lila Plenary Hall. Couples planning destination weddings can also hold ceremonies at the on-site St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus Chapel before celebrating in the property’s indoor or outdoor reception venues.

Just 10 to 15 minutes from Bohol-Panglao International Airport, the hotel also provides easy access to some of the island’s top attractions, including Alona Beach, Hinagdanan Cave, Napaling Reef and the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary.

Managed by Enderun Hotels and owned by King Aces Travel and Tours Service Inc., Galilea Hotel was transformed from an educational and retreat center into a full-service hospitality destination.

Bartolome said many guests have been looking for a quieter alternative to the busy Alona Beach area.

“Most of the guests that we have encountered, they’re looking for a quiet place where they can truly relax,” she said. “We have a convention center, function rooms, a pool bar, a restaurant and more.”

More than offering another accommodation option in Panglao, the hotel hopes to introduce visitors to what it calls the Sandugo Way — a brand of hospitality rooted in genuine friendship, trust and the Boholano spirit.