There are places that make you want to explore everything, and there are places that encourage you to stay put. Lime Resort in Panglao leans toward the latter.
By this point of the new year, many of us are still running on fumes. The holidays may be over, but behind the scenes is a blur of unfinished projects and more social obligations. The calendar flips, but the exhaustion doesn’t magically disappear.
In a recent essay in Time Magazine, titled “We Don’t Need New Year’s Resolutions. We Need Rest,” the message is refreshing and crystal clear: when the new year hits and before trying to fix or improve anything, we need to pause. Not reset our habits. Not push harder. Just rest. Especially after a season that asks too much of us.
During my last out-of-town trip before the year ended, one final escape before January arrived, I went to Bohol and stayed at the new Lime Resort in Panglao.
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A space that encourages reset
There are places that make you want to explore everything, and there are places that encourage you to stay put. This space leans toward the latter. Set along the shores of Panglao Island, Lime Resort doesn’t try to overwhelm guests with activities. It simply gives you space—physical and mental—to breathe. At least that’s what it did for me. I’m usually working on deadlines and juggling a constant stream of content, and this trip felt like a rare pause.
I stayed in a beach-facing room, and that alone changed the pace of my days. I’d wake up, open the curtains, and let the view do the work. The sea was right there, calm and steady, and somehow that was enough to slow my thoughts. I didn’t feel the need to rush out or check my phone first.
When I arrived, I was welcomed at the lobby with a cold towel and a drink, then taken to my room by golf cart. During the day, I’d work on my laptop by the window, taking in the view and reminding myself I only had three days there. I’d head out for lunch or dinner to explore Bohol, then come back to rest. Even after spending time at Napaling Reef, I felt relaxed and recharged by the end of the day, not totally drained. Maybe it’s the view, maybe it’s the vibes, or maybe it’s really what I’m meant to feel while I’m here.
And if you’re hungry or want some bites but you don’t want to leave the resort, there’s an all-day restaurant called Larder, serving a mix of Filipino and Southeast Asian comfort dishes, using local seafood and produce. By the pool, you can grab drinks or something light in the afternoon over at Bar Paloma. And if you want a boozy night, Sunset Lounge is the perfect spot to have a few drinks with a really nice view of the sea.
Still more to look forward to
There are a little over 80 villas at the resort, which only opened late last year. Each one comes with a balcony or terrace facing the gardens, pools, or the sea. Some rooms have private plunge pools, but even without one, the setup naturally encourages rest rather than constant movement.
Lime Resort is still adding more spaces over the next year, which gives me a good excuse to come back. A rooftop spot is set to open in early 2026, with views of the pool and the sea, and later in the year, a spa, fitness center, and meeting spaces will follow. There’s also a clear effort to run the resort more responsibly. Part of its power comes from solar panels, and through its Green Housekeeping Program, the resort works with local suppliers and manages waste more thoughtfully, following the sustainability standards of Radisson Hotel Group, which Lime Resort Bohol is a member of.
Exploring Bohol in a different light
What made the trip feel different was the pace. There was time to notice Bohol beyond the usual stops, to see the island in a different light, and to enjoy it with good company. Each day unfolded naturally, which made the experience feel fuller. Stay tuned for the spots we recommend visiting and eating at the next time you’re in Bohol!
If you’re heading into 2026 and feel like you could use a breather, Lime Resort Bohol is offering introductory rates starting at around P10,000 per night,including breakfast for two. Reservations are now open via the hotel’s official booking website.
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