Gone are my cowgirl days
Back in my 20s and 30s, even a little into my 40s, I would proudly tell my travel mates that any kind of place they booked abroad was fine with me. “I’m a cowgirl!” I’d say, meaning I wasn’t picky and could survive anywhere, as long as the bathroom was clean.
Well, goodbye to those yeehaw years and kindly welcome the 50s me, a woman who has officially retired her cowgirl hat and traded it for a fluffy hotel robe. These days, I have become unapologetically particular about where I stay. A dirty toilet now activates my gag reflex. An old towel in a hotel instantly sends my imagination into overdrive about who last used it. Mildew in the bathroom guarantees that I will be wearing slippers while I bathe.
I don’t want to come off as maarte, but you know what, sure, call me that. If this is what menopause has made me, I accept it.
A getaway that checks all the right boxes
The reason I’m telling you this is because I was fortunate to visit a resort during a recent Bohol weekend getaway that ticked all the right boxes for this new maarte version of me. I was with my sister, aunt, and cousin, who also happen to be in their post-menopause years and, like me, have eagle eyes for perfection.
South Palms Resort and Spa Panglao – MGallery is conveniently located about 10 minutes from the airport and roughly 30 minutes from the port, which already earned it a few points in my book.
As soon as we entered the main gate, my gang and I were already giving away an abundance of “wows.” The drive up to the main lobby was a joy, flanked by beautifully landscaped gardens. Upon stepping foot in the lobby, we were late for dinner because we spent a good amount of time just admiring the workmanship, design, and layout of the reception area. The details were close to perfection. You could tell how much time and how many delicate hands worked on just the ceiling alone.
Dinner that night was at UMU, and it did not disappoint. The plating was spot on, and the service was quick and efficient. The staff were genuinely attentive and eager to assist. Our favorite dish was the pampano, fresh, tasty, and visually delightful. The oyster Rockefeller, on the other hand, looked lovely but, according to Ms. Maarte, could still use a little flavor boost.
Rest and relaxation
We were so impressed with the resort that we decided to return the next day for a proper daylight experience, and yes, it was another wow-filled visit. We were offered a property tour, and of course, we said yes. We knew it would be a treat. As we were led to the spa, Lola’s Sanctuary, the garden leading up to it instantly took our breath away. The limestone walls, excavated from a nearby mountain, gave the place a rustic yet refined charm. The rock pathway was carefully laid out, and the lush plants on both sides seemed to bloom in unison, as if welcoming us to what would become one of the best massages we’ve ever had.
I chose their signature treatment, which features the rare Asin Tibuok, handcrafted using a 400-year-old Boholano tradition. Whether you opt for the signature ritual, a traditional stone massage, or their herbal compress therapy, one thing is certain: At Lola’s Sanctuary, wellness is experienced the way it was meant to be, quietly, meaningfully, and with local soul.
A pleasant surprise awaited us next. The resort has its very own lemongrass plantation, an expanse of green that provides ingredients for their fresh juices, massage oils, and even a few dishes. The plant also serves as a natural mosquito repellent, which made me silently applaud the resort’s eco-conscious design.
Another big part of the property is dedicated to families, Aya’s Kids Club, a cheerful children’s water park with several lifeguards on standby. Parents can actually relax knowing their kids are well-watched while they themselves enjoy a quiet day by the beach or pool.
Fun in the sun
Speaking of the beach, I discovered that the best time to enjoy the water is during high tide, when the sea turns a clear turquoise and is perfect for swimming.
During low tide, however, the exposed seagrass releases a distinct algae smell that my maarte nose did not enjoy. Though it’s all part of nature, walking through it wasn’t my kind of adventure. My gag reflex decided it was time to retreat straight to one of the resort’s many pools.
There, we watched the sunset while wading in their circular lounge pool, sipping a cocktail aptly called Buzz-Buzz. The sky glowed pink and orange as we floated in comfort, the kind of moment that makes you forget everything else.
The next morning, with the tide high again, we headed back to the beach. The water was sparkling, the sand soft, and the experience so refreshing that we emerged with a healthy, golden tan, the kind that says, “I had a proper vacation.”
For the night, we stayed in a beachfront suite inspired by the celestial Diwatas, with sweeping ocean views, natural hues, and elegant décor. The 77 square meter space was perfectly laid out, the bedroom and bathroom designed for both privacy and indulgence. It was calm, tastefully styled, and impeccably maintained.
South Palms Resort and Spa Panglao – MGallery has 188 rooms and suites in total, and every corner seems to whisper a story of barefoot luxury, a kind of sophistication that feels warm, local, and deeply personal.
As I packed to leave, I thought of how far I’ve come from that easygoing cowgirl who could stay anywhere, eat anything, and call it a day. Now, I seek comfort, cleanliness, and care, and that’s not being maarte, that’s being mindful.
Maybe age, or perhaps wisdom, teaches us that comfort isn’t indulgence, it’s a reward. If being particular means choosing peace, soft sheets, and a beautifully designed space that makes you exhale the moment you enter, then I’ll gladly hang up my cowgirl hat for good.
After all, who needs “yeehaw” when you’ve found your “ahhh”?
