BOHOL — On May 20, 2026, Robinsons Hotels and Resorts (RHR), together with Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC), formally broke ground on the Grand Summit Bohol in Barangay Doljo, Panglao—the first major project by a homegrown hospitality group in the province. The upscale beachfront development will feature more than 200 guest rooms and suites, a grand ballroom, meeting and event spaces, dining outlets, a spa, gym, children's play area, and a Muslim prayer room. Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado welcomed the project as "a strong voice of confidence in our local tourism sector." Construction is set to begin in the second quarter of 2026.
The ceremony drew JG Summit Chairman Emeritus James Go, RLC President and CEO Mybelle Aragon‑GoBio, RHR Senior Vice‑President Barun Jolly, RHR Vice‑President Annalyn Yap, Panglao Mayor Edgardo Arcay, and Balilihan Councilor Pureza Chatto. Aragon‑GoBio said the investment aligns with the company's goal of building communities while supporting Bohol's emergence as a global tourism hub. She also highlighted the accessibility of Bohol‑Panglao International Airport, located about 20 minutes from the project site. The development is scheduled to open in 2028.
A Beachfront Anchor for MICE Tourism
Positioned on 7,737 square meters of prime beachfront property along Doljo Beach, the hotel is engineered to capture demand from the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events sector—a segment that has historically bypassed Bohol for lack of branded, upscale venues. "Grand Summit Bohol responds to what we see in Panglao: a need for branded upscale accommodations that international travelers and corporate groups can trust," Aragon‑GoBio said.
The property's architecture features an ocean wave‑inspired façade with solar power and smart technology integrated throughout. All guest rooms include balconies with ocean or pool views. Guest conveniences include self‑check‑in kiosks. Barun Jolly described the hotel as "a lifestyle destination with premium meeting and social venues and a refined family sanctuary."
A Strategic Bet on Bohol's Global Ascent
RHR selected Bohol deliberately, citing Panglao's "hidden gem" appeal, the exclusivity of Doljo Beach, and the province's designation as the Philippines' first UNESCO Global Geopark. Jolly noted that Bohol offers a wide range of experiences spanning the Chocolate Hills, tarsier sanctuaries, and marine attractions. Improved airport capacity and more direct international flights continue to enhance accessibility.
Governor Aumentado framed the hotel as a symbol of enduring appeal. "This edifice will stand as a symbol of Bohol's enduring appeal as a premier tourist destination, complementing our rich cultural heritage and reinforcing the promise that even greater opportunities lie ahead," he said. The development also coincides with Bohol's ongoing push to secure visa‑free entry for Chinese travelers via Panglao airport.
A Growing Portfolio, a Deepening Footprint
The Bohol expansion strengthens RHR's nationwide footprint. The group currently operates 30 properties with more than 5,000 room keys across 20 cities and municipalities. By 2030, it aims to grow to 37 properties with over 6,400 room keys. Grand Summit Bohol is one of the key projects in RHR's next phase of growth, strengthening its presence in major tourism destinations.
The project is expected to create employment during construction and hotel operations, benefiting women, youth, and local communities. RHR's portfolio spans luxury, upscale, midscale, and essential‑service brands. The company's entry into Bohol signals that the province has crossed a threshold—from a destination known primarily for leisure tourism to one increasingly defined by its capacity to host the world.
