Condé Nast Traveler: Visit Belize in 2019

Belize saw a record-high number of visitors in 2018, and things are definitely looking up for 2019 especially now that Condé Nast Traveler, the world’s number one luxury lifestyle and travel magazine, has selected Belize as a must-visit destination for the upcoming year.

The winner of 25 National Magazine Awards, Condé Nast Traveler only recommends destinations to its 800,000 loyal readers when those countries have something truly special to offer. And Belize certainly seems to check all the boxes for Condé Nast Traveler, including an abundance of luxury resorts, exciting activities like visiting ancient Maya sites and fly-fishing, the country’s unique status as the only English-speaking nation in Central America, and its proximity to the United States.

The 2019 must-visit list also rightly noted that Belize is home to the second-largest living coral reef in the world where activities like scuba diving and snorkeling are popular. The magazine also gave high marks for the mainland where huge parcels of land have been set aside as national parks and animal sanctuaries in order to preserve the long-term future of Belize’s incredibly diverse ecosystem.

“This is truly Belize’s time to shine, and there’s no better proof than a must-see recommendation from Condé Nast Traveler,” said Larry France, marketing manager of Chabil Mar. “We look forward to 2019 being the best year ever and warmly welcome Condé Nast Traveler readers to our lovely country.”

Condé Nast Traveler saved their warmest praise for the Placencia Peninsula in the southeast of the country. With impossibly beautiful white sand beaches, Placencia is also home to the world’s narrowest main street (a pedestrian-only sidewalk measuring just four feet across that is Belize’s sole entry in the Guinness Book of World Records). The still-present fishing village charm and easy access to the reef have made Placencia an ideal place to site some of the finest resorts in the country, including Chabil Mar.

Situated just steps from the beach, Chabil Mar is an award-winning luxury resort that means “Beautiful Sea” in the local Mayan dialect. Chabil Mar is just a five-minute walk from Placencia Village which holds an annual art festival in February and a high-spirited Lobsterfest celebration in June.

Chabil Mar offers guided excursions to nearby activities, including snorkeling and diving on the reef, boat tours along the well-named Monkey River, and hikes in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary that is home to hundreds of jaguars as well as other exotic flora and fauna.

Visit our website chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call US/CAN Toll Free: 1-866-417-2377, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning your Belize vacation.

An Un-Belize-able Good Time

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Visitors to the Central American tropical nation of Belize soon find themselves getting into the laidback rhythm of the place with bad puns and local sayings about everything running on “Belize time”. There’s just something unique about this tiny country with miles of gorgeous Caribbean coastline that makes for an unforgettable vacation.

“Last year, we were vacationing in Mexico and planned on just spending one day in Belize,” said Curtis Orange of Elmsford, New York. “But the people were so friendly and welcoming that my wife and I ended up staying an entire week. We can’t wait to go back!”

With English as the official language and American dollars accepted everywhere, it’s easy to feel right at home in Belize. But when you’re not sunning yourself on one of the many gorgeous beaches, eating fresh-caught seafood or sipping on a tropical cocktail, there’s plenty to do for the adventure-minded.

One popular inland tour starts at the village of Monkey River in the southern Toledo District. Guests board a boat for a slow cruise up the Monkey River with plenty of wildlife to be seen in all its glory, including the ubiquitous howler monkeys that gave the river its name. A few miles north in Stann Creek District is the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. No staid zoo, this huge reserve is perfect for day or week-long hikes to see tropical birds, tapirs and even jaguars in their natural habitat.

scuba diving with whale sharks

For visitors wanting to get in the water, one of the most unique experiences is scuba diving with whale sharks in the southern half of the Belize Barrier Reef. The largest non-whale marine species in the world’s oceans, whale sharks pose little danger to humans and interacting with these four-ton giants is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Although snorkeling is popular all over Belize, one of the finest spots to see a rainbow of marine flora and fauna is the waters around Laughing Bird Caye. The entire area is a national park named for the local species of “laughing” seagull that uses the tiny island as a breeding zone.

Where to Stay in Belize

One additional benefit of staying in Belize is all the fantastic resorts that offer guests luxurious accommodations elegantly integrated in the beautiful natural environment. One of the finest resorts in the country is Chabil Mar on the Placencia Peninsula in southeastern Belize. From a Maya term meaning “beautiful sea”, this beachfront resort features unique villas, a restaurant and two infinity swimming pools gorgeously ensconced in a lush tropical garden setting.


For information about traveling to Belize, feel free to chat with our Concierge at: concierge{@}chabilmarvillas.com or contact our Reservations Manager at:reservations{@}chabilmarvillas.com. Or perhaps you would like to call toll free from the US or Canada: 1-866-417-2377.

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