Month: January 2023

One of Belize’s most breathtaking natural wonders isn’t even situated on the mainland. The Belize Barrier Reef sprawls along 190 miles of the nation’s coastline amid the waters of the Caribbean Sea where it is a relative newcomer at just 500,000 years old.

Re-shaped around 8,000 years ago when the last ice age blanketed the planet, the Belize Barrier Reef’s ecology is a work in progress for a nation eager to make sure it remains an epicenter of life for all manner of marine species, and it’s so vast, astronauts see it from outer space.

For folks whose idea of recreational joy includes spending time pursuing marine-related activities, the reef itself provides the ideal focus for travellers who appreciate the magic of geology and are eager to frame their vacation time around the reef’s existence. Does that include you? If so, your timing is perfect for a visit.

Reasons to see the reef when visiting Belize

-It’s home to 500+ fish species that include seahorses, sharks, jellyfish and octopus.
-Charles Darwin and the iconic diver Jacques Cousteau both made it a point to visit.
-The reef is home to endangered sea turtles, crocodile and manatees.
-So many birds flock to the reef, identifying all of them is a subject of great debate.
-In 1996, the Belize Barrier Reef was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
-Around 350 types of shellfish and 100+ species of coral call the reef home.

Intrigued? You should be. Time for a game plan, curious traveller

Your decision to stay at a resort that gets you as close to the reef as possible is easily made by choosing Chabil Mar Villas. The property’s location is optimal and the resort’s packages and specials will add to a fabulous vacation experience.

Spacious sea-facing villas at Chabil Mar give guests a window on the ocean where the reef awaits and interior furnishings are filled with locally crafted furnishings and art. Book any of the Belize vacation packages offering access to activities you are most eager to enjoy, and whether your idea of bliss is sailing, fishing, snorkeling, or scuba diving, each package is so value-driven and adventurous, you couldn’t be disappointed if you tried.

Who deserves a reef vacation more than you do?

Admit it: You’ve got a case of cabin fever borne of sequestration, but you worry that the virus still lurks. And having survived in good shape thus far, you don’t want to take chances. Relax and pack. Chabil Mar embraces international health and safety standards that will ease your mind as soon as you browse this page. Like what you see? Let us know when you plan to come down and we’ll let the reef know about your impending visit!

For more information about 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 or WhatsApp us at +501-633-7547.  

Belize is a getaway of its kind with so much to offer to visitors. From beautiful resorts offering a variety of cuisines and facilities and services that are of international standards to the calm and quiet of its offshore islands and cayes, Belize is bound to leave an entire family awed and full of great memories. 

Additionally, Belize is fun. A plethora of interesting and mind-boggling activities await you and your loved ones in this tiny, breathtaking part of the world.

Touring Ancient Maya Sites

Maya culture is one of the most intriguing facts about the Central American nation. The Maya ruins, which have been well preserved for centuries, clearly depict the way of life of the ancient Mayas who dwelled in the lush jungles of Belize. With popular sites such as Cahal Pech, which is the oldest in the western part of the country, Caracol, which is the largest, and caves with artifacts, vessels, and stoneware used by Mayas, touring the ruins is a must-do activity for a family seeking to make the most out of a tour of Belize.

Cave Tubing

While cave tubing may seem over-rated as it involves simply floating on a tube and exploring caves, it is one of the most family-bonding activities you can engage in on a tour of Belize. Caves are a significant part of the Maya civilization and while exploring them by walking is faster and more engaging, cave tubing is more relaxing and fun and allows you to sink in and let loose in the quiet, serene environment.

Visit the Belize Zoo

In close proximity to Belize City is the Belize zoo, which has hundreds of species of animals dwelling in their natural habitat. Adults and kids alike are bound to enjoy the variety the zoo offers, ranging from bird species to jaguars, peccaries, and more. With a gift shop in the park, getting a family souvenir is a great idea.

Visit the Belize Barrier Reef

A visit to Belize should not conclude without visiting the second largest barrier reef in the world. With over four hundred tiny islands along its length, with some of the rarest flora and fauna, ensuring that you explore the reef is a no-brainer. Corals and reserves found on the reef are other key attractions that make the reef exciting for the entire family.

Visit a Natural Reserve

With a huge chunk of Belize covered in a thick rainforest that is well protected, wildlife thrives, and it is nothing short of a pleasant site for curious tourists. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife sanctuary is particularly a natural setting to behold. Crystal clear waterfalls with refreshing, soothing sounds are part of the sanctuary. Taking a swim at a waterfall’s base is, by all means, an activity to look forward to engaging in as a family.

Visit Monkey River

The small quiet village of Monkey River is not a popular tourist destination for no reason. The howler monkeys, which gave the village its name, are a key attraction but not the only one in this southern part of the country. Butterflies, iguanas, and tropical birds are also part of the plethora of fauna and flora that dot the village.

Getting the full Belizean experience also involves booking an excellent resort to dine in the cuisines and engage with Belizeans, who are known for their friendly, welcoming nature. Chabil Mar on the Placencia Peninsula is a top-notch resort that is a perfect cocktail of culture, luxury, and privacy, making it the ideal place to stay while going about the activities mentioned above.

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 a Belize vacation.

  

 

 

 

 

Every year on November 19, Garifuna Settlement day is observed which marks the arrival  of the Garifuna people in Belizean territory in 1802. The holiday was created by Thomas  Vincent Ramos, a Belizean civil rights activist and is celebrated for a whole week with  major festivities that include parades, live music, drumming, dancing, prayers and pageantry in Garifuna communities. Here are 6 things to know about the Garifuna people of Belize:

1.) In 2001, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized the Garifuna language, music and dance as a masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity. This designation means that it is a important culture that should be preserved, promoted and celebrated.

2.) According to Historians, the Garifuna resisted British and French colonialism in the Lesser Antilles and were defeated by the British in 1796. Because of a violent rebellion on St Vincent, the British moved 5000 Garifuna across the Caribbean to the Bay Islands off the north of Honduras. From there, they migrated to the Caribbean coasts of Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala and Belize. By 1802 about 150 Garifuna had settled in Stann Creek (present day Dangriga) area and were engaged in fishing and farming.

3.) The Garifuna are resilient people who have survived many years of extreme hardships and are the only black people in the Americas to have preserved their native Afro-Caribbean culture due to the fact that their ancestors were never slaves. The Garifuna’s deep sense of kinship and participation in community cultural activities have provide them with a sense of solidarity and cultural identity during times of turmoil.

4.) The religion of the Garifuna consists of a mix of Catholicism, African and Indian beliefs. They believe that the departed ancestors mediate between the individual and external world and if a person behaves and performs well, then he will have good fortune. If not, then the harmony that exists in relationships with others and the  external world will be disrupted leading to misfortune and illness.  Their spiritualism is expressed through music, dancing and other art forms.

5.) The Garifuna foods consist of fish, chicken, cassava, bananas and plantains. One of the staples of the diet is cassava. Cassava is made into bread, a drink, a pudding and even a wine! The cassava bread is served with most meals. The process of making the bread is very labor intensive and takes several days. Hudut is a very common traditional meal. Hudut consists of fish cooked in a coconut broth (called sere) and served with mashed plantains or yams. Dharasa is the Garifuna version of a tamale made with green bananas. It can be made either sweet or sour. The foods are very labor intensive and used to be cooked over an open fire hearth. Today, stoves save time, but some families still prefer the taste of the fire hearth.

6.) The Garifuna flag consists of three horizontal strips of black, white and yellow, in that order, starting from the top. The flag has been accepted internationally as the flag of the Garifuna Nation and the colors have been used in forums where Garifuna people assert their Garifuna identity. Discover the culture of Belize.

Contact Us to “Reserve your custom Belize vacation package.”