May 2025 - Chabil Mar Villas

8 Reasons Why Half Moon Caye is an Amazing Caye in Belize

Posted on May 27, 2025

Photograph by by Marius Jovaiša, author of Heavenly Belize

Half Moon Caye is located at the southwest corner of Lighthouse Reef Atoll and just this week was selected as a top dive site by Jacksonville Business Journal, a popular business website in the United States.

Kristina Fazzalro, the writer who put together the article entitled “10 Best Dive Sites in North America” described the Caye as follows: Half Moon Caye in Belize offers divers the chance to go on a wall dive–a dive in which the vertical facades of the earth’s landmasses are explored. The depths at Half Moon Caye (and really at any wall dive) are tremendous, giving you the very correct feeling that you are staring into an abyss. The waters at Half Moon Caye are particularly clear, despite the depth, so you will be able to see all manner of wildlife, including loggerhead turtles, rays, barracuda, and eels.

Weather permitting, our dive package can include a trip to Lighthouse to dive the Blue Hole, Half Moon Wall and Long Caye

Of course we agree with Fazzalro’s description on Half Moon Caye and we also have 8 great reasons why we believe this beautiful gem is an amazing Caye in the country. Here are our 8 reasons:

REASON # 1 the fact that the water in Half Moon Caye is ridiculously crystal clear

REASON#2 the fact that the area is diversely populated with abundant marine life like groupers, snappers, hogfish, stingrays, and sand eels and all of these beautiful and colorful creatures are protected under Belize Law

REASON#3 the fact that the spectacular coral growth makes it the ultimate destination for snorkeling and diving in Belize

REASON#4 the fact that Half Moon Caye is a historical national park and protected area

REASON#5 the fact that the Caye supports the only viable breeding for the Red-footed Booby colony in the western Caribbean.

REASON#6 the fact that the Island Leaf-toed Gecko, also known as the Belize Atoll Gecko, is endemic to Belize, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world.

REASON#7 the fact that its beaches are clean and gorgeous

REASON#8 the fact that it is crescent- shaped and is divided into two ecosystems: on the western side it has dense vegetation with rich fertile soil and on the eastern section it sustains coconut palms and other vegetation.

For more information about Half Moon Caye or 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.

Getting Excited For The 2025 Annual Placencia Lobsterfest

Posted on May 21, 2025

As the July sun shines high above the glistening waters and sandy white beaches of the Placencia Peninsula in Belize, one of the most popular events of the year is expected to draw record crowds. The world-famous Placencia Lobsterfest, held this year between July 4-6, will kick off the lobster season with music, games, and plenty of savory dishes made from everyone’s favorite crustaceans.

Regular visitors to Placencia know that the area is famous for its abundance of fresh-caught seafood, including conch, shrimp, snapper, grouper, kingfish, lionfish, and barracuda. The advent of the lobster season heralds an unparalleled opportunity to sample some of the finest cooking anywhere in the country, with local chefs competing to make the most savory dish from lobster.

Starting with the ubiquitous boiled lobster served with drawn butter, culinary competitors will tempt festival-goers with lobster curry, stewed lobster, lobster ceviche, and gourmet dishes elevated to a fine art. Along with all of the seafood, market stalls, restaurants and cafes will also feature fresh local organic fruits, vegetarian dishes, and savory dishes made from chicken, pork, and beef.

“We like to kid our guests about the weight-loss benefits of going to Lobsterfest,” says Larry France, the marketing manager at Chabil Mar Villas, a luxury resort on the peninsula, “because lobster is packed with protein and very low in fat. Gorging on lobster in combination with dancing to all the great local music and participating in sporting events is really a lot of fun.”

The main attraction of the Lobster Festival is, of course, all of the delicious food but it also has a serious side as well. The festival is organized by the Placencia Village Council to promote awareness of the local population as well as to raise money for charitable causes. In order to preserve the natural beauty of the area, the Placencia Village Council has instituted a “Keep It Green, Keep it Clean” policy for the festival. All food vendors are required to use biodegradable containers and bars are restricted to pouring drinks into reusable “stadium cups”. Bottled water won’t be on sale but thirsty festival-goers can refill their stadium cups or personal bottles at free water stations located throughout the festival area.

Chabil Mar situated on the Placencia Peninsula just a few minutes’ stroll down the beach from all the action at the Lobster Festival, is an ideal place to stay. Because of the popularity of the Lobster Festival, rooms are filling up fast so be sure to make your reservation today.

Visit our website chabilmarvillas.com for more information on the Placencia Lobsterfest, 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.

Chabil Mar Featured in Season 8 of “Travel With Kids” on Amazon Prime Video

Posted on May 14, 2025

Chabil Mar Villas Boutique Guest Exclusive Resort in Placencia is proud to announce its feature in the newest season of the beloved family travel series, “Travel With Kids” on Amazon Prime Video. In Season 8, Episode 2, hosts Nathan and Seamus return to the scene after a six-year hiatus, bringing viewers an authentic, engaging, and personal travel experience in the heart of Belize—with Chabil Mar as their home base.

After the long pause brought on by the global pandemic, this season of Travel With Kids feels extra meaningful. The brotherly duo returns to travel with a sense of appreciation and curiosity, embracing cultural exploration and reconnecting with the world through the eyes of family travel. And in Belize, their journey kicks off in style and comfort—at our beachfront resort right here in Placencia.

Placencia Adventures with a Chabil Mar Touch

During their stay at Chabil Mar, Nathan and Seamus take full advantage of everything Placencia has to offer. They cook massive local lobsters, cruise around the village in a golf cart, hike to hidden waterfalls, and wake up to breathtaking sunrises over the Caribbean Sea—all while calling one of our private villas home.

The episode captures the essence of staying at Chabil Mar: personal, immersive, and effortlessly scenic. Whether they’re exploring Placencia’s vibrant day-to-day life or venturing into the jungle in search of Belize’s natural wonders, the show beautifully highlights the luxury and local charm that define the Chabil Mar experience.

Reconnect With Real Travel

“Travel With Kids” has long been praised for its honest, unfiltered storytelling. In this new season, the hosts not only revisit iconic destinations—they reflect on how travel has evolved. In Belize, they find a place that remains welcoming, warm, and full of adventure, and Chabil Mar becomes the perfect lens through which viewers see this tropical paradise come to life.

For families considering a Belize vacation, this episode is both a visual invitation and a helpful guide. It shows how easy it is to balance comfort with adventure, luxury with culture, and relaxation with exploration.

Watch the Episode and Start Planning Your Stay

You can watch Travel With Kids: Belize, Season 8, Episode 2 now on Amazon Prime Video here:
Watch Now on Amazon Prime

From stunning scenery and rich local culture to unforgettable family moments, Chabil Mar is honored to be part of this special episode and to represent the beauty of Belize to viewers around the world.

Ready to write your own Belize story? Start where Nathan and Seamus did—at Chabil Mar in Placencia.

Visit our website Chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize and Chabil Mar, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call & chat with us via WhatsApp Free Worldwide: +501-633-7547, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.

Planning a Bachelor or Bachelorette Trip in Belize: Tropical Fun, Unforgettable Moments

Posted on May 6, 2025

If your idea of a pre-wedding celebration includes beach parties, adventure-packed days, and memories that last longer than the hangover, then Belize is calling your crew. Planning a bachelor or bachelorette trip here isn’t just about the usual checklist of nightlife and spa time—it’s about creating an experience that’s as vibrant and unique as the people you’re traveling with.

And for the perfect balance of privacy, fun, and luxury, there’s no better base than Chabil Mar Villas Boutique Guest Exclusive Resort in Placencia. Let’s break down what makes Belize—and Placencia in particular—ideal for your send-off to married life.

Tropical Setting, Laid-Back Vibes, and Plenty to Do

In Belize, you don’t have to choose between relaxation and action. Spend your days snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef, island-hopping, or ziplining through jungle canopies. Want to go more chill? Grab a cocktail and float in a swimming pool with ocean views, or enjoy a beach massage while your group sips fresh coconut mojitos.

Placencia has just the right amount of energy—lively beach bars, local drumming circles, fresh seafood spots, and friendly nightlife without the chaos of a big city. It’s perfect for groups who want to let loose, but still wake up to peaceful sea views and breakfast by the beach.

Your Private Villa Retreat at Chabil Mar

Skip the cramped hotel rooms and opt for private beachfront villas with all the perks. At Chabil Mar, your group can stretch out, relax, and enjoy VIP-style service with a distinctly local twist. Each villa comes with a full kitchen, living space, and oceanfront veranda, so you can host pre-dinner drinks, game nights, or chill mornings in your own space.

Want a private dinner under the stars or a custom beach BBQ with local flavors? The Chabil Mar team can arrange it. Prefer your days filled with jungle tours, manatee spotting, or catamaran cruises? We’ll help you curate a celebration that fits your group’s style—whether it’s “party till sunset” or “early to bed, early to explore.”

Adventures for Every Type of Traveler

One of the best things about a Belize bachelorette or bachelor trip? You’ll never hear someone say, “There’s nothing to do.” From snorkeling the Silk Cayes to visiting Maya ruins or relaxing at a riverside spa, there’s something for everyone.

And because Chabil Mar partners with local guides and tour operators, you get the best of both worlds: authentic Belize experiences and the comfort of planning through a team that knows how to make it all easy. Whether it’s a jungle waterfall hike followed by a beach bonfire, or simply catching a Garifuna drum performance in Placencia Village, every day brings a new story.

Celebrate the Way You Want to—In Belize

This isn’t a cookie-cutter destination. A bachelor or bachelorette trip in Belize means sun-drenched days, tropical nights, and quality time with the people you care about most—in a setting that feels as real as it does remarkable.

At Chabil Mar Villas Boutique Guest Exclusive Resort, we make it personal, private, and completely unforgettable. So grab your group, pick your dates, and let the countdown to paradise begin.

Chabil Mar Named One of the Top 25 Small and Boutique Hotels in Central America by Tripadvisor

Posted on May 4, 2025

We’re thrilled to share exciting news—Chabil Mar Villas Boutique Guest Exclusive Resort in Placencia, Belize has been recognized by Tripadvisor as one of the Top 25 Small and Boutique Hotels in Central America in the 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best.

This prestigious honor places Chabil Mar among the top 1% of hotels worldwide, a title earned through consistently outstanding guest reviews and ratings over the past year. From thoughtful service and luxurious beachfront villas to authentic Belizean hospitality and lush tropical surroundings, Chabil Mar continues to impress travelers from around the globe.

The Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Award is Tripadvisor’s highest recognition. It celebrates hotels that go above and beyond in providing unforgettable guest experiences. With over 8 million listings on the platform, earning a place in the top 1% is no small feat—it’s a reflection of heartfelt dedication and a true passion for hospitality.

“This recognition is a celebration of our entire team’s commitment to delivering personalized, unforgettable experiences in Belize,” said Larry France, Marketing Manager of Chabil Mar. “As a boutique, guest-exclusive resort, we take pride in creating an atmosphere that feels warm, authentic, and distinctly Belizean. We are honored that our guests feel that and have chosen to share it with the world.”

Chabil Mar has long been beloved for offering a luxury resort experience without sacrificing a personal touch. With just a select number of beachfront villas, guests enjoy exclusivity, privacy, and direct access to both the beach and the vibrant heart of Placencia Village—all just a stroll or bike ride away.

More than a place to stay, Chabil Mar invites guests to immerse themselves in the culture and natural beauty of Belize. From snorkeling and reef adventures to jungle tours and Maya site visits, every experience is curated with care and a deep love for the region.

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a solo escape, now is the perfect time to reserve your spot at one of the most celebrated boutique resorts in all of Central America.

Reserve Your Belize Vacation Today:
📧 Reservations@chabilmarvillas.com
🌐 www.chabilmarvillas.com

Come see for yourself why Chabil Mar continues to shine on the world stage—a true hidden gem where barefoot luxury meets Belizean soul.

Month: May 2025

8 Reasons Why Half Moon Caye is an Amazing Caye in Belize

Getting Excited For The 2025 Annual Placencia Lobsterfest

Chabil Mar Featured in Season 8 of “Travel With Kids” on Amazon Prime Video