Family Fun in the Sun: Why Chabil Mar is the Perfect Belize Getaway

If you’re dreaming of a family vacation where sun-drenched days meet endless adventure, Belize should be at the top of your list. And when it comes to finding the perfect base for your tropical getaway, look no further than Chabil Mar. This luxurious beachfront resort has everything to make your family trip to Belize an unforgettable experience.

Activities Galore: Adventure Awaits

Belize Family Adventures

Belize is a playground for families who love exploration. From the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea to the lush rainforests teeming with wildlife, there’s always something new to discover. Chabil Mar puts you right in the heart of the action. Dive into the vibrant underwater world with a snorkeling excursion to the Belize Barrier Reef, or take a boat trip up the Monkey River to spot exotic birds and playful howler monkeys. For a taste of ancient history, explore the Maya ruins of Xunantunich or Cahal Pech, where the kids can imagine themselves as brave explorers.

Something for Everyone at Chabil Mar

placencia beaches

Chabil Mar caters to everyone’s sense of adventure, both on and off the resort. While you unwind by the sparkling pool, teenagers can grab kayaks or paddleboards and become mini-explorers, gliding across the calm waters and spying on colorful fish. Back on land, a leisurely bike ride into Placencia Village lets the whole family discover the vibrant local scene and tantalize your taste buds with delicious Belizean cuisine. And for those craving a bigger thrill, horseback riding adventures and cave tubing expeditions await just a stone’s throw away.

Spacious Villas: Your Home Away From Home

belize villas

After a day full of exploring, there’s nothing better than returning to the comfort of your private villa at Chabil Mar. Our spacious accommodations are designed with families in mind, offering plenty of room to spread out and relax. Each villa features a fully-equipped kitchen, separate bedrooms, and a private veranda—perfect for enjoying those magical Belizean sunsets together.

Make Memories at Chabil Mar

belize family resort

When you choose Chabil Mar, you’re not just booking a resort; you’re investing in priceless family memories. From the moment you arrive, our warm, friendly staff will go the extra mile to make your stay special. Whether it’s planning excursions, arranging a beachfront BBQ, or simply offering tips on the best places to find ice cream, we’re here to make your family getaway as smooth and enjoyable as can be.

If you’re looking for a family vacation that combines excitement, relaxation, and a touch of luxury, Chabil Mar in Belize is the ideal destination. Get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime!

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.

The Best Bird-Watching in Belize

birding in Belize

Belize’s Bird Watching Tradition Has Extremely Deep Roots

Want to know which area of Belize has the best bird-watching opportunities? Fact is, every inch of Belize is a birder’s paradise, so you can’t go wrong by choosing this Caribbean destination, whether birding is already your passion or you’re just getting started.

The sport/hobby of bird watching has roots in the British Isles where the tradition of observing and recording birds has been around for so many centuries, even Shakespeare’s “The Merry Wives of Windsor” play includes this complaint: “She laments sir… her husband goes this morning a-birding.”

So was Belize’s history as the former UK colony known as British Honduras the sole reason this nation has become a mecca for those fascinated with all things avian? Hardly. Belize’s geographic proximity to jungles, rivers, rain forests, lagoons and shoreline—plus natural flyways that existed long before the hemisphere was inhabited–simply provide everything birds require to thrive…

…and thrive, they do! The ongoing debate about how many bird species have been identified in Belize has been known to launch some fascinating conversations. Some authorities say more than 683 species have been identified in Belize, but the nation’s Audubon Society claims the number is closer to 587. Stick around long enough and you can make your own estimate!

 
belize birds
Bird species, it seems, are as fickle as are humans. Some stick around Belize year ‘round. Others emulate tourists that flock here: they come and go with the wind. But all species of the birds frequenting Belize are offered a wide variety of natural habitats that include coastal plains, tropical forests, wetlands, savannahs and cayes.What birding objective are you seeking to achieve by coming to Belize? Are you looking to do research, update your journal or photograph birds? Most bird-loving travelers want to do all of these, though if you are interested in seeing specific Belize species, you can maximize your time by choosing areas they frequent.Travel to Belize’s west regions and stay in  San Ignacio or the Mountain Pine Ridge to spot rare Orange-breasted falcons, Stygian Owls and Keel-billed Motmot. Specify Toledo’s Aguacaliente Wildlife Sanctuary, a 6,000-acre park that’s the site of three lagoons that serve as breeding grounds for Boat-Billed Herons, five types of kingfisher and Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks.

The Rio Bravo Conservation Area consists of 250,000 acres of land that nurtures flocks of keel billed toucans amid hundreds of other species, or spend the majority of your time at Stann Creek’s Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Preserve. The sheer variety of bird types flocking to this reserve is amazing and includes Scarlet Macaws. Photograph this colorful bird feeding on Annatto shrub and you’ll bring home calendar-worthy images.

 

Registration Office Large

Where to stay while enjoying your bliss-filled birding adventure? Frequent visitors to Chabil Mar highly recommend making this resort your hub. Staff is delighted to make recommendations to those who want to see certain birds, but if you’ve no preferences, peruse this Belize bird list, http://www.birdlist.org/belize.htm, to see what species interest you most.

On the other hand, if you seek relaxation and stimulation, Chabil Mar’s birding package takes the guess work out of your experience so you spend all of your time gazing into binoculars rather than worrying about logistics. It’s the best way we know to immerse yourself in Belize’s avian wildlife without lifting a finger.


For more information about birding in 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.

The Belize Zoo

Belize Zoo

The Belize Zoo is truly a unique experience and far more than just a collection of animals kept locked up in cages. Located just a few miles outside of Belize City, the zoo was founded in 1983 as the Tropical Education Center to provide refuge for animals that had been abandoned after being used in a documentary film.

Today, the Belize Zoo is an interactive wildlife park that is the first location of its kind to be completely accessible to handicapped persons. Measuring more than 29 acres in size, the Belize Zoo is home exclusively to more than 140 animals that are native to the country, including birds, reptiles, and mammals. Continuing its original mission, all of the 45 species of wildlife at the Belize Zoo are rescued animals.

Some of the most popular residents of the Belize Zoo include Junior Buddy (a jaguar), Panama (a harpy eagle) and Fuego, a Baird’s Tapir, the national animal of Belize.

Although Belizeans live in one of the most ecologically diverse environments on the planet, many of them are unaware of the rich diversity of wildlife to be found in their country. The Belize Zoo doubles as an educational center, providing information and hands-on experiences in order to encourage respect for the animals and plants of Belize and emphasize the importance of preserving the natural heritage of the country for generations yet to come.

More than 68,000 people visit the Belize Zoo every year including school groups from local schools in Belize. Student career training, summer camps, reading programs, and birthday parties for the animals are regular events at the Belize Zoo to help increase awareness of the rich diversity of wildlife in Belize.

Visit the Belize Zoo

Chabil Mar strongly encourages all visitors to Belize to visit the Belize Zoo and our concierge would be very pleased to make those arrangements for a visit there for you.

A luxury resort located just a short distance from Placencia Village, Chabil Mar features lovely well-appointed villas on an immaculate property complete with a lovely tropical garden, infinity swimming pool, and a top-rated restaurant and bar.

 

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Planning Your Winter 2026 Getaway to Belize Starts Now

It might still feel like summer where you are, but in Belize, things are already moving toward the next high season. And if you’re thinking about a winter escape for 2026, the time to start planning is now—because the best spots don’t stay available for long.

Winter is peak season in Belize. From mid-December through March, the country welcomes travelers looking to trade cold weather for palm trees, sunshine, and warm sea breezes. Flights fill up. Villas get booked. The secret’s been out for a while now: Belize in the winter is exactly what your tired, post-holiday self needs.

Why Belize Is the Winter Destination People Are Eyeing Early

Belize holiday travel tips

There’s a reason winter travelers are zeroing in on Belize earlier than ever before. The weather? Just about perfect. Expect warm, sunny days, cooler nights, and calm seas ideal for snorkeling, sailing, and diving. While other places are buried under snow, Belize is thriving with beach days, jungle hikes, and sunsets that make you forget what month it is.

But it’s not just about the weather. People want ease. Belize is relatively close for North American travelers. It’s safe, English-speaking, and incredibly diverse in what it offers—everything from Maya temples and waterfalls to private island stays and world-class seafood. It’s an easy sell, which is exactly why things get booked up quickly.

If you’re planning to travel during Christmas, New Year’s, or even Valentine’s Week in 2026, you should already be looking at options. Those dates are often booked a year in advance by returning travelers who know the drill.

Booking Early Saves You More Than Just Money

 Belize travel planning

Yes, early booking usually means better rates on flights and rooms—but there’s more to it than saving a few dollars. You get options. Want an oceanfront villa? Prefer a boutique resort with only a handful of guests? Dreaming of a jungle lodge with a private plunge pool? Those get reserved fast.

Early planning also gives you time to build your perfect itinerary. Instead of scrambling to piece things together at the last minute, you can lock in everything: your airport shuttle, your reef snorkeling tour, your ATM Cave hike, your sunset cruise. When the planning’s done, all that’s left is to show up and enjoy it.

You’ll also avoid the “price surge” that hits flights and hotels during the final months before peak travel. Airlines love a last-minute planner—for all the wrong reasons. But travelers who book ahead lock in better fares and can choose the flight times that make the most sense for them.

Traveling with Family? Science Says to Do It Early

winter in Placencia Belize

If you’re traveling with kids, early planning isn’t just a good idea—it’s a game-changer. A study published in Tourism Management Perspectives (2023) found that family trips planned well in advance were less stressful for parents and more rewarding for children. Kids had more to look forward to, and parents were able to spread out the logistics—passports, packing lists, health checks, you name it.

There’s also emotional value. When families start talking about an upcoming trip months ahead of time, the anticipation becomes part of the experience. It creates memories before the trip even begins. That’s especially true during winter when the days are shorter and the need for something warm and exciting on the horizon feels even more necessary.

Don’t Wait for Winter to Sneak Up on You

peak season Belize 2026

It happens every year. December rolls around, the cold sets in, and people start scrambling for an escape—only to find the best places are fully booked and flight prices have doubled. Don’t be that traveler in 2026.

Start now. Talk to your travel companions. Look at dates. Browse options. Lock in your flight before seat prices creep up. Reach out to resorts and tour companies to get the ball rolling.

And if you’re looking for the perfect place to stay, Chabil Mar in Placencia should be at the top of your list. This boutique beachfront resort blends the comfort of a private villa with the convenience of full resort service. It’s close enough to the village for all the action—festivals, restaurants, beach bars—but tucked just far enough for peace and privacy when you want it. With only a limited number of villas and personalized attention from a friendly team, it’s the kind of place that fills up fast during the winter months.

So don’t wait. Book your winter 2026 stay at Chabil Mar now and make your Belize vacation feel effortless from the start. The sea, the sun, and your own little slice of Placencia will be here waiting.

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.

Here’s Why Placencia Nails the Summer Vibe Every Single Year

There’s something about summer in Placencia that just makes sense. It’s not loud or rushed. It’s not a race to tick off every attraction. It’s slower, warmer, and more personal. And when the scent of grilled lobster hits the air, the drums start to echo from the village, and the sea goes still—that’s when you know you’re exactly where you need to be.

Placencia in the summer has its own rhythm. Mornings ease in with coffee by the beach. Afternoons roll by with swims, naps, and maybe a rum punch or two. And evenings? They’re for music, seafood, and sharing stories with strangers who suddenly feel like old friends. At Chabil Mar, we live this every summer—and it never gets old.

The Season of Lobster and Celebration

Placencia Lobsterfest

Summer officially kicks off with Placencia Lobsterfest, one of the biggest (and most delicious) celebrations in Belize. This year, it’s happening from July 4th to 6th, 2025, and trust us—it’s worth planning your entire trip around it.

The village lights up with food stalls, live bands, beach games, and all kinds of creative lobster dishes—from tacos and kebabs to pasta and ceviche. Whether you’re here for the buttery grilled tails or the dancing under the stars, Lobsterfest sets the tone for the whole season.

But the energy doesn’t stop after the festival. Restaurants keep serving up lobster specials well into August. It’s not just about the food—it’s about the feeling that everyone is here to celebrate. And if you’re here, you’re part of it.

Why Slow Travel Feels So Right in Placencia

Summer in Placencia

Summer in Placencia isn’t made for packed itineraries. It’s made for taking your time. Kayak a little. Swim a lot. Read a book, do nothing, or do whatever you feel like. There’s no pressure to hurry—just the chance to be fully present.

That slower pace is actually good for families. A 2021 study in Frontiers in Psychology showed that kids benefit from new environments and relaxed routines—things that boost creativity, flexibility, and emotional growth. And the American Psychological Association has found that shared experiences like travel build stronger family bonds and lower stress.

In Placencia, that might mean a family snorkel trip to Laughing Bird Caye, a casual bike ride into the village for homemade ice cream, or taking turns spotting dolphins from a beach hammock. No theme parks, no crowds—just space to breathe and be together.

Chabil Mar: Your Front Row Seat to It All

Where to stay in Placencia

When summer takes over Placencia, staying at Chabil Mar puts you right where you want to be. We’re just a short walk or bike ride from the heart of the village, so you’re close to all the events, restaurants, and music—but tucked away enough for total peace when you want it.

Our beachfront villas give you all the room you need to relax, and our team is always here to help make your stay easy and memorable. Whether you’re traveling with your kids, your partner, or just yourself, we’ll help you settle into the kind of summer that actually feels like a break.

At Chabil Mar, you can wake up to the sound of the sea, stroll into the village for a fresh lobster breakfast, and end the day with your feet in the sand. That’s how summer in Placencia works—and why it’s so hard to leave once you’ve found your rhythm.

Ready to make this the summer you slow down and enjoy the good stuff?

 lobster season Belize

 

Join us for Placencia Lobsterfest from July 4–6, 2025, or anytime this season. Book your stay at Chabil Mar now and enjoy front-row access to the very best of Placencia.

Email us today to reserve your beachfront villa—we’ll have a cold drink waiting.

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.

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