10 Reasons Why You Should Have A Winter Holiday In Belize

A quiet, easygoing nation located in the heart of Central America, Belize is fast becoming one of the top destinations for people wanting to escape the cold and misery of winter. The weather in Belize is always pleasant and warm all-year round and the country features a uniquely harmonious mix of different cultures. Friendly, English-speaking natives will make you feel right at home as you explore some of the many amazing attractions that Belize has to offer.

Below are 10 reasons why you should pack your bags right now and have a winter holiday in Belize:

1 – Maya Ruins

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Belize was once the heart of the ancient Mayan Empire. Today, dozens of Mayan cities can be explored throughout the country, featuring a rich mix of towering temples, beautiful carvings, and grand plazas.

2 – The Great Blue Hole

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Declared by famed marine biologist Jacques Cousteau as one of the best diving sites on the planet, the Great Blue Hole is a unique circular depression adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef. Divers can explore an enormous underwater series of caverns carved out during the last great Ice Age.

3 – Wildlife

Manatees in Belize
Whether you’re interested in viewing some of the rarest tropical bird species on the planet or want to see the last surviving jaguars in the region, Belize has it all. Visitors can see crocodiles, monkeys, and manatees at play in their natural habitat or embark on exclusive diving tours to frolic with whale sharks.

4 – Drinking in the Scenery

Reef, Rainforest and Ruins in Belize --- Belize vacations
Belize is a relatively small country but has a richly diverse natural landscape. Travel between destinations is affordable and safe, offering visitors the chance to observe verdant mountains, lush fertile valleys, and pristine rainforests on their journey.

5 – Beaches

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Beaches abound in Belize, as the country is located on the western shores of the lovely Caribbean Sea. With hundreds of miles of pristine, white beaches, you can enjoy the tropical fantasy vacation of your dreams swaying in a hammock under the shade of a palm tree in Belize. Almost nothing can compare to watching the sun set over the gorgeous turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

6 – Food

placencia belize food
Belize is the home to a rich mix of indigenous cultures, resulting in some of the most delicious food anywhere on the planet. Casual food is king here, with plenty of fresh-caught lobster, savory Caribbean dishes, and spicy Mexican food to choose from.

7 – Diving and Snorkeling

belize barrier reef
The clear waters of the Caribbean make snorkeling and diving in Belize some of the best to be found anywhere on Earth. The nearby Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world, is home to dozens of species of colorful fish, nurse sharks, and unique invertebrate species.

8 – Belize Adventures

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Whether you’re interested in tubing down a river through a network of caves, hiking mountains, spelunking in huge caves, or exploring the jungle, there is plenty to do for the adventurous-minded in Belize.

9 – Belize Islands

belize island vacations
Locally known as cayes (pronounced “keys”), Belize has hundreds of gorgeous islands, ranging from the laid-back party town of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye to the diving paradise of atolls fronting the Belize Barrier Reef.

10 – The Belize Weather

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With a warm, tropical climate, and sunny skies nearly all year-round, the weather in Belize is fantastic. You’ll rarely need anything heavier than a sweater when in Belize, and T-shirts and sandals are the dress code of choice for visitors and locals alike.

Where to Stay

summer in belize

The award-winning resort of The Villas at Chabil Mar offering outstanding accommodations just minutes away from all the action in Placencia Village in southeastern Belize. With gorgeous views of the beautiful Caribbean Sea, each villa is a richly-appointed two-room suite combining traditional Belizean decor with modern luxury.

For more information about visiting Belize or Placencia, 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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Choose Luxury, Belizean Style: The Chabil Mar Difference

When people hear the word “luxury,” they often think of towering glass hotels, sleek modern furniture, and cookie-cutter rooms that could exist in any city across the world. But in Belize, true luxury looks very different. At Chabil Mar, it isn’t about blending into global sameness. It’s about embracing everything that makes Belize extraordinary and weaving it into your stay.

This is Belizean-style luxury — a philosophy rooted in authenticity, culture, and connection. And it’s the foundation of everything we do at Chabil Mar.

Extraordinary Jungle and Marine Adventures

 Placencia luxury travel

Luxury in Belize isn’t confined to a room or a lobby. It’s about the world outside your door. Belize is blessed with two natural wonders, its lush jungles and the world’s second-largest barrier reef. At Chabil Mar, our guests are perfectly placed to experience both. One day, you may find yourself snorkeling among technicolor corals and sea turtles; the next, standing before the towering temples of a once-mighty Maya city.

These are not ordinary excursions. They’re transformative experiences, guided by people who know the land and sea intimately. The adventure is part of the luxury.

Ancient Maya History and Local Culture

 Belize adventure and luxury

Luxury should always feel personal. In Belize, that means honoring the culture and history that shape this country. From Garifuna drumming on the beach to the whispered stories of Maya temples, the past and present are always alive here. At Chabil Mar, our villas, cuisine, and even our art reflect Belizean traditions, so your stay feels like a true connection, not just a visit.

Modern American-style resorts may offer generic opulence, but what they lack is soul. Belizean-style luxury is soulful. It’s grounded in storytelling, heritage, and authenticity.

Five-Star Guest Exclusive Hospitality

guest exclusive Belize resort

At Chabil Mar, luxury also means intimacy. As the only guest-exclusive, full-service resort on the Placencia Peninsula, we offer something rare: a sanctuary where every detail is crafted for you alone. No crowded lobbies, no outsiders wandering through. Just the freedom to relax, knowing our team is focused entirely on your comfort.

Our hospitality has earned us recognition among the Top 25 Small and Boutique Hotels in Central America. But more importantly, it has earned us the trust of returning guests who describe Chabil Mar not as a resort, but as a home.

A Living Campus of Belize’s Natural Beauty

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Luxury here is also about place. At Chabil Mar, nature is not shut out; it’s part of the design. The gardens are alive with tropical flowers and hummingbirds. The villas open to sea breezes and views of the Caribbean. The pier stretches into turquoise water that changes color with the light. You are always connected to Belize’s natural beauty and that is the truest luxury of all.

Villas Shaped by Cultural Ideals

Belizean-style luxury

Finally, Belizean-style luxury is about creating spaces that tell a story. Our villas are shaped by Belize’s cultural ideals built with local craftsmanship, designed with a blend of classic Belizean warmth and contemporary comfort. Each villa is unique, just like the country itself.

This is not the faceless uniformity of imported luxury. This is luxury that feels alive, personal, and deeply connected to its roots.

Redefining Luxury in Belize

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At Chabil Mar, we believe luxury isn’t about copying trends from abroad. It’s about celebrating Belize, its jungles, its reefs, its history, its people, and its natural beauty. When you choose us, you’re not just choosing a villa. You’re choosing to experience luxury, Belizean style.

Because true luxury isn’t sameness. True luxury is authenticity.

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.

Fly Fishing in Placencia Belize

Fly Fishing in Placencia Belize

Anna Cohen’s OutboundCollective.com article about fly fishing benefits is best read with a plane ticket to Belize in hand because some destinations are more suited than others to life-changing experiences!

Are you already a fan of fly fishing or has it been on your bucket list so long, even the bucket is getting rusty? It happens. Life takes control. You let it. Isn’t it time to put yourself first? Consider this short list of benefits you gain if you say, “I’m going fly fishing in Belize in 2025 and nothing’s stopping me!”

-Fly fishing requires brains. Fans of this sport must understand bodies of water, bug hatches, times of day for big yields, fly placement, and feeding patterns that outwit fish.

-Fly fishing isn’t for slackers. You’ll get the workout of your life. Those back-and-forth swings offer an aerobic experience no gym can provide.

-Fly fishing is magical. See nature from a unique perspective, go places you normally wouldn’t, and expect your confidence levels to skyrocket with every success.

-Fly fishing is a challenge. It is both character-building and frustrating but lands your first catch and experience what Cohen calls “the BEST feeling in the whole damn world.”

Dare we add that fly fishing is fun, satisfying, and rewarding? And if you’re going to get hooked on this exhilarating sport, there’s no better place to do it than in Belize.

best belize fishing vacations all inclusive
Fly fishing in Belize

You may want to pack your gear before you read this section because fly fishing in Belize is like no other adventure you’ve ever taken. Belize’s entire eastern coast is a paradise for anyone eager for victory and it matters not which season you pick to visit since bonefish are always in season along mainland shores, lagoons, and the Belize Barrier Reef.

Want to have the time of your life? Don’t burden yourself with the details. Pick a resort-like Chabil Mar Villas where Belize fishing packages are designed with you in mind. Wait until you read how many options our luxurious resort offers!

5 fly fishing packages

1. Opt for the Placencia Fishing Package if you love variety, described by Chabil Mar hosts as: “Today, tarpon, bonefish or snook; tomorrow, the prized permit and the following day a grand–slam. Then get up and start again!”

2. The Placencia and Turneffe Flats Atoll trip will grab your attention if you have researched both areas and know that saltwater fly fishing won’t disappoint. Bonefish, permit, or tarpon you catch can morph from a “selfie with fish” sent to envious friends to a Chabil Mar chef-prepared dinner that night.

3. Take the One Day at a Time option customized for those who want to see other things in Belize during their sojourn at Chabil Mar. Pick a full day or half day of fly fishing. Either way, you could bring dinner back, too.

4. The Fishing Plus package is an amalgam of adventures guaranteed to test your mettle. Whether it’s just you or the entire family, your itinerary can include snorkeling, scuba diving, jungle treks, Maya culture, and anything else you’ve been eager to experience.

5. Choose the unique You Fish-We Pamper option. Everyone gets their first wish. You fish. Family members do their thing, from hanging by the pool to shopping Placencia Village or frequenting the spa for blissful, therapeutic massages.

belize fishing resort

Got that suitcase packed? We thought so. Every Chabil Mar stay is like vacationing in heaven and having staff take care of every last detail of your fly fishing holiday is, forgive the pun, the only way to fly. You can have your rod in hand in just hours thanks to Belize’s proximity to the U.S. by air. How soon can we expect to see you?

For more information about fishing 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.

Best Things To Do In Belize During Winter

Throughout much of the world, winter is a time when activity slows down. As the cold sets in, the adventures of summer are put away in favor of the obligations of work, school, and holidays. That’s not the case in Belize. An idyllic paradise situated right along the equator, Belize’s winter is actually its tourist season. It’s during these months that the weather is the driest, but the temperatures stay in the same pleasant range of 70s and 80s that the rest of the year is known for. There are a lot of things to do in Belize during the winter, but here are the activities you have to consider.

Explore the Barrier Reef

Spend your winter in Belize

The vibrant life that calls the world’s second largest barrier reef home is worth seeing, but how you see it is up to you. Snorkeling lets you get up close and personal, while scuba diving offers an even more immersive experience. Deep sea fishing expeditions offer you an even more leisurely way to enjoy the barrier reef and a fresh meal you can enjoy for dinner. From the Silk Cayes Marine Reserve to the Blue Hole, there are countless aquatic exploration sites perfect for everyone from beginners to accomplished scuba divers.

Venture Into the Rainforest

Belize Winter Vacation Packages

While there are plenty of beautiful islands off the coast of Belize, it’s worth staying at a mainland destination with beach access — like Placencia — because it allows you to truly explore the world on land. National parks are abundant throughout Belize, as are the surprisingly extant ruins left behind by the ancient Maya empire centuries ago. More adventurous travelers will find themselves satisfied with excursions offering chances to tube through pitch black underground caves, zipline over expansive rainforest canopies, or enjoy the peaceful experience of kayaking down interior rivers. And for those who like things a little more relaxed, winter is the perfect time for birding and horseback riding.

Enjoy Chabil Mar

Best Place To Stay in Belize During Winter

Winter can also be a time to relax, and no resorts offer an experience quite as luxuriant as Chabil Mar. Located on the Placencia Peninsula, guests are within reach of Belize’s coolest destinations but have everything they need right on the property. Our guest exclusive resort includes two infinity pools in addition to 400 feet of private beach just for you. Whether you’re looking to take a paddleboard out on the water, enjoy some seaside yoga, or simply spend your time napping on the beach with a good book, everything you could want is at reach when you stay at Chabil Mar.

Visit 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.

Cahal Pech Maya Ruins in San Ignacio, Belize

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Now perched on the highest hill overlooking San Ignacio Town, the Maya ruins of Cahal Pech were originally built as an enclave for the elite. Located in a gorgeous natural setting and surrounded by tropical birds and colorful jungle fauna, Cahal Pech is one of the most popular visitor attractions in Belize. An informative museum on the grounds gives visitors an introduction to the hilltop city and features a dazzling collection of artifacts found at the site.

Layout of Cahal Pech Maya Ruins

Today, archeologists have excavated a total of 34 structures in Cahal Pech in an area measuring just over two acres in size. The “downtown” portion of Cahal Pech includes several temple pyramids, residence buildings, and seven impressive courtyards. The tallest structure on the site is a temple that measures 77 feet high. Other attractions at Cahal Pech include a ceremonial altar, five historical stelae, and two ball courts.

History of Cahal Pech Maya Ruins

Archeologists estimate that Cahal Pech was first founded around 1,000 years Before the Common Era. During the Classic Period (300-800 of the Common Era) of the Maya civilization, most of the surviving buildings, including the largest temples and palaces, were constructed during this time. Around the year 800, the citizens of Cahal Pech abandoned the city for unknown reasons, particularly mysterious because nearby Maya sites in Belize continued to be thriving population centers for several more centuries.

Although the original name for the site is lost to history, today it is called Cahal Pech, a combination Yucatan/Mopan Maya term meaning “place of the ticks”. This was the name local cattle farmers in the 1950s gave to the area.

Cahal Pech Maya Ruins Tour Information

Visitors to Cahal Pech are encourage to wear comfortable, loose, lightweight clothing and proper shoes. Long pants are recommended over shorts as they will help give additional protection from insects. All visitors are encouraged to bring plenty of drinking water, and fair-skinned individuals are recommended to make ample use of sunscreen and hats.

The Cahal Pech Visitor’s Center is open Monday through Sunday, and contains a reconstructed model of the entire site.

Chabil Mar in Placencia & Cahal Pech Maya Ruins

The award-winning Chabil Mar resort on the Placencia Peninsula offers its guests organized tours and vacation packages that include a visit to Cahal Pech. Guests can choose to include a tour of Cahal Pech as part of the resort’s popular Belize Reef and Jungle vacation package.

For more information about things to see and do 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.

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