January 2026 - Page 3 of 6 - Chabil Mar Villas

Why the Chocolate Festival of Belize Is a Must Visit Event in 2026

Posted on January 19, 2026

If there is one weekend in Belize that captures culture, flavor, history, and celebration all in one place, it is the annual Chocolate Festival of Belize. Set for May 15 through May 17, 2026, this beloved event takes place in the Toledo District of southern Belize and draws visitors from around the world who come together to celebrate cacao, one of the most important and historic ingredients in Belizean and Maya culture.

Often described as the sweetest festival in the country, the Chocolate Festival of Belize is the perfect reason to plan a May getaway and explore the diverse southern region of Belize.

Why the Chocolate Festival of Belize Is So Special

The festival honors cacao, a fruit that once served as currency among the ancient Maya and continues to play a central role in local traditions today. Originally known as the Toledo Cacao Festival, the event has grown into a vibrant celebration that showcases Belizean heritage, sustainable tourism, and modern chocolate craftsmanship.

Local chocolatiers from across Belize gather to present handcrafted chocolates, cacao based desserts, traditional dishes, and innovative culinary creations. Visitors can sample rich drinking chocolate prepared using time honored methods, learn about cacao farming, and meet the people who keep this tradition alive.

Beyond chocolate, the festival features artisan crafts, live music, cultural performances, competitions, and activities for all ages. The atmosphere is joyful, energetic, and deeply rooted in community pride.

Punta Gorda: The Chocolate Capital of Belize

Punta Gorda Belize festival — Photo by BTIA

The festival is hosted in and around Punta Gorda, often called the chocolate capital of Belize. This small coastal town is known for its cultural diversity, welcoming spirit, and strong connection to Maya traditions.

During the festival weekend, Punta Gorda comes alive with color, music, and celebration. Streets fill with visitors, performers, and vendors, creating an experience that feels authentic rather than commercial. It is an opportunity to see Belize beyond the beach and connect with the heart of its southern communities.

A highlight of the weekend is the festival’s culmination at the sacred Maya site of Nim Li Punit, where culture, history, and celebration merge in a truly unforgettable setting.

A Perfect Addition to a Southern Belize Vacation

While the Chocolate Festival takes place inland, it pairs beautifully with a stay on the coast. Many travelers choose to combine the excitement of the festival with the tranquility of Placencia, creating a balanced Belize vacation that includes culture, adventure, and relaxation.

Chabil Mar, located on the Placencia Peninsula, offers an ideal retreat before or after the festival. As the only guest exclusive resort in Placencia, Chabil Mar provides a peaceful beachfront setting where guests can unwind after a lively weekend of exploration.

Spacious villas, personalized service, and a serene atmosphere allow travelers to reflect on their experiences while enjoying the comforts of luxury and the beauty of the Caribbean Sea.

Why May Is an Ideal Time to Visit Belize

May offers warm weather, fewer crowds, and a lively calendar of events. The Chocolate Festival of Belize adds cultural depth to a month that already shines for travel. It is an especially appealing time for visitors who want meaningful experiences rather than peak season crowds.

Combining the festival with snorkeling, lagoon tours, village dining, and beach relaxation creates a trip that feels rich and rewarding.

A Weekend Worth Planning Around

The Chocolate Festival of Belize is more than a food event. It is a celebration of heritage, sustainability, and community. It invites visitors to taste history, learn from local traditions, and experience the vibrant spirit of southern Belize.

Save the date for May 15 through May 17, 2026, and plan a Belize vacation that blends cultural celebration with coastal luxury. Stay at Chabil Mar and enjoy the perfect balance of festival energy and beachfront serenity.

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.

Why February Is Ideal for a Belize Vacation

Posted on January 19, 2026

February is widely considered one of the best months to visit Belize, and travelers who experience it quickly understand why. With dry weather, comfortable temperatures, and a lively but uncrowded atmosphere, February offers the perfect balance of relaxation, culture, and adventure. For visitors heading to Placencia Belize, this month delivers sunshine filled days, vibrant local events, and an ideal setting for exploring everything the country has to offer.

When paired with a stay at Chabil Mar Villas, February becomes a truly exceptional time to experience Belize at its best.

Dry Season Weather That Feels Just Right

February falls squarely within Belize’s dry season, which means visitors can expect warm sunny days and very little rainfall. Daytime temperatures are comfortable, typically ranging from the mid seventies to low eighties, while evenings cool just enough to make outdoor dining and beach walks especially enjoyable.

In Placencia, gentle sea breezes keep the air fresh, creating ideal conditions for beach lounging, snorkeling, sailing, and sightseeing. Travelers appreciate the reliability of February weather, knowing plans are unlikely to be interrupted by rain.

This consistency makes February a favorite for couples, families, and anyone looking to escape winter without dealing with extreme heat.

Fewer Crowds with a Lively Atmosphere

While February remains part of Belize’s high season, it is noticeably calmer than peak holiday periods. By this time, the rush of December and January travel has eased, allowing visitors to enjoy popular attractions without feeling crowded.

Placencia feels active yet relaxed. Restaurants are welcoming, tours feel personal, and beaches remain spacious. Travelers enjoy the energy of the season while still having room to breathe and explore at their own pace.

This balance is especially appealing to repeat visitors and those seeking a more meaningful travel experience.

The Placencia Sidewalk Festival Brings the Village to Life

One of the biggest highlights of visiting Placencia in February is the Placencia Sidewalk Arts and Music Festival. This beloved annual event transforms the village into a colorful celebration of Belizean creativity and community.

Artists, musicians, and food vendors line the famous Placencia Sidewalk, filling the air with music, laughter, and irresistible aromas. Visitors can browse handmade crafts, enjoy live performances, sample local cuisine, and connect with residents in a joyful and welcoming setting.

The festival captures the true spirit of Placencia and offers travelers an authentic cultural experience that cannot be replicated at any other time of year. Guests staying at Chabil Mar can easily walk or bike into the village to enjoy the festivities while returning to a peaceful beachfront retreat afterward.

Perfect Conditions for Reef and Jungle Adventures

February is an outstanding month felize’s natural wonders. Calm seas and excellent visibility make snorkeling and diving along the Belize Barrier Reef especially rewarding. Day trips to Silk Cayes and Laughing Bird Caye National Park offer unforgettable encounters with coral gardens, tropical fish, rays, and sea turtles.

Inland, cooler temperatures make it comfortable to hike rainforest trails, visit waterfalls, and explore ancient Maya sites surrounded by nature. Wildlife is active, landscapes remain lush, and guides can tailor experiences to suit every interest.

This combination allows travelers to enjoy both beach and jungle adventures without feeling rushed or overheated.

Why Chabil Mar Is Ideal in February

Chabil Mar enhances every aspect of a February visit. As the only guest exclusive resort on the Placencia Peninsula, it offers tranquility and privacy during one of the most enjoyable months of the year.

Guests enjoy spacious beachfront villas, infinity pools overlooking the Caribbean Sea, and personalized service that allows each stay to feel effortless. The resort’s close proximity to Placencia Village means guests can participate in festivals and local events while still enjoying quiet mornings and restful evenings.

February at Chabil Mar feels balanced, relaxed, and deeply rewarding.

A Month That Delivers the Best of Belize

February brings together everything travelers love about Belize. Dry weather, fewer crowds, cultural celebration, and endless natural beauty. It is a month that allows visitors to truly experience the country rather than simply pass through it.

Plan your February escape to Placencia Belize and enjoy the perfect blend of sunshine, culture, and comfort with a stay at Chabil Mar.

13 Reasons You’ll Love Visiting Placencia Belize This Summer

Posted on January 15, 2026

If you are looking to enjoy summers in the best spot, Placencia in southern Belize would arguably be the best use of your vacation time. For a better idea of just why Placencia should get all of your attention, just keep reading.

Reason #1: Placencia is Home to the Best Beaches

Placencia’s beaches are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, though the best snorkeling is had by taking a boat to the reef or some cayes.

Reason #2: Placencia Is the Best Base Camp for Exploring the Reefs and Jungles of Southern Belize

Placencia is near many of the coastal reefs and rainforests within southern Belize, meaning that visitors can always get the best travel experience, be it hot or wet.

Reason #3: You Could Not Ask for Better Summer Weather

Belize’s climate is perfect for summer; it rarely rains and temperatures are consistently warm and balmy,

Reason #4: You Can Reach Placencia from Anywhere in Belize

You can reach it by car via the Hummingbird Highway or by plane via domestic flights.

Reason #5: The Food is Amazing!

Chimole, tropical fruits, super-fresh seafood, salbutes, garnaches, cochinita pibil and fry jacks are just waiting to be tasted.

Reason #6: Placencia has a Lobsterfest During the Summer

Placencia has a festival dedicated to everything lobster in Mid-July.

Reason #7: You Can Learn About the Garifuna People and Their Culture

The Garifuna are among the more unique demographics to call Belize home with a strong presence around Placencia.

Reason #8: There Are Plenty of Maya Ruins to Explore Nearby

While Nim Li Punit and Lubantuum are the nearest, Placencia makes a great base camp for heading out to many Maya ruins.

Reason #9: There Are Plenty of Amazing Diving Spots

Placencia is just a boat ride away from diving hotspots like the Silk and Laughing Bird Cayes.

Reason #10: You Have Amazing Options for Bar Hopping

If you love liquor, you owe it to yourself to explore Tipsy Tuna and the Barefoot Beach Bar.

Reason #11: Placencia Offers World-Class Fishing

Placencia began as a fishing village and it continues to draw anglers with its robust array of challenging fish like amberjack, bonefish, grouper, marlin, snapper and wahoo.

Reason #12: Placencia is Less Crowded Than Ambergris Caye (Especially in Summer)

Ambergris Caye is a super popular venue for tourists, making the relative quiet of Placencia a much better option for those looking to avoid being bombarded with crowds.

Reason #13: Placencia Has Plenty of the Best Beach Resorts in Belize

Chabil Mar is arguably the most award-winning beach resort in all of Placencia.

To reiterate, Chabil Mar not only features top-tier accommodations but you can book any number of tours and activities within Placencia from its luxurious surroundings.

Belize in May – The Best Month To Visit

Posted on January 15, 2026

The month of May is the perfect time to visit Belize. A combination of pleasant weather, reduced rates on tours and attractions, and vacation time on Memorial Day in America make visiting Belize in May a great way to appreciate all of the beautiful nature and exciting adventures this small Central American country has to offer.

May is when a lot of the major airlines, including United, Southwest, American, and Delta offer special fares on non-stop flights to Belize from major American cities. Combine affordable flights with special offers from resorts, hotels, lodges, and tour companies throughout the month of May, and you can enjoy a fabulous Belize vacation for less.

Here are just some of the many interesting festivals and activities you can enjoy during your May vacation in Belize:

Mother’s Day

May 14 is not an official holiday in Belize, but it’s Mother Day’s in America. Why not surprise Mom with a lovely getaway vacation to Belize? She can get pampered at a full-service spa, relax by the pool, sip on fresh cocktails, sample locally produced chocolate, and dance all night to Caribbean rhythms.

Swim with Whale Sharks

Every year, migrating whale sharks visit the waters offshore of Belize. Rising from the depths to feed on spawning fish and juvenile marine fauna, whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean but pose no risk to humans.

Note: In order to protect whale sharks, only licensed tour operators are allowed to bring divers to the whale shark feeding grounds.

Chocolate Festival

May 15-17, 2026, is when the annual Chocolate Festival of Belize will be held in the town of Punta Gorda. Snack on a delicious assortment of chocolate-based dishes, including unusual items like chocolate beer, and enjoy all the fun, music, and games of the street fair.

Outdoor Adventures

Adventures abound in Belize where visitors can scuba dive, snorkel, hike, zip line, go caving, bird watch, and explore long-lost Mayan cities.

Cashew and Agricultural Festival

Belize’s fertile soil and warm weather produce a bounteous harvest. One of the best ways to enjoy fresh, local food is by attending the Cashew Festival and Agricultural Show in the village of Crooked Tree in northern Belize.

Sovereign’s Day

Belize’s Commonwealth Day (Sovereign’s Day), celebrated annually on May 24th, evolved from the colonial Empire Day. Now an independent nation, Belize maintains its Commonwealth connection with vibrant celebrations and a focus on learning.

Labour Day

May 1 is Labour Day in Belize, a unique holiday that begins with a formal speech by the Labour Minister and then continues with parades, rallies, and festive demonstrations across the country. There are also kite flying contests, cycle races, horse races, and even a harbor regatta to enjoy.

With fabulous weather, an abundance of public holidays and festivals, and affordable rates on flights and lodging, May is definitely a wonderful time to enjoy a getaway vacation to Belize.

Where to stay in Belize

Chabil Mar

A multiple award-winning resort located just minutes from Placencia Village, Chabil Mar is an oasis of tranquility and luxury that welcomes guests with well-appointed villas, a lush tropical garden, and a gourmet restaurant where diners can enjoy their meals al fresco on a private pier.

Why Deep Sea Fishing in Belize is the Ultimate Spring Break Adventure

Posted on January 15, 2026

Spring break is the perfect time to try something new, exciting, and unforgettable, and deep sea fishing in Belize is an adventure you won’t want to miss. While many travelers spend their spring break lounging on the beach, those looking for thrill and excitement should head offshore to experience the incredible fishing opportunities that the Caribbean waters have to offer.

With its rich marine biodiversity and world-class fishing grounds, Belize is a top destination for deep sea anglers. From battling trophy fish to enjoying the stunning scenery of the open ocean, a deep sea fishing trip is an exhilarating way to spend your spring break. And when it comes to luxury accommodations after a long day at sea, Chabil Mar in Placencia provides the perfect retreat.

The Thrill of Deep Sea Fishing in Belize

Belize’s deep sea fishing waters are home to some of the most sought-after sport fish in the world. Just a few miles offshore, anglers can hook into blue marlin, sailfish, tuna, mahi-mahi, and wahoo. The excitement of reeling in a powerful fish while surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean is an experience like no other.

Deep sea fishing in Belize isn’t just about the catch—it’s also about the journey. Imagine spending the day on the open ocean, soaking in the sunshine and salty breeze, and watching dolphins swim alongside your boat. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a first-timer, a guided fishing trip will provide an adrenaline rush and memories to last a lifetime.

Why Placencia is the Best Spring Break Fishing Destination

Placencia is one of the best fishing hubs in Belize, offering easy access to deep sea waters, the barrier reef, and countless fishing hotspots. Unlike busier tourist areas, Placencia retains a laid-back charm, making it the ideal place to combine fishing, relaxation, and adventure.

After an action-packed day at sea, head back to Chabil Mar, where you can unwind in a private beachfront villa, enjoy a fresh seafood dinner, and toast to an incredible fishing experience. Whether you want to spend the rest of your trip lounging by the pool, exploring Placencia Village, or heading out for another round of fishing, Chabil Mar ensures your spring break is as exciting or relaxing as you want it to be.

Make Deep Sea Fishing the Highlight of Your Spring Break

For those looking for a unique and thrilling spring break adventure, deep sea fishing in Belize is a must-do. Whether you’re chasing trophy fish or simply enjoying a day on the water, this experience is one that will leave you hooked.

Book your spring break getaway at Chabil Mar and let us help you plan the ultimate fishing adventure in Placencia, Belize.

Why the Chocolate Festival of Belize Is So Special

Punta Gorda: The Chocolate Capital of Belize

A Perfect Addition to a Southern Belize Vacation

Why May Is an Ideal Time to Visit Belize

A Weekend Worth Planning Around

Dry Season Weather That Feels Just Right

Fewer Crowds with a Lively Atmosphere

The Placencia Sidewalk Festival Brings the Village to Life

Perfect Conditions for Reef and Jungle Adventures

Why Chabil Mar Is Ideal in February

A Month That Delivers the Best of Belize

Reason #1: Placencia is Home to the Best Beaches

Reason #2: Placencia Is the Best Base Camp for Exploring the Reefs and Jungles of Southern Belize

Reason #3: You Could Not Ask for Better Summer Weather

Reason #4: You Can Reach Placencia from Anywhere in Belize

Reason #5: The Food is Amazing!

Reason #6: Placencia has a Lobsterfest During the Summer

Reason #7: You Can Learn About the Garifuna People and Their Culture

Reason #8: There Are Plenty of Maya Ruins to Explore Nearby

Reason #9: There Are Plenty of Amazing Diving Spots

Reason #10: You Have Amazing Options for Bar Hopping

Reason #11: Placencia Offers World-Class Fishing

Reason #12: Placencia is Less Crowded Than Ambergris Caye (Especially in Summer)

Reason #13: Placencia Has Plenty of the Best Beach Resorts in Belize

Mother’s Day

Swim with Whale Sharks

Chocolate Festival

Outdoor Adventures

Cashew and Agricultural Festival

Sovereign’s Day

Labour Day

Where to stay in Belize

Chabil Mar

The Thrill of Deep Sea Fishing in Belize

Why Placencia is the Best Spring Break Fishing Destination

Make Deep Sea Fishing the Highlight of Your Spring Break

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