If you have been thinking about a Belize vacation but dreaded the idea of a connecting flight, we have good news. The Belize Tourism Board has announced that WestJet will launch a new nonstop service between Winnipeg Richardson International Airport and Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City, with the first flight departing December 14, 2026. For travelers in Manitoba and across western Canada, that means one less reason to wait.
The new weekly service joins WestJet’s existing nonstop flights from Toronto and Calgary, making Belize more accessible to Canadian travelers than it has ever been. And for those ready to make the trip, Chabil Mar is ready for you.
What the New Route Means for Canadian Travelers
Direct access changes everything. There is a meaningful difference between a trip that begins with a layover and one that has you stepping off a plane and into warm Caribbean air without interruption. The Winnipeg nonstop does exactly that, opening Belize’s reef, rainforest, ancient Maya sites, and rich cultural experiences to a new wave of Canadian travelers who can now arrive refreshed and ready.
Canada has long been one of Belize’s most important international source markets, and this new route is a strong signal of confidence in the destination’s continued growth. For winter travelers looking to trade Manitoba’s cold for the warmth of the Placencia Peninsula, the timing could not be better. The route launches just as Belize’s peak season begins, putting some of the best weather, clearest water, and most vibrant reef conditions of the year within easy reach.
Why Chabil Mar Is Where You Want to Land
Getting to Belize is now easier. Choosing where to stay should be just as straightforward. Chabil Mar sits on the Placencia Peninsula, right on the Caribbean Sea, and it has been welcoming guests who want something more than a standard resort experience for years. Boutique by design, with a limited number of private villas all facing the water, the property offers the kind of personalized, unhurried hospitality that larger resorts simply cannot replicate.
Our winter season is exceptional. The dry season brings warm sunny days, calm Caribbean waters, and ideal conditions for snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef, sport fishing, exploring ancient Maya sites, and island hopping to the cayes. Back at the resort, the infinity pool, the private beach, and the pace of life on the Placencia Peninsula do the rest.
For Canadian travelers arriving on WestJet’s new Winnipeg service, the journey from Philip Goldson International Airport to Chabil Mar is straightforward, and our team is happy to help arrange transfers so that your vacation begins the moment you land.
Now Is the Time to Book
Peak winter dates fill quickly at Chabil Mar, and with a new direct route from Winnipeg bringing more Canadian travelers to Belize this season, availability will go fast. Whether you are planning a romantic escape, a family trip, or simply the kind of vacation that reminds you why you work so hard the rest of the year, we would love to have you with us this winter.
Reach out to our reservations team today, check availability, and let us take care of everything else. Winnipeg to Belize nonstop. Belize to Chabil Mar. The hardest part is deciding to go.
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.
When most people think of a Caribbean vacation, they imagine peak-season crowds, high prices, and jam-packed schedules. But Belize in August offers something completely different—something more laid-back, authentic, and personal. If you are looking for a destination where nature is alive, the beaches are uncrowded, and the culture is rich, August might just be the perfect time to visit Belize. And if you’re headed south, Chabil Mar in Placencia is the ideal place to make the most of it.
Why August is a Hidden Gem in Belize
August falls during the low season in Belize, which means you can enjoy more space, better deals, and a relaxed vibe. The weather is warm and tropical, with occasional short showers that cool things off and bring out the lush green of the landscape. Don’t let the idea of the “rainy season” scare you off. Most of the time, showers roll in during the late afternoon or night, leaving the day open for exploring.
August is also a great time for those who prefer a more intimate travel experience. You won’t be elbowing your way through tour groups or waiting in line for a table at the best restaurants. The pace slows down in the most beautiful way. You can take a barefoot walk down the Placencia sidewalk, chat with friendly locals, and enjoy freshly prepared Belizean dishes with a view of the sea and no rush at all.
What to Do in Belize in August
Placencia in August is all about slow mornings, sunny afternoons, and eclectic local culture. At Chabil Mar, you can begin your day with breakfast on your villa’s private veranda, then spend the morning paddleboarding, swimming, or snorkeling just off the beach. The water is warm and clear, and marine life is active. A quick boat ride can take you to the Belize Barrier Reef for snorkeling or diving, or you can head inland for a river tour or a visit to ancient Maya ruins like Nim Li Punit or Lubaantun.
August is also prime time for seafood lovers, especially those craving fresh lobster. The lobster season is in full swing, and local chefs know exactly how to serve it—grilled with garlic butter, stewed Belizean style, or tucked into tacos and pasta dishes. Placencia is known for its culinary creativity, and August offers the perfect chance to indulge in mouthwatering lobster dishes without the peak-season crowds. Pair your meal with a cold Belikin or tropical cocktail, and you’ve got the perfect evening by the sea.
If you’re interested in nature and wildlife, August is a great time for birdwatching and exploring the nearby Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. The jungle is teeming with life, and you might catch glimpses of toucans, howler monkeys, or even a jaguar paw print in the mud. The afternoon rains bring the jungle to life in a way that few travelers get to see.
Why Chabil Mar is the Perfect Place to Stay
At Chabil Mar, you’re not just booking a room—you’re stepping into a boutique beachfront villa experience with all the comforts of a resort and the personal touches of a private retreat. Our property is reserved exclusively for our guests, so you’ll never feel crowded. You’ll enjoy beautifully designed villas, tropical gardens, gorgeous infinity pools, and direct access to our private beach. And when you want to explore, Placencia Village is just a short stroll or complimentary bike ride away.
In August, we offer attractive rates and vacation packages that let you experience the best of Belize without the peak-season price tag. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a solo reset, or a family vacation, our team is here to make every detail perfect—from tour bookings to spa treatments to candlelit dinners on the pier.
Plan Your August Getaway to Belize
If you’re looking for an unforgettable August vacation, Belize has what you’re looking for—natural beauty, friendly faces, and endless adventure. And at Chabil Mar, you’ll find the perfect place to call home while you enjoy it all. Escape the ordinary this August. Book your stay at Chabil Mar Villas and discover what it really means to vacation in Belize.
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.
If adventure travel either tops your bucket list or appears so many times on that list, you qualify as a true adventure-seeker, you’re in good company, say statisticians at Leisure Group Travel who took the temperatures of intrepid nomads to learn which respondents prefer destinations and activities on the wild side. The trend toward adventure travel ticked up even before COVID came along and interrupted our lives.
With the diminution of risk, adventure travel kicked into high gear, showing annual market growth of 65% say, industry experts. A surprising 57% of these folks are male and nearly half are single! While the average age of people who restrict their adventures to hammocks is around 41, true adventure seekers are more likely to be age 36.
Of course, age is relative, and medical advances plus lifestyle improvements keep North Americans in better shape than ever, so there are plenty of adventurers metaphorically blowing out 70 candles on their birthday cakes before heading to their next ziplining challenge. That said, adventurers of all ages find the epicenter of heart-pounding options in Belize, the nation offering enough variety for every thrill-seeker.
What can adventures do for your self-confidence?
Behavioral specialists use adventures as therapy for folks of all ages who want to make positive changes in their lives. If that describes you, count these among the reasons to undertake the challenges on your bucket list. Adventure travel:
•Improves self-esteem every time a traveler steps outside their comfort zone.
•Delivers feelings of accomplishment that have no equal.
•Instills confidence every time one achieves success undertaking “impossible” tasks.
•Adventure travel benefits are transferable to every aspect of one’s life.
The secret to great adventures? A home base, of course
Between cave drops, waterfall repelling, deep sea diving, and trekking through architecture left behind by the ancient Mayas, filling a list with adventures is easy to do if you book the right Belize resort for your stay. At Chabil Mar Resort, access to adventures starts with a Belize vacation package that provides the basics so you can focus on your mission. Chabil Mar’s vacation package combination of Jungle, Sea, and Island will impress you.
Since accommodations, meals, and onsite activities—two beachside infinity swimming pools and access to complimentary kayaks, paddle boards, and bicycles—are all included with your package, only time and energy levels will limit your personal itinerary.
Don’t currently have a bucket list? If you’re not impelled to make one now that you know where to try your hand at fetes that scare you, perhaps the time has come, now that you know where to get your adventure fix and the benefits you glean by turning that list into an action plan. Life-changing opportunities like this one don’t come along every day, but you can launch yours by visiting the Chabil Mar contact page to begin your exciting quest!
Visit our website Chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize and Chabil Mar, 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.
At Chabil Mar Villas, we believe a stay should do more than provide comfort—it should resonate with the spirit of its location. In Placencia, Belize, culture isn’t a backdrop—it’s alive, vibrant, and woven into the very fabric of daily life. Our guest‐exclusive resort offers more than beachfront suites: it offers an invitation to become part of our story, to feel the rhythm of this coastal community, and to experience Belize through its traditions, artistry, and soul.
A Stay Built on Local Roots
From the moment you enter your private villa, you’ll notice thoughtful touches that honor Belize’s heritage. Furniture crafted from local mahogany, colorful woven textiles, and decorative accents infused with Maya motifs reflect generations of Belizean craftsmanship. Each room is carefully curated to evoke a sense of place, with warm tones and natural materials that capture the essence of the forest and sea just beyond your doorstep.
But the experience doesn’t end with décor. Instead, the culture of Belize infuses everything we do—whether a bowl of freshly caught seafood ceviche seasoned with Belizean herbs, the story our staff shares about the carved mask in the lobby, or morning greetings accompanied by birdsong drifting through open windows. Here at Chabil Mar, your villa becomes a gateway into life in Placencia, not just a room to relax in.
Community, Craft, and Conscious Connection
Cultural immersion at Chabil Mar isn’t just about atmosphere—it’s about partnership. We’re proud to support local artisans, builders, and families, ensuring that each decorative piece, meal served, and service offered translates into livelihoods and opportunities for our neighbors. When you stay with us, your presence helps preserve traditional weaving, local woodworking, and time‑honored culinary methods.
This collaboration extends beyond décor. Chefs source fresh ingredients directly from local fishermen and farmers, ensuring that every dish tells a story of our land and sea. Guest‑led cultural experiences, such as drumming with Garífuna storytellers or visiting nearby Maya craft workshops, amplify voices that carry forward generations of music, language, and identity. At Chabil Mar, the resort cares not only for its guests, but for the community and culture that define it.
More Than a Room—A True Sense of Place
When you choose Chabil Mar, you’re choosing more than a villa—you’re choosing to live Belize daily. Begin your morning on a private deck, coffee in hand, as gentle waves lap the shore just steps away. Later, take a leisurely stroll or short golf‑cart ride into Placencia Village—“The Island You Can Walk To”—where cheerful murals, friendly shopkeepers, and the scent of spicy grilled fish invite exploration.
Perhaps you’ll return in the evening for a traditional dinner by the sea, served with stories of Belizean legends. Or join our local hosts for songs or dances under the starlit sky, celebrating rhythms and flavors that have shaped villages for centuries. Each moment feels like being invited into a home—not just a vacation—but a warm, genuine connection to a place and its people.
Why Culture Matters at Chabil Mar
Choosing a culturally inspired resort means choosing more than luxury—you’re choosing meaning. You’re choosing a stay grounded in tradition, design, and community. You’re choosing meals that represent identity, crafted by chefs who grew up on local flavors. You’re choosing to support families and artisans who share their heritage through wood, fabric, stories, and song. And you’re choosing mornings that begin not with sterile silence, but with the pulse of place—sea breezes, birdsong, and the authenticity of Belize.
At Chabil Mar, every detail—from our hand‑carved accents to our sunset celebrations—reflects a commitment to respectful, thoughtful hospitality. We’re not recreating culture—we’re sharing it. And we warmly invite you to be part of the story.
Let your stay be more than a getaway. Let it be a connection—deep, meaningful, unforgettable.
Experience the living culture of Belize at Chabil Mar Villas in Placencia. To reserve your culturally rich retreat, visit chabilmarvillas.com or contact us at Reservations@chabilmarvillas.com.
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.
Placencia Village on the southeastern coast of Belize is a popular holiday destination for North American expats and tourists. The village is located on the southern tip of the 16-mile long narrow Placencia Peninsula, a relaxed “barefoot friendly” community that bills itself as the caye (island) that you can drive to as it is easily accessible by automobile via a paved 27-mile road that branches off from the Southern Highway.
Placencia is a popular destination for vacationers but each tourist brings their own expectations to the kind of experience that they have in the area. Many enjoy the laid-back barefoot atmosphere where you can wander up and down the public beaches or mosey into some of the best bars and restaurants in the area. Others visitors looking for a more pampered experience can stay at top-rated luxury resorts like Chabil Mar located just a few minutes’ walk from the village.
The high season in Placencia starts in mid-December and lasts until after Easter, although any time of the year is a good time to visit. There’s always a bump in the number of visitors during the full moons of the months of May and June as that’s when the whale sharks come to feed in the waters just offshore.
Here are 8 must do activities/tours in Placencia.
Explore Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in the Stann Creek District and not far from Placencia Village, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is globally recognized as the world’s first jaguar preserve and is home to cascading waterfalls to swim in, panoramic mountain views, nature trails, furry mammals, colorful insects, scaly reptiles and a variety of neotropical birds. In addition, river tubing is a favorite adventure for the many visitors to this unique tropical paradise. Tours leave daily from Chabil Mar.
Although the jaguar (the largest spotted cat in the world) is what the reserve is famous for, you are unlikely to see one as the cat is nocturnal. However you will see its tracks along with tracks of tapir, deer, and other wildlife that inhabit the nature reserve. Cockscomb Basin is also home to one of Belize’s highest points — Victoria Peak and many travelers who vacation in Placencia go on this tour.
Go on a Kayaking expedition at Laughing Bird Caye
Kayaking in Placencia is a joy! The crystal clear waters, tepid sunshine and balmy Caribbean breezes that Belize offers make for an ideal kayaking expedition. As you glide across the warm waters, you will observe untouched coral reefs, white sandy beaches and abundant marine wildlife like the amazing sea turtle.
Belize has numerous cayes that can be explored on a kayak. Laughing Bird Caye National Park for example, is a mini atoll and is a favorite stopover for reef kayakers.
Pay a Visit to the Resident Howler Monkeys
Take a boat to Monkey River Village and head up Monkey River and into the jungle to pay a visit with the resident howler monkeys. Complete your adventure along the ride to observe crocodiles sunning along the river banks, along with exotic birds, iquana hanging in the trees, a few bats and lizards and enjoy a lunch with the villagers in Monkey River. On the way back to Placencia you may even see a few manatees along with their pups.
Explore Maya Temple Sites
According to archeologists, over 1 million Maya people lived in present day Belize. Today there are a range of Maya temples scattered throughout Belize. If you are vacationing in Placencia, you might want to explore Maya Temples like Nim Li Punit and Lubantuun in the Toledo District or Xunantunich and Cahal Pech in western Belize. While visiting some of these sites, maybe even add on a swim up river and into a cave! That is a thrill of a lifetime.
Dive or Snorkel – even with Whale Sharks
Home to the second largest barrier reef in the world, Belize is a diver and snorkeler’s dream come true. In addition, over 100 islands dot the coastline, just offshore from Placencia, providing endless opportunities for diverse diving and snorkeling opportunities.
During the months of March, April, May and June around the full moon, giant whale sharks will emerge in the turquoise clear waters of Gladden Spit and Silk Caye Marine Reserve near the Placencia Peninsula. This marine reserve is used by over 30 species of tropical fishes to release their eggs and it is the eggs of the cubera, mutton and dog snappers that the whale sharks munch on.
Both divers and snorkelers can swim with these giant whale sharks in the pristine and warm waters of southern Belize without any risk from these magnificent creatures as they do not pose any significant threat to humans.
Fishing is Extraordinary
As a traditional fishing Village, Placencia is the residency of some of the finest fishing captains in Belize. And, due to its location on a peninsula, the lagoons to the west, the Caribbean to the east and the barrier reef 18 miles offshore, while being dotted with multiple islands (cayes, pronounced “keys”), fishing is inherent in the population and history of this beautiful Village of 1500 residents. A grand slam is a definitely a possibility while visiting Placencia.
Enjoy delicious Belizean Cuisines
Placencia Village is a traditional fishing Village with a tourist element. It is this small tourist exposure that has encouraged its residents to populate it with amazing restaurants like Tipsy Tuna, Rum Fish, Barefoot, La Dolce Vita, Secret Garden, Yoli’s, Pickled Parrot, Purple Space Monkey and Wendy’s (no not the fast food restaurant) and these well known restaurants offer a variety of fresh sea food at a reasonable price. Dotted along the streets are many vendors serving some of the best Belizean dishes in the country, passed down from generations and prepared with local ingredients. Rum Fish for example, sells the best fish tacos and if you are into gourmet burgers you’ll have to try Barefoot Restaurant & Bar which is located right on the beach.
You can also check out the Italian Gelato Shop that offers incredible and authentic fruit gelatos. Gelato in Placencia? Yes, and we dare say among the best you will ever have the pleasure to put to your palate.
Placencia Beaches
In a country with more than 180 miles of beaches, the Placencia Peninsula truly stands out. Lovely white sand, refreshing tropical breezes, and the sight and scent of the sparkling waters of the Caribbean combine for a truly unforgettable tropical beach experience.
While many people partake in organized adventures on both the mainland and nearby Belize Barrier Reef, one of the truly special joys of a Belize vacation is relaxing and exploring the beaches of the Placencia peninsula.
Below are a few ways to make the most of Placencia’s golden beaches:
Take a long walk – In some parts, it’s considered a cliche to say that you enjoy a long walk on the beach, but in Placencia the words won’t matter. Whether you’re strolling hand in hand with a loved one or simply admiring the view on your own, walking along the beach in Placencia is undeniably good for the soul.
Enjoy a fine meal – Whether you’ve packed a picnic basket filled to the brim with tasty local goodies or you’ve decided to enjoy a seafront view at one of the peninsula’s amazing restaurants, few experiences can compare to dining on delicious food and drinks on the beach.
Main Street – New York has Fifth Avenue and Paris has the Champs-Élysées, but the village of Placencia has its own unique claim to fame. Officially declared the smallest main street in the world, the central “boulevard” running through the middle of the village is actually a sidewalk just four feet across. No cars are allowed which makes it the perfect place to visit cute little shops, grab a coffee, or sit down for a delicious snack.
Relax! – Many people get so wound up trying to cram in as many activities and tours during their vacation that they forget the reason why they decided to visit Belize in the first place. The lovely golden dunes of Placencia are a great place to work on your tan, swing in a hammock, or dip your toes in the Caribbean while unwinding and relaxing.
Seine Bight – Heading north from Placencia Village, visitors walking along the beach have the opportunity to go see the village of Seine Bight. Home to Belize’s unique Garifuna culture, Seine Bight is a great chance to experience Garifuna music, dancing, and food.
Take unforgettable photos – Whether you want to impress your friends on social media with your amazing selfies or simply want to capture the happy memories of vacation, the beaches of Placencia are ideal for taking photographs.
Visit our website chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize and Placencia, 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.
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