September 2026 - Page 2 of 8 - Chabil Mar Villas

Getting To Placencia Village from the Belize Airport

Posted on September 29, 2026

Seven Ways to Get to and from Belize Airports and Placencia

Booking a Belize vacation is easy. Pick a resort. Find an airliner. Arrange in-country transport to get you where you want to go. But before you get to the fun stuff, you must get from Belize City to your accomodation. Putting that task in the hands of your resort staff can eliminate a lot of work and worry. For example, Chabil Mar luxury resort in Placencia gets guests to and from its grounds every day, so it just makes sense to let staff help you traverse the 160-mile distance between Belize’s airports and Chabil Mar. Whichever method of travel you prefer, they’re happy to help!

Take a shuttle
They’re popular for many reasons: cost is reasonable, there are two running shuttles that service the Belize City-to-Placencia route and the three hour drive and beautiful scenery will slow your heart rate so you’re ready to vacation in earnest the minute you stop off the shuttle bus.

Grab a second flight
You’re already at the airport, so if you’re in a rush to get to Placencia, five early morning or late afternoon flights to and from Belize International Airport or Belize Municipal Airport to Placencia take only about 40 minutes each on nine-to-13 seat Cessna airplanes. Plan to spend about $117 USD per one-way ticket.

Taxi, please
A Belize taxi can get you to and from the resort and airport expeditiously, and you can find one after you land, but you could pay more money than you would if you caught an in-country flight, so ask for pricing immediately. Here’s some good news: If you like to negotiate, this is the time to put your talent to work!

Van or private car
If you’re a celebrity, price is no object and you require door-to-door service from airport gate to your lodgings, a private car is likely your preference. On the other hand, hire a private van to get to Placencia. The typical fare for this ground transporataion is between $260 USD and $300 USD for one to four passengers. This is one case in which comparison shopping and/or additional people can translate to savings.

Car rentals
It makes sense to rent a car if you intend to cover a lot of ground during your Belize holiday. Vehicles await you at both Belize Airports and there are two car rental agencies in Placencia proper, but your car won’t come cheap: Average rentals per day run around $75 USD and don’t expect expansive choices when it comes to picking a vehicle.

Take the bus
Get the lay of the land, relax after your flight and pay just $15 USD each way to ride the bus to and from Placencia from your Belize City airport. The ride takes under five hours and if you miss a bus, you can always catch a second one or stay overnight in Belize City and see some sites before catching the early bus.

The best idea of all
Book your transportation needs with Chabil Mar staff and allow them to make recommendations based on your budget, time in Belize and travel goals. The reservations team can give you the bus schedule, arrange a private shuttle transfer from the Belize International Airport to Chabil Mar both ways, or if you take that flight, there’s no charge to retrieve you from the Placencia airstrip. Which will you choose?

Visit our website chabilmarvillas.com for more information on traveling to 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.

Celebrating milestones in Belize: anniversaries, birthdays, and proposals

Posted on September 28, 2026

Some trips are about getting away. Others are about marking something that matters. When the occasion calls for more than a good hotel, Belize has a way of delivering the kind of setting that makes a milestone feel exactly as significant as it is. At Chabil Mar, we host anniversaries, milestone birthdays, and marriage proposals every season, and we have learned that what makes each one memorable comes down to two things: a place that is genuinely beautiful and a team that pays attention.

If you are planning a celebration and wondering whether Belize is the right call, here is what we see from this side of it.

Anniversaries on the Placencia Peninsula

The couples who choose Belize for an anniversary are usually not looking for a resort. They are looking for something that feels earned. A destination that takes a little effort to get to. A place that does not feel like everywhere else they have been.

The Placencia Peninsula gives them that. It is a narrow strip of land between the Caribbean Sea and a lagoon, quiet enough that you can hear the water from your villa at night. There are no cruise ship crowds, no tower blocks, no noise beyond what the ocean makes. A milestone anniversary here does not feel like a package holiday. It feels like something the two of you chose deliberately.

At Chabil Mar, we take care of the details that make an anniversary feel marked. Welcome champagne waiting on arrival. A dinner reservation at a restaurant that earns it. A morning snorkel at the barrier reef. An afternoon with nowhere to be. We handle the logistics so the occasion stays at the front of the experience, not the planning.

Milestone birthday trips to Belize

A milestone birthday, whether that is forty, fifty, sixty, or something else worth celebrating, deserves a trip that matches the occasion. Belize works for this because it offers enough variety that you can shape the week around how you actually want to mark the number.

Some guests arrive wanting adventure: reef dives, river tours, jungle hikes to Maya ruins. Others arrive wanting to stop. To read. To swim. To eat well and sleep late and let the Caribbean Peninsula do its work. Both are entirely possible here, and often the same trip ends up being both: activity at the start, deep rest by the end.

We have hosted solo milestone birthdays, couples celebrating together, and small groups of close friends who rented multiple villas and spent the week in and out of each other’s spaces. For groups, Chabil Mar works particularly well because the villa layout allows privacy and togetherness on the same property. You can gather on the beach in the evenings and retreat to your own space when you are ready.

Proposals in Placencia

We help with a fair number of proposals each year, and the ones that go exactly as planned share a common thread: the setting was thought through before the moment arrived.

The Placencia Peninsula gives you options. A sunrise on the beach in front of your villa, before anyone else on the property is awake. A private sunset sailboat charter arranged through our team, with a bottle of wine and the reef in the background as the light drops. A candlelit dinner table on your villa terrace, set up while you are out on the water so the scene is ready when you return.

We do not need much lead time to help make a proposal happen the right way. If you tell us what you are planning and what matters to you, we will make sure the timing, the setting, and the details are in place. We have done this enough to know what works, and we take it seriously.

Plan your milestone celebration at Chabil Mar

If you are thinking about marking something significant and Belize is somewhere you have considered, the Placencia Peninsula is the right part of the country for it. It is calm, it is beautiful, and it has enough around it, the reef, the rivers, the villages, to keep the trip feeling full without feeling rushed.

Reach out to us directly at Chabil Mar Villas to tell us what you are celebrating and when. We will take it from there and help you build something worth the occasion.

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 Belize is the honeymoon destination couples are choosing over the Caribbean

Posted on September 28, 2026

If you have been searching for all-inclusive honeymoon packages in Belize, you have probably noticed something: Belize does not really do resorts the way the Dominican Republic or Cancun do. There are no sprawling properties with ten restaurants and unlimited watered-down cocktails. What Belize offers instead is something far more personal, and for couples who want a honeymoon that actually feels special, that difference matters more than any wristband.

At Chabil Mar on the Placencia Peninsula, we use the word “package” deliberately. We build our honeymoon offerings around real inclusions that you will actually use: private villa accommodations with direct beach access, curated excursions to places like the Belize Barrier Reef and Monkey River, welcome champagne, and the kind of attentive service that a property with just eleven villas can genuinely deliver. We are not bundling in three meals a day at a buffet. We are bundling in experiences.

Why Belize works for a honeymoon

Belize sits in a different category from the Caribbean islands most couples default to. It is English-speaking, which matters more than you think when you are navigating a new country together for the first time. It has the second-largest barrier reef in the world, which means snorkelling and diving that rivals anywhere on the planet. It has jungle, rivers, ancient Maya temples, and a coastline that still feels discovered rather than developed.

For honeymooners, the Placencia Peninsula offers something specific: a long, quiet strip of coast where the pace is entirely dictated by you. There are no crowds. There is no noise except the ocean. In the mornings, you can kayak out from the beach in front of your villa. In the afternoons, you can sit on your private terrace with a rum punch and do absolutely nothing. In between, you can charter a boat to the reef or take a sunset cruise with a local guide. The itinerary is yours to build.

What our honeymoon packages actually include

When couples ask us what sets Chabil Mar apart from a traditional all-inclusive, the answer is specificity. We know your names before you arrive. We know if it is your first time in Belize or your fifth. We know whether you want adventure or rest, and we plan accordingly.

Our honeymoon packages typically include accommodation in one of our oceanfront villas, a welcome bottle of wine or champagne waiting on arrival, a private excursion of your choice, daily breakfast served when you want it, and direct access to our team for restaurant recommendations, tour bookings, and anything else you need during your stay. Some couples add a couples massage at a local spa. Some add a private sunset sail. The package is a starting point, not a ceiling.

The villas themselves are built for this. Teak furnishings, king beds, full kitchens if you want them, and outdoor spaces that face the Caribbean Sea. There is no shared pool surrounded by strangers. There is a private corner of Belize that belongs to you for the duration of your stay.

Belize versus the obvious alternatives

We hear couples compare Belize to the Maldives, to St. Barths, to Turks and Caicos. Those are all beautiful destinations. But Belize offers something those places do not: variety. On a single trip, you can snorkel a world-class reef, hike into a rainforest, explore a Maya ruin, and still spend three days doing nothing but reading on a beach. For couples who want a honeymoon that is both restorative and genuinely memorable, that range is hard to match.

Direct flights from Canadian cities including Winnipeg, Calgary, and Toronto make the logistics straightforward. You land in Belize City, and within a few hours you are on the Placencia Peninsula, shoes off, watching the sun drop into the Caribbean.

Book your Belize honeymoon

We take a small number of villa guests at any given time, which means we can give each couple real attention. If you are planning a honeymoon in Belize and want to talk through what a package at Chabil Mar might look like for your travel dates, reach out to us directly. We will put something together that fits how you actually want to spend your honeymoon, not a one-size formula.

Your best Belize honeymoon starts here. Contact Chabil Mar Villas to start planning.

The Ultimate Guide on How to Reach Placencia Belize in 2027

Posted on September 23, 2026

Planning a trip to Placencia Belize is exciting, but figuring out how to get there is an important part of the journey. This charming peninsula stretches along the southern coast of Belize, offering a mix of stunning beaches, friendly villages, and luxury resorts like Chabil Mar. Luckily, there are several ways to reach Placencia, and each offers its own unique experience. Whether you prefer the speed of air travel, the scenic routes by road, or a slower adventure along the sea, Placencia is more accessible than you might think.

Flying into Placencia: The Quickest Route

Most travelers start their journey by flying into Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City, the country’s main international gateway. From there, the fastest way to reach Placencia is by taking a short domestic flight. Local airlines such as Maya Island Air and Tropic Air operate multiple daily flights from Belize City to Placencia, and the trip takes just about 35 to 40 minutes.

The aerial views along the way are breathtaking. As you soar over lush jungles, winding rivers, and the Caribbean Sea, you’ll get a preview of the natural beauty that awaits. For families or groups looking to maximize their time on the beach, flying is the most convenient choice. Once you land at Placencia’s small airstrip, Chabil Mar can arrange for a quick transfer, ensuring a seamless journey from the plane to your villa.

Traveling by Road: Scenic and Adventurous

For those who enjoy road trips, traveling to Placencia by land offers a rewarding adventure. After arriving in Belize City, visitors can rent a car or book a private shuttle for the approximately three-and-a-half-hour drive south. The well-paved George Price Highway and Hummingbird Highway guide you through rolling hills, citrus orchards, and mountain views before connecting to the Southern Highway, which leads straight to Placencia Peninsula.

Along the way, you can stop at roadside stands for fresh fruit, visit small villages, or even detour to attractions like the Inland Blue Hole or Mayflower Bocawina National Park. Road travel is ideal for travelers who want to explore Belize at their own pace, and many find the drive itself to be part of the adventure. Chabil Mar can also help arrange shuttle services, making the road journey comfortable and stress-free.

Arriving by Sea: A Unique Experience

While less common, traveling to Placencia by sea is an unforgettable option. Some visitors arrive via private yacht or boat, docking at Placencia’s marina facilities.

Arriving in Placencia by sea gives you a perspective that few travelers experience. The peninsula reveals itself slowly, with the turquoise waters of the Caribbean stretching on one side and the calm lagoon backed by the Maya Mountains on the other. This option appeals to adventurers who enjoy combining sailing with exploration, and it perfectly complements a Belize vacation that focuses on the sea, snorkeling, or diving.

The Journey to Placencia Is Worth It

No matter how you choose to travel, getting to Placencia is part of the adventure. Whether you’re soaring above the jungle, winding through scenic highways, or gliding along the Caribbean, every route offers a chance to see more of Belize. Once you arrive, Chabil Mar is ready to welcome you with luxury villas, personalized service, and easy access to all the beauty and culture Placencia has to offer.

Travel in 2027 is expected to be easier than ever, thanks to expanded international flight options and improved connections within Belize. This makes planning your trip to Placencia both convenient and exciting.

Placencia is waiting, and now that you know how to get here, the only decision left is when to book your stay. Choose Chabil Mar as your home away from home and experience Belize the way it was meant to be enjoyed: relaxed, welcoming, and unforgettable.

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.

10 Most Interesting Caves in Belize

Posted on September 23, 2026

Caves were used by the ancient Maya for performing spiritual rituals like sacrificing to their Gods and bloodletting. In the enigmatic Maya religion and mythology, caves were considered to be the home of gods and an entrance to the ever mysterious underworld. The underworld was called ‘Xibalba’ and its literal translation from Mayan language is ‘the place of fear’. In the Popol Vuh, it has been described as a court that lies beneath the earth’s surface and is often associated with death. In Maya religion, Xibalba is also thought to be dead’s realm and the lowest among the 9 underworlds.

The Maya were Belize’s first inhabitants and caves were fundamental to their religion which is why Belize’s history with its caves is like the fate of soul mates, you can’t pull them apart.

Today, because of the lime rock matrix that occupies a majority of the landmass of the country, it is spattered with caves and one can’t think of Belize without thinking of its majestic caves. Some of the most extensive cave systems in the world are found just beneath the surface of this country.

If you want to travel back through time and enter the realm of Xibalba, then you have to explore any (or all) of the below 10 caves to learn about the enigmatic and ancient Maya civilization –

1. Black Hole – The Black Hole drop in Belize is for those people who seek the real thrill of adventure. The descent is 300 feet deep, starting with the first 10 feet and providing an unforgettable rush in the next 200 feet. The final 100 feet will take you through the canopy of the Belizean rainforest and this entire experience is definitely not for those who were expecting a vanilla holiday. Ladder climbing, hiking and some rock climbing skills will definitely be needed to get in and out of the Black Hole but even when it is done, the adrenaline will take a long time to come down.

2. Rio Frio Cave – The signature of this cave is its massive mouth and it is also the largest cave you will come across in Belize. Located in Mountain Pine Ridge, the arched entrance is miraculous and in the rainy season, you might get to experience the river that runs through the paths of the cave. The cave tour is not that strenuous or difficult and you should carry a flashlight to experience it properly.

3. Barton Creek Cave – This ceremonial cave can be explored with the help of licensed guides on a canoe. It might take up about half a day but the cultural and natural wonders you come across is well worth the sweat. The canoe will glide along the river cave and will take you through chambers that will remind you of cathedrals and wide roomy passages. It is interesting to note that Barton Creek Cave was part of a recent list of ’9 most unusual and beautiful caves in the world’, and when you are in your canoe exploring this cave, you will know why.

4. Chem Chem Ha Cave – A lot of Maya artifacts and artworks can be found in this cave which was discovered by a farmer. The entrance itself is riddled with Maya motifs which would appeal to the archeology hobbyists among you. The chamber walls are lined with ‘ollas’ or storage jars and you can reach the high chambers through ladders inside the cave. You can only explore this cave with a licensed guide since it is carefully monitored to stop looting of artifacts.

The Crystal Maiden at Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave

Photo by Demian Solano www.demiansolano.com

5. Actun Tunichil Muknal – This ceremonial cave is so rich in Maya artifacts that you will never experience so much first hand cultural knowledge anywhere else. You can see bloodletting altars and more than 1400 other artifacts. There are both dry and wet chambers in the ATM cave and some sacrificial remains might also be found, particularly the ‘Crystal Maiden’ artifact which is the remain of a young human female but because of calcium carbonate covering, sparkles in the lamp light, giving the experience a rather grim memento mori. There is also a hike of 45 minutes where you will cross 3 streams.

6. Caves Branch Cave System – There are about three caves in the Caves Branch cave system – Petroglyph, Waterfall and Footprint. The names of the caves have been taken from the objects you will find on the walls inside. There are embedded footprints on the walls of the Footprint, about six waterfalls in Waterfall, and Maya’s ancient rock drawings from 300 to 900 A.D. in Petroglyph. The humongous cave system has been formed by the Caves Branch River that goes through these caves and has many a squeezes to make your heart skip a beat.

7. Laguna Cave – There is a wooden ladder about 4m long which can be used for climbing over the steep slope over which the entrance of the cave is situated. Then you will go through two entrances, through a slope of 8m depth and into a lower chamber which has an exquisite skylight filtering to the center. Some crevices of the cave are home to bats and speleothems, and further in, you will see a wooden bench through which the village of Laguna, after which the cave has been named, can be seen.

Month: September 2026

Getting To Placencia Village from the Belize Airport

Seven Ways to Get to and from Belize Airports and Placencia