Author: Chabil Mar Manager

Is there a difference between award-winning Belize resorts and those who don’t make the cut? The question is easily answered when guests arrive at Placencia’s Chabil Mar.

What does it take for a Belize resort to beat out the competition on the popular TripAdvisor website? The resort must be unique. Gorgeous. Upscale. And it helps that guests rave about their personal experiences, sharing details that are so descriptive, readers hungry for vacations are compelled to see the property for themselves.

Word is spreading fast that Chabil Mar, a full-service resort on the Placencia peninsula, is the recent recipient of TripSavvy’s “Best Overall Resort” designation. Located near charming Placencia Village, Chabil Mar is known for being meticulous about the tiniest detail. From the moment guests arrive to be handed a cocktail and greeted by fresh flowers, they’re on tropics time.

A haven far away from the real world

Today’s hectic pace can turn even the most tranquil individual into a bundle of nerves and caring staff at Chabil Mar Villas understand that. You’ll be escorted to your lush lodging where every room faces the sea and marvel at the size of your accommodation. Suites run between 950- and 2000-square feet; some have personal verandas. For larger parties, digs with lofts and two bathrooms are available.

Not every frequent visitor to Chabil Mar is interested in taking advantage of the resort’s exciting tour menu because they’re in Belize to chill and decompress, but exploration of the 18-mile stretch of the peninsula-—on either the Caribbean or the lagoon side—-is one of the more popular ways to get to know more about the area.

Ride a bike around the peninsula or spread your aquatic wings by borrowing a resort kayak or paddleboard when you’re not enjoying either of Chabil Mar’s infinity pools. Of course, you can take tours–but there’s a way to do just that and save money, too!

The very best deals of all

What’s the best way to get your money’s worth at this newly-recognized “Best Overall Resort” in Belize? By selecting one of the vacation packages designed to cater to every traveler under the sun. Browse the menu and see so many options, deciding could be tough.

What is the ultimate advantage to opting for a package? Everything is included–your suite and gourmet meals at Chef Daniel’s Café Mar, in-country transport, taxes and service charges plus select tours all appear on one bill. If you don’t want to open your wallet again during your stay, you don’t have to!

Large enough to get lost on the grounds but small enough to feel like heaven, Chabil Mar delivers on service, beauty and value, but if you’re still on the fence about booking your vacation in paradise, this virtual tour could make the decision for you.

Visit our website chabilmarvillas.com for more information about 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.

The “Battle of the Drums” has been an annual event within Belize since it began in 2006. This cultural highlight has groups competing to best represent five different categories of Garifuna-style drumming; a form of performance that mixes the musical flow of the Caribbean with traditional African instruments.

History

The first Battle of the Drums occurred in Punta Gorda Town on November 17, 2006 and was well-regarded by Belizeans and visitors. 2007’s Battle drew an even larger audience and “drummed up” even more interest. Since 2008, the event has changed to an international competition for drummers, featuring troupes from Belize, Guatemala and Honduras.

Cultural Enrichment

As one might expect, the Battle’s lengthy presence has made it a major attraction within Punta Gorda, attracting interested parties with money to move the economy. The event occurs on whichever Saturday comes before the national holiday of Garifuna Settlement Day (November 19th). 2018’s winner was Ecumenical Junior College, hailing from Dangriga.

All of the money directly spent on the Battle, such as the $20 ticket price, goes toward funding Garifuna cultural projects within Punta Gorda and other Garifuna communities. These projects include summer camps for children age 5-13, programs to teach the Garifuna language and drums in primary schools, a Garifuna translation contest and so on.

On Garifuna Music and Drumming

The music of the Garifuna people is incredibly energetic and the drums used in such performances are made of hardwood and shrouded in animal hides. Drumming has been a part of the Garifuna identity since before they arrived in Belize and continues to be taught to this day.

For those visitors who still want to rock out and jam on after the Battle concludes, the Belize Garifuna Musical Festival is scheduled to begins bright and early on the day after the Battle. Because Garifuna music covers more than just drums, anyone visiting this follow-up festival will have a chance to experience genres like gunjei, hungu hungu, paranda, punta and even the punta rock subgenre.

If you happen to be a music lover or are otherwise planning to visit Belize when the Battle is going on, you will need a place to stay and recover from being so amped up with energy from the performances. To this end, we suggest Chabil Mar, a top-tier resort located within Placencia Village and which is very close to Punta Gorda.

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.

Tropic Air has introduced weekly air tour flights from Placencia to the Blue Hole of Belize. Starting November 13, 2019, the hour-long air tours will give visitors an aerial view of one of Belize’s top attractions.

The Beauty of the Blue Hole

The Blue Hole is a 300-foot-wide ocean sinkhole located close to the Belize Barrier Reef. It is part of the site that was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Blue Hole is one of the most prized destinations in the world for scuba divers and ocean explorers.

The Blue Hole is recommended as a scuba trip only for the most advanced, experienced divers. Because of this, few people have been able to visit it. The new air flights allow more people to witness a spectacular attraction in Belize.

The Blue Hole extends almost 500 feet below the surface. It is filled with natural stone and coral formations. It attracts colorful fish, sea turtles, several varieties of shark, manatees and dolphins.

Comfortable Travel and Spectacular Views

Topic Air’s new flights allow tourists who do not snorkel or scuba dive to see the Blue Hole in all its stunning and mysterious beauty.

Each air tour holds 11 passengers. The planes feature comfortable seating, air conditioning and large windows. Each pilot is also a tour guide who is knowledgeable about Belize’s natural history.

Placencia is a Popular Destination

The Placencia Peninsula has become an increasingly popular tourist destination in Belize. Part of the reason is its proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef and the Blue Hole.

“The time is now right to offer a scheduled flight for the growing tourism market in the peninsula,” said Tropic Air president John Grieff. “We know visitors to Placencia want the opportunity to experience Belize’s number one attraction the way it should be seen, from the air, and we will deliver.”

Tourists also enjoy the charm and convenience of Placencia Village.

Chabil Mar Welcomes New Arrivals to Placencia

Chabil Mar Villas is pleased to know that Tropic Air’s new flights will allow more people to view one of the most stunning sights in Belize.

We welcome everyone who’s traveling to Belize to stay at our centrally located, luxury resort in the Placencia Peninsula. Our posh resort provides the ideal location for visiting the Blue Hole and charming Placencia Village. Contact us today to schedule your best Belize vacation.

She changed your diapers, put up with your “terrible twos,” stood by when your teen romances dissolved like bubbles and she’s the first person to say, “I really don’t want a thing” each time you say, “Mom, what do you want for Mother’s Day?”

If you know that flowers and candy won’t cut it because neither conveys the deep love you have for your mother, the gift of a vacation in Belize is guaranteed to elevate you to the status of being mom’s favorite child (even if you have no brothers and sisters).

The Caribbean in mid-May becomes a wonderland for moms who are often shocked that their kid(s) sprung for such a remarkable gift. You don’t have to reveal that shoulder season has started and while the weather stays idyllic, rates drop appreciably. Winter crowds have vanished, so she doesn’t have to deal with crowds. 

Once Mom gets over the shock of learning that you’re taking her to Belize, we recommend handing her pen and paper and asking her what she thinks about the following attractions so you can book the ones that are ideal:

-Did she call you “little monkey” when you were a toddler? A Monkey River tour is relaxing and calming–until primal shouts of critters for whom the river was named liven up the journey. 

-Does your mom wax poetic about reading poetry on a beach with a cocktail in hand? Belize, and particularly Placencia peninsula beaches, has so many gorgeous beaches, making a decision can be difficult.

-Does your mom literally light up when the word chocolate is mentioned? Belize chocolate tours are delicious. Mom can make her own chocolate bar and she doesn’t have to share it with you if she doesn’t want to. 

-Is your mom known for taking in every stray animal on the planet? Delight her with Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Belize Zoo or other animal-focused tours that she’ll talk about for years to come.

-Has your mom read so many murder mysteries, it’s hard to find one she hasn’t already finished? Mayan ruins throughout Belize are tucked into jungles and mysterious caves where sacred chambers still hold artifacts, ritual items and skeletal remains. 

Of course, the resort you pick for mom’s getaway can make the difference between a so-so journey and one that’s unforgettable. One of Placencia’s most popular resorts is Chabil Mar where villas, amenities and luxury are exactly what mom deserves. Chabil Mar’s onsite gourmet restaurant, spa and pool get rave reviews from Fodor’s, TripAdvisor and organizations dedicated to promoting resorts that prioritize the environment, so she’ll be pampered throughout her stay. 

Direct Mom to this page on the Chabil Mar website. Don’t be surprised if she tears up and says, “The place looks like paradise!” It is. And since she’s your angel, Chabil Mar is exactly the place she deserves to be over the Mother’s Day holiday.

Belize is a lot of things to a lot of people: a tropical paradise where newlyweds can connect, a living obstacle course for outdoor adventurers, a natural spa for rest and relaxation. But this Central American country is a great destination for families as well. Here are some of the best activities in Belize that are also suited for vacationers with kids.

Silk Cayes and Laughing Bird

Snorkeling is a great low-intensity way for kids to experience the tropical fish and other sea life off the coast of Belize safely, and there’s no better spots in Belize than Laughing Bird and Silk Cayes. The gentle, shallow waters are ideal for first-timers, but there’s still an abundance of life occupying this stretch of the Caribbean Sea. Both cayes are accessible as day trips.

Monkey River Tour

Monkey River is aptly named. The habitat is home to a vibrant population of mischievous howler monkeys, and the popularity of this region has made them hospitable to strangers. Whether your family is looking to cruise the river by boat, experience the hiking trails, or do a little light spelunking, there are plenty of options. And your kid can go back with stories of meeting wild monkeys up close and personal.

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

Looking for something a little more fierce? Cockscomb Basin is home to the world’s first jaguar preserve, but don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe for visitors of all ages. It’s also known for its gorgeous waterfalls, and its biodiversity extends well beyond the local jaguar population. It can double as a learning experience as well, instilling in kids the complicated balance of life that makes up the natural world.

Maya King Waterfalls

Maya King Waterfalls is a great place for a relaxing and laidback afternoon with the family. Your kids can go splashing in the cool pool at the foot of the waterfall while you bask on the nearby rocks. The surrounding jungle is a true sight to behold.

Nim Li Punit and Lubantuum

Belize is home to a wealth of natural beauty, but it was also once home to one of the most expansive empires in history. If you’re looking to expose your kids to the importance of history and the experience of immersing themselves in other cultures, you owe it to yourself to make a visit to Nim Li Punit or Lubantuum. Located in the south of the country, these remarkably intact ruins are a testament to the extraordinary engineering skills of the Mayan people.

A Golf Cart Stroll on the Placencia Peninsula

The Placencia Peninsula is a beautiful stretch of territory where the beach is never more than a few miles away. That means that it’s a great region to explore by golf cart. A leisurely journey through the peninsula is an ideal way to soak up the local habitat and have some quiet family bonding time.

If you’re thinking about bringing your family to Belize, don’t wait to call Chabil Mar. We offer a variety of jungle and sea packages, and we can work with you to create an itinerary your family will love.