Chabil Mar Manager, Author at Chabil Mar Villas

Rare Encounter: Beautiful Whale Shark Spotted off the Shores of Chabil Mar Beach

Posted on April 1, 2023

Imagine waking up this morning to the sight of a majestic whale shark gracefully gliding through the crystal-clear waters of Chabil Mar Beach. That’s precisely the experience a fortunate group of early-morning beachgoers had today. These awestruck onlookers were treated to an unforgettable encounter with the magnificent creature, measuring up to 40 feet in length.

Larry France, the marketing manager at Chabil Mar, could hardly contain his excitement when he recounted the incredible sighting: “We couldn’t believe it! Our guests were in the perfect place at the perfect time to witness this awe-inspiring event. Just imagine seeing a creature that enormous up close and personal. It’s like something straight out of a dream! While whale sharks are known to frequent the waters around Belize, catching a glimpse of one in all its splendor is truly a rare and memorable treat.”

For those unfamiliar with them, whale sharks are the ocean’s largest fish, weighing up to 20 tons. Despite their massive size, they are gentle giants and pose no threat to humans. In fact, swimming with these majestic creatures is a popular activity for tourists visiting Belize.

If you happen to spot a whale shark during your stay at Chabil Mar, be sure to capture the moment in a photo and share it with us on social media. And if you haven’t yet booked your Belize vacation, what are you waiting for? Come and explore the natural wonders of this stunning country for yourself.

For any skeptics questioning the authenticity of this whale shark sighting, we have one thing to say: Happy April Fools’ Day! While it’s true that whale sharks do visit the waters around Belize, there have been no reports of one venturing as close to shore as Chabil Mar Beach. We hope we were able to inject a little excitement and adventure into your day with this playful prank.

Placencia Named the Perfect Coastal Town for a Quiet Vacation

Posted on January 11, 2023

The travel magazine The Travel has listed Placencia, Belize, as one of its “10 Beautiful Coastal Towns to Enjoy Some Quiet Vacation.”

As the article says, “Placencia…graces visitors with plenty of white sand beaches and scenic forest areas. Placencia is a place where one can forget all their cares and just enjoy some luxury and scenery at one of the numerous beach resorts.”

Where Is Placencia?

Placencia sits on the southern tip of the Placencia Peninsula, a 16-mile curved coastline of stunning beaches.

Placencia has a slow, easy pace, and you’ll find yourself slowing down to match it. While you’re here, you’ll enjoy sun-soaked days and relaxing nights.

Take It Easy in Placencia

With white sand, swaying palms, and a laid-back, friendly atmosphere, Placencia is perfect for people seeking a quiet getaway. Placencia Village, the largest destination on the peninsula, is a short walk from the beachfront. You can stroll through it easily as you check out the dining spots, nightclubs, and shops.

Best Things to Do in Placencia

Some people choose to spend their Placencia vacation on the beach. There’s nothing wrong with that, but there are plenty of other activities you should be sure to try while you’re here.

• Check out a beach bar: Placencia has some great beach bars to go with its wonderful beaches. Sit on a waterside dock while you enjoy a frosty tropical drink and watch the sunset.
• Try Belizean food: Food is fresh, affordable, and delicious in Belize. Be sure to try some local specialties like fry jacks, escabeche soup, and rice and beans with stew chicken or fry fish which are a national dish here.
• Enjoy the water: Kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, and diving are all popular activities here. Placencia is world famous for the gorgeous marine life in its surrounding waters.
• Visit a wildlife sanctuary: Placencia is close to some of Belize’s most beautiful marine reserves and wildlife sanctuaries, including Laughing Bird Caye National Park and Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Where to Stay in Placencia

At Chabil Mar, you’ll have everything you need for a blissful Belize getaway. Walking distance to Placencia Village, the resort offers private beachfront villas, two infinity swimming pools, on-site dining, and gorgeous landscaping. With tour offerings and great guest amenities, you’ll enjoy the best of Placencia.

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 or WhatsApp us at +501-633-7547.

Placencia, Belize, Makes “Top 10 Most Inspirational” Travel Experiences

Posted on January 3, 2023

In a recent roundup of the year’s most exhilarating travel moments, the magazine 7×7 included a snorkeling trip to Placencia, Belize.

According to travel writer Shoshi Parks, “Coral reef devastation has changed the snorkeling game around the world. But off Placencia in southern Belize, the Caribbean’s underwater forests are still teeming with fluorescent fish.”

We’re delighted that Placencia made that list because we know how special it is.

Get Inspired in Belize

Are you ready to have a travel experience that’s unforgettably inspiring? Here’s why Placencia should be your next destination.

• Stunning beaches. The Placencia Peninsula is a 16-mile stretch of shorefront that locals call “barefoot perfect” for its soft sand, constant breezes, and turquoise waters. It’s a beach lover’s dream.
• Amazing aquatic life. The clear Caribbean waters off Placencia are perfect for snorkeling, diving, or visiting on a charter boat. These nationally protected marine refuges are home to many rare, endangered species, including sea turtles, manatees, and exotic waterfowl. Warm water and deep visibility make it easy for anyone to see dolphins, stingrays, and colorful reef fish.
• Chance to slow down. Everything moves at a slower pace in Belize, and you’ll find yourself slowing down to match that mood. Placencia Village, the largest town on the peninsula, is a small, quaint, former fishing village that’s home to unique stores, galleries, and restaurants.

Find Your Fun

Belize is filled with fun for every traveler. Spend the day at one of our many wildlife refuges or conservation centers to learn how we protect iguanas, howler monkeys, jaguars, and scarlet macaws. Hike through a rainforest, and cool off by stepping into a waterfall.

Spend your vacation taking yoga classes, getting spa treatments, and relaxing on your beach chair. Discover the many cultures that make Belize a unique country through learning about the food, music, and crafts of the Garifuna, Maya, and Mennonite communities.

Experience True Relaxation at the Chabil Mar

When you’re planning your Placencia getaway, the best place to call home is Chabil Mar. Stay in an elegant villa on a private beachfront with your own verandah, outdoor dining area, and access to everything Placencia offers. Experience fine dining, custom vacation packages, roaming butler service, and more. Save by booking directly with us.

Visit our website 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.

Travel Noire: Belize Is a Top Winter Destination

Posted on December 1, 2022

The online travel magazine Travel Noire has named Belize one of the top destinations to escape to during the winter. That’s no surprise to us. There are many good reasons to visit Belize during the winter months. Here are just a few.

Belize Has Something for Everyone

Belize is the perfect destination for every traveler. If you enjoy outdoor adventures, you’re covered with incredible hiking, fishing, cave exploring, and wilderness treks. Do you enjoy immersing yourself in history and culture? Dive into Belize’s rich mix of cultures and its historical importance as a primary site of the Maya civilization. If you prefer taking it easy on the beach, welcome to some of the most stunning, white-sand beaches and easygoing beach towns in the world.

The Weather Is at Its Best

Belize is warm and sunny most of the year, but the weather is most pleasant from December through March. It’s not unbearably hot, and you can enjoy most outdoor activities. Average daytime temperatures are in the mid-to-high-70s. Ocean breezes make it enjoyable to walk around, hike, sail, go to the beach, or tour Belize’s many attractions.

It’s the High Season in Belize

Winter is the main tourist season in Belize, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be surrounded by crowds. It never gets overly busy in this sparsely populated country where much of the natural land is wild and untouched. That just means everything is open, and you can do everything on your Belize bucket list.

Festival Fever Is Raging

Belize is known for its many colorful festivals, and the winter months are a wonderful way to experience Belizean cuisine, music, crafts, and history. It’s the only country with two major carnivals, the San Pedro Carnival and Fiesta de Carnaval, which are both in February. December brings the Maya Solstice Festival, a holiday boat parade, Christmas celebrations, and a Boxing Day festival.

Make Your Stay Special at Chabil Mar

To get the most out of your Belize vacation, stay at Chabil Mar. This luxurious, full-service resort is just steps from the gorgeous beaches of Placencia. Stay in a private villa with a private pier, award-winning restaurants, and guest-exclusive amenities. Check out our Belize vacation packages for a stay that’s truly special.

Visit our website 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.

Battle of the Drums Returns After Two Years

Posted on November 10, 2022

The 17th annual Battle of the Drums Competition and Show is returning for the first time in two years since the pandemic hit and with only a few more days to spare, the tempo among competitors and spectators is growing by the minute as they await the return of one of the biggest cultural events in the country.

The Competition

The Battle of the Drums as it is known locally is scheduled to take place this weekend on November 12th at the Punta Gorda Sporting Complex. It is held annually the weekend prior to Garifuna Settlement Day celebration and is used as a means to pay tribute to the Garifuna people, and their culture through traditional music. With the event being put on pause for two years due to the pandemic and having to revert to online, this year’s celebration is promising to be the biggest yet, with not only local competitors but drummers from Honduras and Guatemala, for a face-to-face duel. The competition will include Garifuna musical genres in gunjei, hungu hungu, parranda, punta and punta rock subgenres.

History of the Battle of the Drums

First introduced on November 17th, 2006, the first competition was held in Punta Gorda Town, and having been well received among competitors, locals, and visitors the event was dubbed a major success. Within the following two years, word of the competition had not only spread across the country but in the neighboring Garifuna communities across the border in Guatemala and Honduras, sparking interest among drummers, and drawing a much larger audience. While the festivities serve as a venue to display the Garifuna culture and music, proceeds from the sale of tickets are used to fund Garifuna cultural projects within Punta Gorda Town and other communities.

History of the Garifuna People

The Garifuna people in Belize are descendants of a shipwreck slave ship who intermarried with the Arawak Indians of the island of St. Vincent in the Caribbean. To escape further persecution, they fled to Central America, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Guatemala. Over the years they have settled along the coast of Belize in areas such as Dangriga which is considered the cultural capital as well as Punta Gorda, Hopkins, Seine Bight, and other smaller communities in the south. Garinagu are a proud set of people who have managed to preserve their unique culture through songs, dance, food, and language. They mostly express themselves through their dance and music, which have specific functions and are embedded with their values, morals, history, and identity.

Where to Stay When in The South

Whether or not you can keep up with the fast-paced dancing and drumming, we can guarantee that by the end of the day you will be beaten by exhaustion and looking for that perfect escape. We suggest that you take advantage of our impeccable service at Chabil Mar. We pride ourselves in being a top-tier resort located in Placencia Village and within close proximity to Punta Gorda Town where the event is scheduled to take place.

Author: Chabil Mar Manager