Chabil Mar Resort - Belize Blog, Belize Vacation Planning

Placencia’s Best Stays: Should You Go All-Inclusive or Choose Your Own Adventure?

Posted on March 24, 2025

Planning a vacation to Placencia, Belize, comes with a delicious dilemma—do you go all-inclusive or à la carte? Each option has its appeal, and in a destination known for its mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural charm, your decision can shape the rhythm and flavor of your entire trip.

At Chabil Mar Villas Boutique Guest Exclusive Resort, we understand that no two travelers are alike. That’s why we offer a unique approach that blends the best of both worlds. Whether you crave freedom and flexibility or want everything bundled for ease, this is where your Placencia experience begins to feel personal.

The Case for All-Inclusive: Simplicity, Savings, and Seamless Experience

If your ideal vacation includes showing up and having everything taken care of, an all-inclusive stay can be the stress-free ticket to paradise. Meals, drinks, local excursions, and sometimes even spa treatments are included, giving you the freedom to indulge without checking your wallet every few hours.

For families or couples looking for a relaxing getaway, this can be especially appealing. You can settle in, enjoy Belizean cuisine crafted by our chefs, sip cocktails on the beach, and dive into curated adventures like snorkeling, Maya ruin visits, or wildlife tours—all arranged for you.

It also makes budgeting a breeze. There are no surprises when you check out, which is great peace of mind if you’re traveling with a group or simply want to keep things easy.

The À La Carte Approach: Flexibility and Freedom

On the flip side, maybe you’re the kind of traveler who likes to follow your own compass. You might want to spend one day relaxing by the pool, another hopping between local restaurants in Placencia Village, and another venturing off on a jungle hike. If that sounds like your speed, à la carte gives you the freedom to craft your days exactly how you like them.

Placencia is bursting with flavor, and choosing à la carte means you can savor local eateries, explore hidden beach bars, or grab fresh fruit from a roadside stand. You’re not tied to meal schedules or menus, and if spontaneity is your style, this is your jam.

Chabil Mar is perfectly located just a stroll away from the heart of Placencia Village, so dining and adventure options are within easy reach. Combine that with private beachfront villas and award-winning resort service, and your à la carte stay can still feel luxuriously complete—just on your terms.

Why Not a Bit of Both?

Here’s the secret: you don’t have to choose just one. At Chabil Mar, we offer flexible packages that allow you to enjoy a bit of everything. Want to go all-inclusive for a few days, then explore independently? We can make that happen. Prefer to design your experience with our help, one day at a time? That works too.

What makes Chabil Mar special is that it doesn’t feel like a one-size-fits-all resort. It feels like your home in Belize—with the bonus of luxury, ocean views, and personalized hospitality that adapts to your travel style.

So, whether you’re a planner or a free spirit, a foodie or an explorer, there’s a perfect stay waiting for you in Placencia. Let us help you create it.

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.

Is May a Good Month to Travel to Placencia, Belize? Let’s Just Say…Yes!

Posted on March 24, 2025

If you’ve been wondering whether May is the right time to visit Placencia, we’ll save you the suspense—yes, it is. While it may not fall into the “peak” tourist season, that’s actually part of the charm. May offers a beautiful balance of sunshine, warm Caribbean breezes, and just enough peace and quiet to make it feel like your own private slice of paradise.

So before you rule out a Belize vacation in May, let’s take a closer look at why Placencia shines during this lush, sun-drenched month.

More Sunshine, Fewer Crowds

May is often considered the start of Belize’s “shoulder season,” which just means fewer tourists and more room to roam. You’ll enjoy daytime temperatures in the low-to-mid 80s, plenty of sunshine, and those balmy tropical evenings that are made for beach walks and dining under the stars.

Unlike the wetter months to come, May typically brings brief, refreshing showers—usually in the early morning or evening—that cool things down without interrupting your plans. With the high season winding down, popular spots like Silk Cayes, Monkey River, or even the charming Placencia Sidewalk are less crowded, giving you a more relaxed, personal experience.

And if you love a great deal (who doesn’t?), May often comes with better rates on flights and accommodations—including a dreamy beachfront villa at Chabil Mar.

Festivals, Whale Sharks, and Endless Fun

There’s another reason May stands out—it’s festival season! One of the biggest cultural celebrations in the south is the Chocolate Festival of Belize, typically held in nearby Toledo District around mid-May. It’s a sweet and immersive way to celebrate Belize’s Maya heritage and cacao-rich history, complete with tastings, cultural performances, and live music.

May is also prime time for whale shark sightings off the coast of Placencia, especially around the full moon. These gentle giants make their way to Gladden Spit during this time to feed, creating an unforgettable opportunity for divers and snorkelers to swim alongside one of the ocean’s most majestic creatures.

If you prefer land adventures, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, home to jaguars and vibrant birdlife, is pristine and alive this time of year. Or, soak in the culture of Placencia Village, just minutes from Chabil Mar, where life slows down, locals welcome you with a smile, and every day feels like a celebration of the simple pleasures.

Why Chabil Mar is the Perfect Place to Stay in May

Tucked right on the beach and just a short stroll from Placencia Village, Chabil Mar Villas Boutique Guest Exclusive Resort is your ideal May hideaway. With private beachfront villas, two infinity pools, gourmet dining, and personalized service, it offers both luxury and the kind of genuine warmth that makes you feel right at home.

Whether you’re relaxing on your veranda with a view of the Caribbean, diving into a May-time marine adventure, or sipping cocktails under a palm tree, Chabil Mar makes every moment in May feel magical.

So, is May a good month to travel to Placencia, Belize? We think it just might be the perfect one.

4 Reasons Placencia Belize Should be Your Caribbean Holiday Destination

Posted on March 19, 2025

As travel to Central America is regaining momentum, consider the Placencia Peninsula for your ideal holiday destination. Nestled in Belize’s Stann Creek District, this charming 16-mile-long stretch offers everything you could wish for in a vacation spot. Why choose Placencia over other locations? It’s simply unparalleled in its beauty and offerings!

Placencia is a finger of land nearly surrounded by water so if you can’t get enough water sports, this is a diver’s and snorkeler’s paradise. At the end of the 16 miles lies Placencia Village, commonly known as “The Island You Can Walk To”. The Village is the epicenter of the local population, culture, daily life, shops, markets, and other fun activities, including the areas’ annual festivals, such as Lobsterfest, Art & Music, and, home to Chabil Mar. Also home to jungles, Maya ruins, charming villages, and everything visitors crave in a Caribbean vacation, this area has so much to offer, we had a hard time coming up with just 4!

1. The beaches

Whether it’s TripAdvisor, Conde Nast Johansen, or National Geographic, there’s no argument among these and other resources that Placencia beaches are out of this world. Whether you intend to swim in the Caribbean Sea or you’d just as soon float on the lagoon side of the peninsula, these magnificent stretches of beachfront never disappoint.

2. The food

What determines a foodie destination? Diversity. Authenticity. Placencia’s food scene offers both which is why Belize cuisine is finding its rightful place on the international gourmet scene. While Belize food has distinct Caribbean flavors, you may seek variety during your stay. Frommer’s recommends De’Tatch Seafood Bar and Grill (Belizean), Mare (Italian), Maya Beach Bistro (Fusion), Omar’s Diner (Belizean) Pickled Parrot (comfort food), and Rumfish y Vino (international). These should get you started.

3. The Caribbean Sea

Enjoy every minute of your time on “the island you can walk to.” Sail and fish the waters off Placencia or don gear and find out why world-renowned aquatic legends call this area the ideal jump-off point for activities under the sea and on the surface. Belize’s Barrier Reef, located close to the peninsula, is a must-see geological wonder, too.

4. Luxury Accommodations at Chabil Mar Villas

How important is the quality of the place you stay during your Caribbean holiday? This can make or break your vacation, which is why Chabil Mar has become the peninsula’s lodging hot spot. Visit the Chabil Mar Belize accommodations page to see breathtaking choices that range from a luxury 2000-square-foot seafront villa to gorgeous suites.

Select from the Chabil Mar Belize vacation package menu for the best vacation of your life. These bundles include gourmet meals served at the resort’s award-winning restaurant, complimentary use of bicycles, kayaks and paddleboards, 2 infinity beachside pools, and a private beachfront made for relaxation and contemplation.

Specialized tours associated with each package allow you to customize your stay and if you could use a little more incentive, how about extending your holiday dates to qualify for discounted rates or avail yourself of current specials? Skip the crowds. Find tranquility. Fill your days and nights with fun. Don’t be surprised if you come up with at least 4 more reasons to choose Placencia for your next Caribbean holiday!

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.

See Belize from the Saddle of a Horse!

Posted on March 19, 2025

It’s not the sort of ranch one would expect in an ocean paradise, but in fact, if you’re the adventurous sort and have a penchant for touring that transcends hiking and sailing, how about a horseback riding tour of Belize to see this land from a different perspective? Not every resort offers a signature horseback riding tour, but Chabil Mar, the luxury destination preference of North Americans does, so this is the place you will want to stay for multiple reasons while visiting Belize. Lush accommodations. First-class service. An onsite restaurant that’s a gourmet’s dream. But when you take your horseback tour, the dress code runs from jeans and t-shirts to sturdy shoes!

No experience required

If you were about to say thanks but no thanks because the last time you rode a horse was during a carousel ride ages ago, Chabil Mar’s horseback riding excursion is designed for you. Easy trails, lots of instruction and gentle horses make it a relaxing experience. On the other hand, if you know your way around saddles, bridles and reins, guides will take you on the ride your life, over paths that wind around jungles and rain forests where plants, flowers, trees, birds and perhaps a curious member of Belize’s wildlife community will welcome you to their world.

Horse talk

Horses and jungles? Not usually a common pairing, but in fact, horses have been right at home in Belize for centuries. They’ve been used for pulling wagons, tilling fields, general transport and recreational riding. Though smaller in size than the horses you may be used to riding, these animals are specifically trained to navigate Belize terrain, including hillsides where mud and obstacles require surefooted animals. Because the ranch that’s home to these horses is quite expansive, mounts born and bred on premises are gentle, rider-friendly horses—-trained from the day they’re born to respond to riders of all ages.

Wranglers

Guests of Chabil Mar opting for a day of horseback riding often return to the resort raving about the horses and the people who handle them and you’ll likely feel the same way. These professional guides are skilled at working with kids and adults, and they always accompany riders out into the jungle, guiding them along paths with which they are extremely familiar. But that’s not the end of the story: guides also know a lot about Belize’s history, culture and wildlife, so as you ride beneath tree canopies and along the Sittee River, where jumping off the horse to take a swim is part of the tour, you’ll learn plenty about Belize’s natural resources.

Arrangements

To take advantage of Chabil Mar’s unique horseback riding experience, all you need do is book the tour with resort staff and you’ve done the hard work. Plan to go as a couple or in a group of up to 12. As long as members of your party are over the age of 7 and weigh less than 250 pounds, everyone can be accommodated. You’ll leave the resort in the morning—travel to the ranch and ride throughout the morning, returning to Chabil Mar for lunch. Bring bug spray, sunblock, a hat, and sunglasses, and don’t forget a camera so you can snap photos of everything from natural wonders to your horse. This all-inclusive tour is popular, so book your horseback riding experience when you reserve your accommodations and you won’t miss a moment of fun.

For more information about horseback riding in 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.

Best Beaches in Belize to Visit in May

Posted on March 19, 2025

For travelers seeking the ideal blend of tropical beauty and warm-weather bliss, Belize emerges as a captivating destination. This small yet vibrant country boasts a remarkable coastline, dotted with beaches perfect for relaxing or adventuring. May presents an especially advantageous time to visit Belize, offering a host of benefits for sun and sand enthusiasts.

The Allure of May: Weather, Crowds, and Wildlife

By venturing to Belize in May, beachgoers can enjoy the perks of shoulder season travel. Crowds from the peak winter season have dispersed, while the summer rains have yet to arrive. This translates to better value on accommodations and more open space to savor those idyllic beaches. Additionally, the weather in May is nothing short of spectacular—sunny skies, gentle breezes, and water so inviting one might be tempted to simply take up residence within it.

Perhaps most compellingly, May coincides with the whale shark season in Belize. These gentle giants migrate to the Gladden Spit area, providing an unforgettable opportunity for snorkelers to encounter them in their natural habitat.

Placencia: A Beach Lover’s Paradise

When searching for the crème de la crème of Belizean beaches in May, Placencia stands out as an exceptional choice. This charming peninsula in southern Belize boasts a seemingly endless stretch of incredibly soft sand, rightfully earning its reputation as a barefoot paradise. Placencia caters to diverse tastes—those seeking lively beach bars will find them, alongside tranquil spots for hammock lounging and untouched stretches for nature lovers.

The town’s culinary scene is equally delightful, ranging from fresh seafood shacks and cozy cafes to more upscale dining experiences, ensuring a satisfying trip for any palate. Beyond its beaches, Placencia offers a gateway to a variety of adventures. Visitors can explore ancient Maya ruins, snorkel amidst vibrant reefs, or venture into lush jungles for a dose of rainforest exploration.

Luxury and Comfort at Chabil Mar

To truly maximize the Placencia experience, a stay at Chabil Mar promises to elevate any beach getaway. This resort transcends mere accommodation, providing guests with a luxurious home away from home directly on the beachfront. Spacious villas with ocean views and thoughtful amenities create the feel of a private beach retreat. Chabil Mar’s commitment to exceptional service is evident in the warm hospitality of its staff. Furthermore, its on-site restaurant serves up a delectable blend of tropical flavors and Belizean specialties, ensuring guests are fueled for their beach adventures.

Mother’s Day falls in May, making Chabil Mar a particularly appealing choice for those wishing to treat their mom to an exceptional getaway. Imagine shared strolls on the beach, refreshing drinks by the pool, and the creation of cherished memories. Chabil Mar embodies the ideal setting to celebrate and show appreciation for mothers.

Don’t just dream about the perfect May beach escape – turn it into reality! Book your stay at Chabil Mar today and experience the epitome of Belizean beach luxury. Visit our website and start planning your unforgettable getaway filled with warm breezes, sunshine, and the best beach time imaginable.

Placencia’s Best Stays: Should You Go All-Inclusive or Choose Your Own Adventure?

The Case for All-Inclusive: Simplicity, Savings, and Seamless Experience