Why Placencia Belize Is The Place To Be This Winter

Posted on November 27, 2023

As winter rolls around, the picturesque village of Placencia in southern Belize emerges as a beacon of warmth and vibrancy. Far removed from the typical icy landscapes, this destination offers a unique blend of sun-kissed beaches, rich cultural tapestries, and unparalleled natural beauty. Let’s delve into why Placencia is an ideal choice for your winter getaway, offering an experience filled with comfort, elegance, and unforgettable memories.

Placencia: A Winter Sun Sanctuary

In stark contrast to the chilly winter elsewhere, Placencia is a haven of warmth. Its sunny days and balmy evenings are perfect for exploring the outdoor wonders that this region has to offer. The beaches here are postcard-perfect, with their golden sands and tranquil waters offering a serene escape for relaxation and a myriad of water activities. Diving and snorkeling conditions are ideal in winter, offering crystal-clear views of the vibrant underwater world along the Belize Barrier Reef.

The winter season also brings to life the cultural heartbeat of Placencia. Festivals like the Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival and vibrant holiday celebrations fill the streets with music, dance, and culinary delights, offering an authentic taste of Belize’s rich heritage.

Nature and Adventure: Exploring Beyond the Beach

Just a stone’s throw from Placencia, the wonders of Belize’s natural landscapes await. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, with its sprawling rainforests and rich biodiversity, offers an ideal setting for nature walks and wildlife spotting. The cooler winter months make for pleasant exploration, whether you’re hiking through lush trails or cruising down the Monkey River, where the calls of howler monkeys and sightings of crocodiles add to the adventure.

Chabil Mar: Your Placencia Paradise

In the midst of Placencia’s charm lies Chabil Mar, a boutique resort that blends luxurious comfort with the warm hospitality Belize is known for. As your home base in Placencia, Chabil Mar offers more than just a place to stay; it is a complete experience.

With a variety of villas, each offering a blend of elegance and comfort, guests are treated to stunning views and top-notch amenities. The resort’s location is ideal, offering easy access to Placencia’s vibrant village life and natural excursions, yet providing a tranquil retreat at the day’s end.

Chabil Mar isn’t just about the luxurious accommodations; it’s about creating memorable experiences. From arranging personalized tours to ensuring each meal is a culinary journey, the resort caters to all aspects of a perfect holiday. The highlight of any stay is the opportunity to dine by the sea, where the sound of the waves and the starlit sky create a magical dining experience.

Embrace a Different Kind of Winter

Choosing Placencia, Belize, for your winter getaway means embracing a season filled with warm sun, cultural richness, and natural splendor. And at the heart of this experience is Chabil Mar, not just a resort but a gateway to everything Placencia has to offer. This winter, let the sunny shores of Placencia and the luxury of Chabil Mar transform your cold months into an unforgettable tropical adventure.

Ready to embark on this journey? Visit our website to book your stay at Chabil Mar and start planning your dream winter escape today!

25 Things You Need to Know Before You Travel to Placencia Belize

Posted on November 27, 2023

One of the most popular destinations in Belize, Placencia is a charming, low-key fishing village located at the southern tip of the Placencia Peninsula in southeastern Belize. Bordered on one side by a lovely mangrove-lined lagoon and on the other by the Caribbean Sea, Placencia is renowned for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the country.

The Placencia Peninsula measures approximately 19 miles from north to south but is just half a mile wide. With the look and feel of an island, it’s no surprise that Placencia is often described as the “caye (island) you can drive to.” But despite its popularity as a tourist destination, the main activities in Placencia are strolling the beach or motoring around on an electric golf cart.

The southeastern coast of Belize is famous for its natural beauty. Although luxury resorts and condominium developments have sprung up, Placencia has successfully managed to retain its old-world charm. Locals still head out to sea every morning in small boats to bring in the daily catch, and visitors can meander along the village’s 4,000-foot long “main street” that is a pedestrian-only sidewalk adorned with colorful murals and artwork.

Placencia is just one of three villages located on the peninsula but has lovely shops, charming cafes, seafood restaurants, a small medical clinic, and an airfield.

Whether you coming for a family vacation, a destination wedding, or romantic honeymoon, Placencia is one of the most beautiful spots in the country. It also serves as the gateway to the southern reef, a mecca for maritime activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and sailing.

And on the mainland, nearby attractions include hiking through the vast Cockscomb Basin Nature Reserve (home to some of Central America’s last surviving jaguars), learning about native wildlife and plants on a boat trip up the aptly named Monkey River, and touring ancient Maya ruins such as Nim Li Punit and Lubantuum.

Placencia Belize Guide — Silk Cayes, a popular snorkeling destination off the coast of Placencia

Lonely Planet, the largest travel guide book publisher in the world describes Placencia as follows:

“How you wind up feeling about Placencia really depends on what you’re looking for. If it’s laid-back ambience, varied accommodations and some of the best restaurants in Southern Belize, this beachfront paradise may well prove to be your personal Margaritaville. If it’s off-the-beaten-path adventure and cheaper living you’re after,Placencia might serve better as a way-station. Come on down for a few days of sandy beaches, sunny skies and great seafood before heading off to less trodden paths.”

If you are traveling to Placencia very soon, here are 25 things you need to know:

Placencia Belize Guide - Where to Stay — Chabil Mar in Placencia Belize

Placencia Village sits at the very tip of the narrow 16 mile Placencia Peninsula in Southern Belize.
Chabil Mar is located in Placencia Village. While other resorts along the Peninsula regularly advertise their location as Placencia Village, they are on the Placencia Peninsula as much as 12 miles north of the Village, in the communities of Seine Bight and Maya Beach, for instance.
To a lot of people, the Placencia Peninsula feels like an Island but it is not. Less than 2000 people live in Placencia Village.
The Placencia Peninsula is also home to two other communities: Seine Bight and Maya Beach.
The name “Placencia” is actually a distortion of Punta Placentia, the name the Spaniards gave to the peninsula in the 1800s.
In English, it means Point Pleasant.
The Main Street in Placencia Village is just a sidewalk! In fact, the “Guinness Book of World Records” recognizes it as the narrowest main street in the world.
Whale Sharks off the coast of Placencia Belize
Many people visit Placencia during the months of April, May and June to swim, dive or snorkel with giant whale sharks at the Gladden Spit Marine Reserve.
Placencia’s Lobsterfest is the village’s most famous festival and is held in June of every year. In 2013, the Placencia Lobsterfest won an award from the Belize Tourism Board as the Festival of the Year!
An Arts Festival is held in February each year, that brings artists from all over Belize to showcase their art along the 4071 foot (3/4 mile), 4 foot wide Placencia Sidewalk.
Placencia was once a sleepy fishing village.
The Placencia Peninsula boasts 16 miles of tranquil beaches.
Many travelers who vacation in Placencia do the Monkey River and the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary Tours.
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the top tours to do from Placencia
Placencia has a range of Belize resorts and hotels that can fit almost any budget.
Placencia is 35 minutes away from Belize City by air.
The road into Placencia Village is bordered by the lagoon on one side and the turquoise Caribbean on the other, and ends at the end of the Peninsula.
Placencia is world renowned for offshore fishing, diving and snorkeling.
Placencia is also well known for its very laid-back, no-shoes ambience where locals go out of their way to make sure you enjoy your visit.
Laughing Bird Caye is another popular attraction that is located off the coast of Placencia
The average temperature in sub-tropical Placencia is 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Anytime of the year is good to visit Placencia.
Getting around Placencia is very easy.
Francis Ford Coppola, the American Film Director, Producer and Screenwriter owns a resort in Placencia.
Placencia is home to many world class luxury resorts like Chabil Mar.
Laughing Bird Caye is a favorite camping site for reef kayakers who base their expeditions in Placencia.
Placencia is also known for its great food and restaurants.
The Placencia Lagoon is an imperative breeding area for saltwater crocodiles, marine turtles and the rare and endangered manatees.

Visit our website chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Placencia 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 your Belize vacation.

Bigger, Better, and Bolder: The Placencia Art Festival 2024 Promises to Be an Unforgettable Event

Posted on November 26, 2023

In 2024, Placencia will celebrate the 19th anniversary of the annual Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival, which is expected to be bigger and better than ever before. The Placencia BTIA lauded the 2023 Placencia Sidewalk Arts Festival as phenomenal and a lovely experience for everyone. With the aim of showcasing the best of Belizean art and culture in a more impactful and immersive way, the festival will feature local artists from all over the country in the charming coastal village of Placencia.

Placencia offers the perfect backdrop for a weekend of art, adventure, and relaxation. The festival spans two days, and visitors can explore the various stalls and galleries showcasing the work of local artists and artisans. Live music, dance performances, and food and drink vendors are also part of the attractions. There’s something for everyone at the festival making it a must-visit event for art, culture, and adventure enthusiasts.

Chabil Mar Resort’s prime location on the beach and complimentary use of bicycles provide guests with the opportunity to stroll along the shore or hop on a bicycle to enjoy the weekend’s events at their leisure, as often as they wish. Outdoor activities like snorkeling and fishing tours are available for those looking to experience the outdoors. For those looking to relax, the resort offers the perfect place to unwind and soak up the sun with its infinity swimming pools and beachfront. Chabil Mar features a full-service restaurant and bar, serving up fresh seafood, traditional Maya dishes, and a range of international cuisine options.

Whether you missed the 2023 Placencia Art Festival or are looking to return to experience it all over again, the 2024 festival promises to be bigger and better than ever before. Don’t miss out on the beauty, culture, and adventure of one of the most beautiful destinations in Belize. Mark your calendars and start planning your trip to Chabil Mar Resort today!

Photos by Belize Tourism Board

Belize in February

Posted on November 25, 2023

Belize in February

Belize is gaining recognition as an ideal destination for February travel, known for its extended days bathed in golden sunshine and a wide array of attractions. Its rising popularity as a must-visit location in 2024 is underscored by accolades from leading publications. Additionally, travel to Belize has become more accessible and cost-effective, thanks to recent fare specials from airlines such as JetBlue, Alaska Airlines and SouthWest. These offers, available from multiple U.S. cities, make planning a vacation to Belize in 2024 more enticing and feasible.

Events and Festivals in February

It may not be an official holiday on the calendar, but Valentine’s Day (February 14) is widely celebrated throughout the country.

Definitely don’t miss the San Pedro Carnival. The colorful island town goes to great lengths every year to top itself with concerts, dancing, parades, and food festivals during the week before Lent.

The titleholder of the world’s smallest main street, Placencia uses its iconic four-foot-wide “main street” to host the Placencia Sidewalk Arts and Music Festival every year. Artists from around the country will be on hand to demonstrate their wares, including paintings, handmade furniture, sculpture, clothing, and photographs. Enjoy a smorgasbord of food while dancing to live music.

Things to Do and See in Belize in February

There are plenty of interesting things to do in Belize during the month of February, including:

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a candlelit dinner under the stars.
Tour ancient Maya ruins like Cahal Pech and Xunantunich.
Let your freak flag fly and participate in Carnaval.
Explore the ATM (Actun Tunichil Muknal) Cave in Cayo District where Maya priests once conducted human sacrifices.
Cross into Guatemala and witness the majesty of Tikal.
Go bird watching or wilderness spotting.
Renew your wedding vows on the beach.
Get married in a breathtakingly beautiful location.
Enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, or sailing on the Belize Barrier Reef.
Enjoy an intimate and romantic honeymoon.

Belize Weather in February

Tourism numbers are usually very high in February due to the sunny days and balmy temperatures that are typical for Belize during this month. Expect highs of 80F (27C) and nights that rarely drop below 70F (21C).

Where to Stay in Belize in February

Chabil Mar is a multiple award-winning luxury resort located on the golden sands of the Placencia Peninsula. The resort offers visitors beautiful villas set in a lovely tropical oasis, the perfect winter getaway or place to enjoy a romantic vacation on Valentine’s Day.

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.

Belize: The Best Place For A 2024 Destination Wedding

Posted on November 25, 2023

Are you planning your 2024 wedding and starved for good advice? Adopt the measures suggested by Olson’s panel and you’ll be proclaimed the ultimate trendsetter yourself!

-The trend of sending cats and dogs down the aisle with the rings is disappearing.
-Eliminate pampas grass, floral foam, and barn weddings from your upcoming affair.
-Experts recommend dumping “flower walls” that kill entire wedding budgets.
-Huge weddings are fast becoming as endangered as Dodo birds. Who wants all that debt?
-Large bridal parties filled with female attendants dressed in similarly unflattering dresses? No thanks.
-Photo booths and guest books featuring Polaroid photos? So yesterday.
-Experts agree: dump the table favors. A survey proved many guests leave them behind.
-The biggest trend? Long affairs like destination weddings where a small number of guests enjoy days of carefree fun in place of a pricey splash that ends in 4 hours!

Plan your own “long celebration” to show off your style

Having eschewed extravagant ideas that include expensive favors that won’t be missed and photo booths, leave Fluffy and Rover home with their pet sitters by making the most stylish move on the list: A big celebration with the people closest to you on a tropical beach or within a lush garden at a Belize resort that checks off all of the boxes brides and grooms want when they get married.

Since Belize has been proclaimed Central America’s wedding Mecca, you won’t have to host a long list of people you can barely identify, feed them and send thank you notes for gifts you and your new spouse already own. Where to hold your extended celebration with your nearest and dearest? Chabil Mar Villas, where brides and grooms not only have a magazine cover-worthy affair but they save lots of money, too.

Chabil Mar: Where paradise meets affordability

Chabil Mar Villas is best known for is putting together memorable weddings for couples eager to share this sacred moment with people they adore. Who needs a ballroom filled with crystal chandeliers when palm trees, a warming sun, and the turquoise Caribbean Sea surround you and your guests?

Cost? Visit ValuePenguin.com where researchers verify the fact that the average cost of a U.S. wedding is $29,858, which means it could be even more expensive in your state. Compare your state’s total to Chabil Mar’s Belize Wedding Packages starting at $2,750 USD!

Chabil Mar wedding package perks are amazing. You get:

-The services of a personal wedding planner
-Beach or garden ceremonial decor
-Bouquet and boutonniere
-A wedding cake
-Bottle of champagne
-Minister’s fees
-Private pier dinner
-Services of a photographer
-Transfers to and from the resort.

Your personal wedding planner helps with paperwork that includes registering your marriage with Belize authorities and a certified copy of your marriage certificate. There’s lots more. Visit the resort’s wedding page to peruse extras you can add to your package.

Everyone stays together at the resort

Since guests stay at the resort to attend your wedding, the fun doesn’t stop with the ceremony. Treat everyone to group excursions like diving, snorkeling, touring Maya ceremonial sites plus cultural activities that bring friends and family members together for more than the chance to witness the beginning of your shared life.

Given the affordable cost of this basic package, couples find they can add extras, so your grand adventure is guaranteed to meet the 2023 criteria for the “long celebration” destined to be next year’s biggest wedding trend. Expect your big-spending friends to be envious when you return home tan, blissful and without a cent of wedding debt!

Visit our website for more information on getting married in 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 wedding vacation.