Chabil Mar Resort - Belize Blog, Belize Vacation Planning

Why March & April Are Perfect for Your Belize Beach Getaway

Posted on January 21, 2025

When it comes to planning a beach vacation, timing can make all the difference. For those considering Belize, March and April stand out as two of the best months to visit. With warm, sunny weather, calm seas, and a vibrant atmosphere, these months offer the perfect backdrop for a tropical escape. Staying at Chabil Mar, an award-winning guest exclusive resort in Placencia, enhances the experience, combining beachfront luxury with unmatched access to Belize’s natural and cultural wonders.

Perfect Weather for Relaxation and Exploration

March and April fall during Belize’s dry season, known for its abundant sunshine, clear skies, and low humidity. Daytime temperatures range from 80°F to 85°F, creating an ideal environment for outdoor activities like swimming, snorkeling, and lounging on the beach. The evenings are pleasantly cool, inviting guests to enjoy al fresco dining or a quiet stroll along Placencia’s pristine shoreline.

The calm seas during these months make water-based adventures particularly enjoyable. Whether you’re snorkeling at Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, diving along the Belize Barrier Reef, or simply paddling in the tranquil waters of Placencia Lagoon, March and April provide the perfect conditions for exploring Belize’s stunning marine ecosystems.

A Time of Vibrant Culture and Natural Wonders

March and April bring more than just great weather to Belize—they also offer opportunities to experience the country’s rich culture and natural beauty. Placencia Village comes alive with a friendly and festive atmosphere, as visitors and locals alike enjoy the charm of its colorful streets, waterfront cafes, and boutique shops.

This period is also ideal for exploring Belize’s inland attractions. With dry trails and lush landscapes, you can visit ancient Maya cities like Nim Li Punit, hike through the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, or enjoy a guided tour of Belize’s tropical forests. For those looking to balance adventure with relaxation, Placencia offers a seamless blend of both.

But perhaps the most magical experience of all happens offshore, where the waters around Gladden Spit become a stage for one of nature’s most incredible phenomena: the gathering of whale sharks. Every year, these gentle giants visit the area, drawn by the spawning of reef fish. Snorkelers and divers have the rare chance to swim alongside these majestic creatures, making for an unforgettable encounter with Belize’s vibrant marine life.

Why Chabil Mar is the Ultimate Choice

Chabil Mar elevates the March and April beach getaway experience. Its private beachfront villas provide a serene retreat, offering stunning ocean views, spacious interiors, and modern amenities designed to ensure comfort and privacy. The resort’s personalized service adds a thoughtful touch to every moment, whether it’s arranging a guided tour, a romantic beachfront dinner, or a snorkeling excursion.

Placencia’s central location makes Chabil Mar an excellent base for exploring both land and sea. Guests can easily venture to the nearby cayes, discover Southern Belize’s untouched reefs, or immerse themselves in the rich local culture of Placencia Village. The resort’s tranquil ambiance, coupled with its proximity to the peninsula’s attractions, ensures that your Belize vacation is both relaxing and enriching.

Make March & April Your Time to Visit

March and April offer everything you could want from a Belize beach getaway: perfect weather, vibrant culture, and a wealth of activities to enjoy. Staying at Chabil Mar adds a layer of luxury and personalization to your experience, ensuring that every detail of your trip is memorable.

Whether you’re dreaming of basking in the sun, exploring the reef, or diving into Belize’s cultural and natural treasures, these months provide the perfect opportunity to make it happen. Contact us today to book your March or April getaway and discover why Placencia and Chabil Mar are the ultimate destinations for your tropical escape.

Visit our website Chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize and Chabil Mar, 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.

Family Fun in Belize: Must-Do Activities for an Unforgettable Beach Trip

Posted on January 21, 2025

A family beach vacation is more than just a getaway; it’s a chance to create cherished memories with your loved ones. In Placencia, Belize, where pristine beaches meet vibrant marine and cultural adventures, there’s no shortage of activities to keep the whole family entertained. From snorkeling among colorful coral reefs to exploring ancient Maya cities, Placencia offers a mix of relaxation and excitement perfect for all ages.

Staying at Chabil Mar adds a touch of luxury and convenience to your experience, providing the ideal base for your family’s Belize adventure.

7 Must-Do Activities for Family Beach Fun

Snorkeling Adventures
Placencia’s proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef makes it an ideal destination for snorkeling. Families can visit the Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, where calm, shallow waters are teeming with tropical fish, rays, and even sea turtles. It’s a safe and thrilling way for kids and adults to discover the underwater world.
Manatee Spotting in Placencia Lagoon
A gentle boat ride through the Placencia Lagoon offers a chance to see manatees in their natural habitat. These slow-moving marine mammals are a joy to watch and provide an educational experience for children as they learn about Belize’s unique ecosystems.
Maya Ruins Exploration
Take a family trip to nearby Nim Li Punit or Lubaantun, where ancient Maya history comes to life. Walking among towering stone structures and listening to the stories of this fascinating civilization offers a hands-on history lesson everyone will enjoy.
Kayaking Adventures:
Placencia’s calm waters are perfect for kayaking. Paddle along the coast or through the lagoon, spotting birds, fish, and even the occasional dolphin. It’s a great way for families to stay active while enjoying the stunning scenery.
Beach Games and Relaxation:
Sometimes the best family memories are made with the simplest activities. Build sandcastles, play frisbee, or simply lounge under the sun while the kids splash in the gentle waves. Placencia’s beaches provide the perfect backdrop for family fun.
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary:
A short trip inland takes families to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can hike jungle trails, swim in natural pools, and explore the lush rainforest. It’s an adventure that combines nature and exercise, perfect for curious kids and active parents.
Local Culture in Placencia Village:
Stroll through Placencia Village to enjoy its vibrant local culture. From sampling fresh Belizean treats at cafes to shopping for handcrafted souvenirs, the village offers a family-friendly way to connect with Belizean life.

Why Chabil Mar is Perfect for Families

At Chabil Mar, we understand what families need for a memorable vacation. Our spacious private villas provide plenty of room for everyone to relax, while our beachfront location ensures easy access to all the activities Placencia has to offer.

Our concierge team is dedicated to creating seamless experiences for families, from arranging guided tours to recommending kid-friendly adventures. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or excitement, Chabil Mar is here to make your family beach vacation unforgettable.

Create Lasting Memories in Placencia

A beach vacation in Placencia, Belize, offers the perfect mix of fun, adventure, and relaxation for the whole family. With activities that range from snorkeling and wildlife spotting to cultural exploration and beach games, every moment is an opportunity to connect and create lasting memories.

Book your stay at Chabil Mar today and let us help you plan the ultimate family beach vacation.

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

Posted on January 21, 2025

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 July 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.

Take A Snorkeling And Scuba Diving Trip to Belize This Year!

Posted on January 18, 2025

Explore the World Beneath the Waves at Chabil Mar

The calm, ecologically diverse, and often sparkling clear waters of the Caribbean have long made it a favored spot for divers from around the world, but Belize in particular has a special place in a lot of hearts. There’s an obvious reason for that too. The Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest reef of its kind in the world, and that uniqueness has transformed it into one of the most colorful and vibrant marine ecosystems around.

Sustainable Marine Ecosystems

Fortunately, the Belize government recognizes the inherent value of the Belize Barrier Reef both for the tourism industry and for its uniqueness. While the reef system was once on UNESCO’s list of world heritage sites in danger, it’s since been removed thanks to substantial conservation efforts on the part of the Belize government. That’s obviously a big win for the environment and for future generations, but it also means that the diving and snorkeling sites off of Belize’s coast and near the barrier reef are going to continue to be majestic for a long time to come.

Placencia: The Gateway to the Best Dive Spots

If there’s one thing there’s no shortage of along Belize’s east coast, it’s idyllic dive spots. The Belize Barrier Reef is nearly 200 miles long, and the surrounding waters are home to over 400 cayes. But there are tantalizing places for snorkeling and scuba diving directly from the mainland too. Placencia itself is a narrow peninsula that stretches approximately 16 miles from North to South, and the nearby Silk Cayes are the well-regarded diving spots in Belize. All told, there are over 20 named dive spots just in the southern region surrounding Placencia.

A Diving and Snorkeling Package Suited to You

Chabil Mar is one of the most popular beach resorts in Placencia, so it’s only natural that we offer a range of Belize vacation packages for visitors looking to scuba dive or snorkel. The truly adventurous will love the 7 night stay that will take them all up and down the coast, but more modest options are available as well. And for those who want something really special and can be flexible with their schedule, the spring and early summer months bring gentle whale sharks to the coast that you can swim with.

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.

Making the Most of Your Stay in Placencia Belize

Posted on January 18, 2025

Picture this: your toes sinking into impossibly soft sand, the warm Caribbean Sea kissing your skin, and the gentle rustle of palm trees creating a soundtrack to your very own tropical paradise. That’s Placencia, Belize – a charming coastal village overflowing with natural beauty and laid-back vibes. Whether you crave adventure, crave relaxation, or a bit of both, Placencia has endless ways to fill your days with unforgettable memories.

Unpacking the Placencia Experience

Known for its miles of pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and proximity to some of Belize’s most spectacular attractions, Placencia is a jewel in the crown of this small but mighty country. There’s a rhythm here that lulls you into vacation mode effortlessly. Days slip by, punctuated by dips in the ocean, explorations of colorful streets, and evenings spent savoring fresh, local flavors. Let’s dive a little deeper into experiences that make Placencia so special:

The Call of the Sea: From snorkeling with vibrant marine life to exhilarating dives along the Belize Barrier Reef, the sea is Placencia’s playground. Kayak through mangroves, try your hand at sailing, or take a fishing trip – there’s no wrong way to soak up the salty air.
Into the Green: The rainforest is just a short hop away. Hike to hidden waterfalls in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, home to jaguars and other fascinating creatures. Explore ancient Maya ruins shrouded in lush greenery for a glimpse into the past.
Placencia Village Vibes: This vibrant hub is the heart of Placencia, where you can stroll the “world’s narrowest main street,” admire the art, sample Belizean chocolate, and mingle with the welcoming locals who contribute to the village’s charm.

Slow Down, Placencia Style

Of course, sometimes the most luxurious thing you can do on vacation is absolutely nothing. Placencia excels in those moments too. Grab a good book, find a perfect hammock, and surrender to the gentle sway. Indulge in a blissful beach massage, let the sound of the waves carry your worries away, and relish hours when “what to do next” isn’t on your itinerary.

Chabil Mar: Your Dreamy Placencia Home Base

To truly savor all that Placencia offers, choose a resort that’s an extension of the experience – and that’s where Chabil Mar shines brightly. Imagine waking to the sound of the sea, stepping onto your private verandah with your morning coffee, and breathing in a view that makes your heart sing.

From luxurious villas to unparalleled service, Chabil Mar provides the perfect balance of creature comforts, personalized attention, and an incredible beachfront location right on the edge of Placencia Village. Soak in the pool, dine al fresco with the sand between your toes, and let Chabil Mar be the springboard to your Placencia adventures…or your cozy hideaway from the world. This is your vacation, your way, and it’s sure to be one you’ll never forget.

Visit 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.

Why March & April Are Perfect for Your Belize Beach Getaway

Perfect Weather for Relaxation and Exploration