Chabil Mar Resort - Belize Blog, Belize Vacation Planning

Giant Iguana–on a Mission to Find a Mate–Found in Belize!

Posted on March 31, 2019

Before news of the dramatic find unearthed by a tourist staying at Chabil Mar leaks out, it is incumbent upon us to deliver a warning to anyone intending to investigate this story on their own. Don’t approach Chabil Mar on April 1st—even if someone dares you to do so—because you could put yourself into a serious and dangerous situation, especially if you’re female.

It’s hard to miss this rather ugly, scaly creature since he’s about the same size as a contemporary crocodile and while he doesn’t speak English, he has made it clear that he is on a mission to bring his species back from extinction. In order to figure out exactly why he crawled up on the Chabil Mar beach, we hired a linguist specializing in Iquanise to find out how he intends to do that.

The answer was unsettling: He has returned with reproduction on his mind and wants to show the scientific world that it’s possible to bring a species back that has disappeared off the face of the earth. This accomplishment would, if possible, make Belize the world’s capitol of species regeneration!

The translator was astonished to discover that this giant reptile’s only goal is to find a mate quickly. Because this iguana’s mission is so specific, we’re asking all Chabil Mar guests to remain indoors on what he has declared to be his specific day to mate: April 1st. Once midnight passes, it will be safe to go out and all women are invited to come to the beach bar for free champagne and hors d’oeuvres.

“We’re doing this for the safety of our guests,” said Marketing Manager Larry France. He plans to be on hand at midnight to pass platters of snacks and pour champagne. “We intend to celebrate having come through this nightmare and we will toast the fact that there will be no iguana babies come New Year’s Day when they would ordinarily be expected to hatch out.”

“We’re also doing this as a prank!” adds France, who takes all of the credit for coming up with this far-out April Fool’s Day joke, so feel free to roam wherever you like at Chabil Mar on April 1st. Unless, of course, you run into an oversized iguana, at which point, Larry wants to hear from you!

Ancient extinct sloth tooth in Belize tells story of creature’s last year

Posted on March 2, 2019

It’s amazing how much a single bone can tell us about how long extinct creatures once lived. The tooth of an extinct sloth was recently found in Belize, and it tells a story not just of the creature but of its entire species and of the very different geography that once dominated this Central American nation.

While the Belize of today is known for its sumptuous jungles, complex networks of underground caves, and beautiful beaches, the region was incredibly arid 27,000 years in the past. The Last Glacial Maximum sealed much of the global moisture in glaciers and polar ice caps, and finding the next drink of water was as much a dire demand for creatures as hunting down the next meal.

That was especially true of the giant sloth. Towering at over four meters in height, the sloth required an understandably larger amount of hydration than some of its brethren. But it wasn’t dehydration that put the nail in the coffin of the sloth found in Belize. Divers discovered the tooth in what was just one of many underwater caverns, but at the time of its life, think sinkhole was likely a rare oasis in the sprawling desert of what would later become a tropical getaway.

While the tooth itself had begun the fossilization process, researchers were able to make investigate the tissue contained within for oxygen isotopes and stable carbon. It’s an advanced technique but one that allowed researchers a wealth of insight into the greater ecosystem that once defined the area. One of the big takeaways is that megafauna like the sloth weren’t done in by a single factor but instead by a whole convergence of environmental events. While the environmental scarcity of the time undoubtedly had an effect on their eventual extinction, the arrival of humans undoubtedly hastened their decline.

What’s especially exciting about this analysis is how it can be employed in the future. Bones that haven’t been fully fossilized yet can tell a lot about the diet of its owner, and that can spiral out to a greater understanding of the wider world surrounding them. Regardless, the Belize of today is very different from the Belize the sloth lived in.

If you’re interested in making a visit to this ancient and beautiful land, check out Chabil Mar Villas. Located in the region of Placencia in Southern Belize, it can be a great launching point if you’re looking to learn more about the history, geography, and present culture of the country.

Belize prepares to ban single-use plastic and Styrofoam products by April 2019

Posted on February 12, 2019

Last year, the government of Belize approved a proposal to phase out all single-use plastic utensils, shopping bags, straws, and Styrofoam containers starting April 22, 2019. The proposal applies to all restaurants, hotels and grocery stores in the country.

The proposal was written by a task force made up of representatives from the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry; the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development; the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Commerce; and the Ministry of Tourism.

According to a task force report, Belize residents and visitors use millions of plastic and Styrofoam items every year. These cause immense harm to Belize’s environment and are costly to clean up. The proposal mandates that all businesses must switch to biodegradable containers and utensils.

Belize is a Leader in Sustainable Tourism

In recent years, Belize has taken aggressive steps to protect its rich biodiversity. The government has ended oil exploration and passed tough conservation laws. The Belize Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to many rare and endangered species. It is now protected by conservation laws. Belize also has a large number of wildlife and bird sanctuaries that provide a safe home to its many native species.

These efforts have made Belize a hub of eco-tourism. Travelers who want a truly authentic, wild experience find that Belize is a natural choice. These changes have also been warmly welcomed by those in Belize’s tourism industry.

“We welcome all of these efforts to preserve Belize’s rare beauty,” said Larry France, marketing manager of Chabil Mar in Placencia, Belize. “We know that travelers today want an experience that is sustainable and that respects nature. We are happy to ensure that they can enjoy Belize in a way that preserves its beauty for many generations to come.”

Experience Sustainable Luxury at Chabil Mar

Chabil Mar is a luxury resort on the stunning Placencia Peninsula in Southern Belize. The property has its own private beachfront and offers full-service dining, swimming pools and posh amenities. These amenities are reserved exclusively for guests at Chabil Mar.

Chabil Mar is also a proud partner in the Pack for a Purpose initiative, which lets travelers help with local animal-welfare and childhood education efforts.

Chabil Mar is also close to the Belize Barrier Reef and the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. If you want to experience the beauty of Belize, then consider staying at Chabil Mar on your vacation.

Condé Nast Traveler: Visit Belize in 2019

Posted on December 10, 2018

Belize saw a record-high number of visitors in 2018, and things are definitely looking up for 2019 especially now that Condé Nast Traveler, the world’s number one luxury lifestyle and travel magazine, has selected Belize as a must-visit destination for the upcoming year.

The winner of 25 National Magazine Awards, Condé Nast Traveler only recommends destinations to its 800,000 loyal readers when those countries have something truly special to offer. And Belize certainly seems to check all the boxes for Condé Nast Traveler, including an abundance of luxury resorts, exciting activities like visiting ancient Maya sites and fly-fishing, the country’s unique status as the only English-speaking nation in Central America, and its proximity to the United States.

The 2019 must-visit list also rightly noted that Belize is home to the second-largest living coral reef in the world where activities like scuba diving and snorkeling are popular. The magazine also gave high marks for the mainland where huge parcels of land have been set aside as national parks and animal sanctuaries in order to preserve the long-term future of Belize’s incredibly diverse ecosystem.

“This is truly Belize’s time to shine, and there’s no better proof than a must-see recommendation from Condé Nast Traveler,” said Larry France, marketing manager of Chabil Mar. “We look forward to 2019 being the best year ever and warmly welcome Condé Nast Traveler readers to our lovely country.”

Condé Nast Traveler saved their warmest praise for the Placencia Peninsula in the southeast of the country. With impossibly beautiful white sand beaches, Placencia is also home to the world’s narrowest main street (a pedestrian-only sidewalk measuring just four feet across that is Belize’s sole entry in the Guinness Book of World Records). The still-present fishing village charm and easy access to the reef have made Placencia an ideal place to site some of the finest resorts in the country, including Chabil Mar.

Situated just steps from the beach, Chabil Mar is an award-winning luxury resort that means “Beautiful Sea” in the local Mayan dialect. Chabil Mar is just a five-minute walk from Placencia Village which holds an annual art festival in February and a high-spirited Lobsterfest celebration in June.

Chabil Mar offers guided excursions to nearby activities, including snorkeling and diving on the reef, boat tours along the well-named Monkey River, and hikes in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary that is home to hundreds of jaguars as well as other exotic flora and fauna.

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 your Belize vacation.

An Un-Belize-able Good Time

Posted on December 9, 2018

Visitors to the Central American tropical nation of Belize soon find themselves getting into the laidback rhythm of the place with bad puns and local sayings about everything running on “Belize time”. There’s just something unique about this tiny country with miles of gorgeous Caribbean coastline that makes for an unforgettable vacation.

“Last year, we were vacationing in Mexico and planned on just spending one day in Belize,” said Curtis Orange of Elmsford, New York. “But the people were so friendly and welcoming that my wife and I ended up staying an entire week. We can’t wait to go back!”

With English as the official language and American dollars accepted everywhere, it’s easy to feel right at home in Belize. But when you’re not sunning yourself on one of the many gorgeous beaches, eating fresh-caught seafood or sipping on a tropical cocktail, there’s plenty to do for the adventure-minded.

One popular inland tour starts at the village of Monkey River in the southern Toledo District. Guests board a boat for a slow cruise up the Monkey River with plenty of wildlife to be seen in all its glory, including the ubiquitous howler monkeys that gave the river its name. A few miles north in Stann Creek District is the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. No staid zoo, this huge reserve is perfect for day or week-long hikes to see tropical birds, tapirs and even jaguars in their natural habitat.

For visitors wanting to get in the water, one of the most unique experiences is scuba diving with whale sharks in the southern half of the Belize Barrier Reef. The largest non-whale marine species in the world’s oceans, whale sharks pose little danger to humans and interacting with these four-ton giants is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Although snorkeling is popular all over Belize, one of the finest spots to see a rainbow of marine flora and fauna is the waters around Laughing Bird Caye. The entire area is a national park named for the local species of “laughing” seagull that uses the tiny island as a breeding zone.

Where to Stay in Belize

One additional benefit of staying in Belize is all the fantastic resorts that offer guests luxurious accommodations elegantly integrated in the beautiful natural environment. One of the finest resorts in the country is Chabil Mar on the Placencia Peninsula in southeastern Belize. From a Maya term meaning “beautiful sea”, this beachfront resort features unique villas, a restaurant and two infinity swimming pools gorgeously ensconced in a lush tropical garden setting.

For information about traveling to 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.

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