Chabil Mar Resort - Belize Blog, Belize Vacation Planning

2026 Belize Beach Vacations: Why This Is the Year to Go

Posted on September 1, 2025

Every year, people make promises to themselves: travel more, slow down, experience something new. Too often, those plans get pushed aside. But 2026 should be different. This is the year to finally take that Belize beach vacation you’ve been dreaming about — and Placencia, with Chabil Mar Villas Boutique Guest Exclusive Resort, is the perfect place to make it happen.

A Year of Fresh Adventures

By 2026, travel has become more intentional. More people are looking for destinations that deliver not just relaxation, but connection and meaning. Belize checks every box. Its beaches are stunning, its culture is vibrant, and its adventures are endless.

Picture yourself beginning the day with a stroll along Placencia’s 16-mile stretch of golden sand, the Caribbean gently lapping at your feet. By mid-morning, you’re sailing to Laughing Bird Caye to snorkel among colorful fish and healthy coral. The next day, you might journey inland to stand before a towering Maya temple or explore a rainforest alive with waterfalls and wildlife.

This variety is what makes Belize so special — and why 2026 is the time to experience it for yourself. It’s not just a vacation; it’s a chance to reconnect with nature, culture, and your own sense of wonder.

Placencia: Where Culture Meets the Caribbean

Of all the destinations in Belize, Placencia stands out as the perfect blend of beach life and local flavor. Unlike islands that can feel isolated, Placencia offers both the laid-back charm of a fishing village and easy access to world-class adventures.

The famous Placencia Sidewalk — once the narrowest main street in the world — is lined with artists, food vendors, and friendly locals, making it a hub of creativity and connection. Fall in love with Belizean cuisine, from lobster fresh off the grill to traditional Garifuna dishes that highlight the area’s rich heritage.

What makes Placencia especially appealing for 2026 is its ability to balance discovery with downtime. You can kayak along the calm lagoon in the morning, mingle with villagers in the afternoon, and return to your private villa by evening, where the Caribbean horizon stretches endlessly before you.

Chabil Mar: Luxury, Belizean Style

When you finally decide to book that Belize beach vacation, where you stay matters. Chabil Mar Villas Boutique Guest Exclusive Resort isn’t just a place to sleep — it’s part of the experience. Our villas reflect the beauty of Belize with locally inspired design and modern comfort. As the only full-service, guest-exclusive resort on the Placencia Peninsula, we offer something rare: privacy, intimacy, and service dedicated solely to our guests.

Here, your Belize vacation is as effortless as it is unforgettable. Picture breakfast served on your veranda overlooking the sea, days filled with reef and jungle tours, and evenings spent dining under the stars by the water’s edge. Our Jungle and Reef Packages make it easy to see the best of Belize — from ancient Maya cities to vibrant coral cayes — while returning to the comfort of your beachfront villa.

In 2026, choose luxury that reflects the spirit of Belize, not just a modern façade. At Chabil Mar, every detail is designed to immerse you in the country’s culture and natural beauty, while ensuring your stay feels uniquely yours.

Make 2026 the Year You Say Yes

Too many vacations remain dreams. Too many plans stay on the “someday” list. 2026 offers the perfect opportunity to change that. Belize is ready to welcome you with warmth, adventure, and beauty at every turn — and Placencia, with its balance of village charm and beachfront relaxation, is where you’ll find the heart of it all.

At Chabil Mar, we believe travel should be about more than just where you go — it should be about how it makes you feel. And a 2026 Belize beach vacation is your chance to feel renewed, inspired, and connected in ways that last long after you return home.

So why wait any longer? Let 2026 be the year you trade plans for action, “someday” for “today.” Belize is calling — and the beaches of Placencia, along with the welcoming team at Chabil Mar, are ready to make your dream vacation a reality.

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.

Placencia Yamaha Saltwater Fishing Tournament Returns

Posted on August 29, 2025

Grab your calendar and mark the date for the return of this year’s Yamaha Saltwater Fishing Tournament, which will be held during the September celebrations in Placencia Village.

The two-day, fun-filled event will be held on September 21st and 22nd at the Placencia Municipal Pier, which is situated at the center of the village. Organizers of the tournament say that discounts and incentives for carrying out early registration are available, while tons of big prizes are literally on the line and waiting to be reeled in by the best anglers and their teams.

The Yamaha Saltwater Fishing Tournament is one of the most exciting two-day family-filled affair to be held in southern Belize. Fishermen from the tiny fishing village as well as those who live nearby will gather at the break of dawn at the pier, and go over their strategy, before sailing out to the Caribbean Sea to see what luck awaits them.

One of the rules is that all the competition boats must depart from the pier at the same time and return at the end of the day together. Upon their return, their catch is usually weighed in the presence of the judges and placed on the record. On the following day, that result will be added to the day’s catch and whichever team has the most points would emerge the winner of the tournament.

Points are distributed as follows; Kingfishers are worth 3 points per pound and must be a minimum of 8 fish. Barracuda are tallied at 1 point per pound and must be a minimum of 12 fish, while Jacks are also 1 point per pound and must be a minimum of 12 fish. Wahoos are worth 5 points per pound, with a minimum of 15, while Dorados are 5 points per pound with a minimum of 7. Tunas are worth 3 points per pound with a minimum of 5 fish.

No fishes are to be shared between boats and all fishing crews must use lures to land their fish. No noose/bare hooks, live bait, or cast nets are permitted to be used during the competition.

There are also various categories and prizes for best boat, largest barracuda, largest kingfish, largest extraordinary fish, and largest fish caught by a female. With so many prizes to be shared among competing teams and anglers, this year’s event is promising to be a big one.

While the crews are out on the water hauling in their catches, there will be much to see and do in Placencia, such as the crowning of the Placencia Queen of the Bay 2025/2026. Villagers will also be participating in the 10th of September parade which will be passing through the village. With so many activities being planned it is the perfect weekend to enjoy the celebratory festivities with friends and family.

Chabil Mar, situated just a short walk from the center of the village is the best option for visitors or even anglers and their teams to stay. Our award-winning resort, with it’s seafront view and private beaches and pools, is the doctor’s prescription for the ultimate relaxation and escape.

Take advantage of our, exceptional guest exclusive boutique service, luxury accommodations, beach, pools, pier, privacy, high-speed internet, and complimentary use of bicycles, kayaks, and paddle boards when you book your stay with us.

Need to know more about the tournament? Contact Us at: Reservations@chabilmarvillas.com or the Placencia Tourism Center at placenciatourismcenterinfo@gmail.com

WhatsApp it to: 624-2100

10 Reasons Why You Should Have A Winter Holiday In Belize

Posted on August 25, 2025

A quiet, easygoing nation located in the heart of Central America, Belize is fast becoming one of the top destinations for people wanting to escape the cold and misery of winter. The weather in Belize is always pleasant and warm all-year round and the country features a uniquely harmonious mix of different cultures. Friendly, English-speaking natives will make you feel right at home as you explore some of the many amazing attractions that Belize has to offer.

Below are 10 reasons why you should pack your bags right now and have a winter holiday in Belize:

1 – Maya Ruins

Belize was once the heart of the ancient Mayan Empire. Today, dozens of Mayan cities can be explored throughout the country, featuring a rich mix of towering temples, beautiful carvings, and grand plazas.

2 – The Great Blue Hole

Declared by famed marine biologist Jacques Cousteau as one of the best diving sites on the planet, the Great Blue Hole is a unique circular depression adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef. Divers can explore an enormous underwater series of caverns carved out during the last great Ice Age.

3 – Wildlife

Whether you’re interested in viewing some of the rarest tropical bird species on the planet or want to see the last surviving jaguars in the region, Belize has it all. Visitors can see crocodiles, monkeys, and manatees at play in their natural habitat or embark on exclusive diving tours to frolic with whale sharks.

4 – Drinking in the Scenery

Belize is a relatively small country but has a richly diverse natural landscape. Travel between destinations is affordable and safe, offering visitors the chance to observe verdant mountains, lush fertile valleys, and pristine rainforests on their journey.

5 – Beaches

Beaches abound in Belize, as the country is located on the western shores of the lovely Caribbean Sea. With hundreds of miles of pristine, white beaches, you can enjoy the tropical fantasy vacation of your dreams swaying in a hammock under the shade of a palm tree in Belize. Almost nothing can compare to watching the sun set over the gorgeous turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

6 – Food

Belize is the home to a rich mix of indigenous cultures, resulting in some of the most delicious food anywhere on the planet. Casual food is king here, with plenty of fresh-caught lobster, savory Caribbean dishes, and spicy Mexican food to choose from.

7 – Diving and Snorkeling

The clear waters of the Caribbean make snorkeling and diving in Belize some of the best to be found anywhere on Earth. The nearby Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world, is home to dozens of species of colorful fish, nurse sharks, and unique invertebrate species.

8 – Belize Adventures

Whether you’re interested in tubing down a river through a network of caves, hiking mountains, spelunking in huge caves, or exploring the jungle, there is plenty to do for the adventurous-minded in Belize.

9 – Belize Islands

Locally known as cayes (pronounced “keys”), Belize has hundreds of gorgeous islands, ranging from the laid-back party town of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye to the diving paradise of atolls fronting the Belize Barrier Reef.

10 – The Belize Weather

With a warm, tropical climate, and sunny skies nearly all year-round, the weather in Belize is fantastic. You’ll rarely need anything heavier than a sweater when in Belize, and T-shirts and sandals are the dress code of choice for visitors and locals alike.

Where to Stay

The award-winning resort of The Villas at Chabil Mar offering outstanding accommodations just minutes away from all the action in Placencia Village in southeastern Belize. With gorgeous views of the beautiful Caribbean Sea, each villa is a richly-appointed two-room suite combining traditional Belizean decor with modern luxury.

For more information about visiting Belize or Placencia, 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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Best Things To Do In Belize During Winter

Posted on August 20, 2025

Throughout much of the world, winter is a time when activity slows down. As the cold sets in, the adventures of summer are put away in favor of the obligations of work, school, and holidays. That’s not the case in Belize. An idyllic paradise situated right along the equator, Belize’s winter is actually its tourist season. It’s during these months that the weather is the driest, but the temperatures stay in the same pleasant range of 70s and 80s that the rest of the year is known for. There are a lot of things to do in Belize during the winter, but here are the activities you have to consider.

Explore the Barrier Reef

The vibrant life that calls the world’s second largest bar rier reef home is worth seeing, but how you see it is up to you. Snorkeling lets you get up close and personal, while scuba diving offers an even more immersive experience. Deep sea fishing expeditions offer you an even more leisurely way to enjoy the barrier reef and a fresh meal you can enjoy for dinner. From the Silk Cayes Marine Reserve to the Blue Hole, there are countless aquatic exploration sites perfect for everyone from beginners to accomplished scuba divers.

Venture Into the Rainforest

While there are plenty of beautiful islands off the coast of Belize, it’s worth staying at a mainland destination with beach access — like Placencia — because it allows you to truly explore the world on land. National parks are abundant throughout Belize, as are the surprisingly extant ruins left behind by the ancient Maya empire centuries ago. More adventurous travelers will find themselves satisfied with excursions offering chances to tube through pitch black underground caves, zipline over expansive rainforest canopies, or enjoy the peaceful experience of kayaking down interior rivers. And for those who like things a little more relaxed, winter is the perfect time for birding and horseback riding.

Enjoy Chabil Mar

Winter can also be a time to relax, and no resorts offer an experience quite as luxuriant as Chabil Mar. Located on the Placencia Peninsula, guests are within reach of Belize’s coolest destinations but have everything they need right on the property. Our guest exclusive resort includes two infinity pools in addition to 400 feet of private beach just for you. Whether you’re looking to take a paddleboard out on the water, enjoy some seaside yoga, or simply spend your time napping on the beach with a good book, everything you could want is at reach when you stay at Chabil Mar.

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.

The Beers of Belize

Posted on August 9, 2025

Few people might think of beer as one of the most enjoyable parts of a vacation in Belize, but the small Central American nation has a proud history of brewing delicious local lagers.

Perhaps the most famous brewer in Belize is Belikin Beer. With their distinctive logo featuring the ancient Maya site of Altun Ha, Belikin is a multi-generational family-owned business based in Ladyville just outside of Belize City. The name Belikin comes from a Maya term for the Belize River, literally meaning “road to the east.” Founded in 1969, Belikin is the largest domestic producer of beer, producing 450 bottles per minute in their state-of-the-art breweries.

Belikin’s beer offerings include:

Belikin Beer – The flagship brew, Belikin Beer is a classic European-style lager with an alcohol content of 4.8%.
Belikin Stout – With a velvety, rich head, Belikin Stout has a delightful smoky taste. Made with German hops, Canadian malt, and cane sugar from Belize.
Lighthouse Lager – A refreshing, crisp beer, Lighthouse Lager is a Canadian Pilsner with a 4.2% alcohol content.
Belikin Premium – With a malty, hearty taste, Belikin Premium is made with two different hops and three different malts.
Guinness Stout – Belikin is a licensed brewer of this classic stout featuring a rich color and assertive bitter overtones.

Belikin also makes a number of seasonal brews, including:

Chocolate Stout – Inspired by a traditional Maya recipe, Chocolate Sout is a creamy beer with a velvety chocolate finish.
Sorrel Stout – Introduced for the first time a few years ago, Sorrel Stout features a careful blend of German hops, specialty malts, and local sorrel.

Other Beers Available in Belize

Beer lovers can enjoy a variety of other brews in Belize, including:

Red Stripe – The Jamaican classic in an iconic rounded bottle.
Heineken – One of the most popular beers in Europe, Heineken is a pale lager with a distinctly crisp finish.
Carib – This refreshing lager is brewed in Trinidad and Tobago.
Dragon Stout – Brewed in Jamaica, Dragon Stout has a rich, velvety head with a lovely dark color obtained from barley.

Enjoy Belizean Beers at Chabil Mar

The bar and restaurant at the award-winning resort of Chabil Mar on the Placencia Peninsula has a full range of Belizean and international beers in stock.

Visitors to the resort can ask the bartender for a recommendation of the best beers to try. The experienced, professional bartenders at Chabil Mar can recommend food pairings and other details about the different beers available in Belize.

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.