There was a time when living somewhere meant just dealing with the ups and downs of the seasons. But the 21st century is a time of unmatched mobility, and the notion of retreating from the cold for the winter isn’t just a privilege for the wealthy and powerful. There are plenty of sunny places you could go for the colder months, but Belize ranks among the best. Here’s why.

Accessibility

Whether you’re constrained by time or money, Belize offers one of the best opportunities to escape the drudgery of everyday life. Regular direct flights happen every day from a number of United States hub airports, and they typically don’t last more than five to eight hours. In other words, you won’t spend your entire trip recovering from your flight. United, American Airlines, Southwest, and more all offer regular flights. Belize is also a relatively affordable travel destination and has great exchange rates with the U.S. dollar. You can pamper yourself here without having to spend a fortune doing it.

Opportunity

Winter is the peak of the tourist season, but that also means it’s the peak of things to do. Conditions are dry and warm during this time of year, meaning you can sprawl out on the beach or take an excursion scuba diving or snorkeling out on the Belize Barrier Reef (the second largest of its kind in the world). But you can just as easily venture into the interior. The Cayo District is littered with Maya sites and beautiful nature trails — but you can also find stunning landmarks like Cockscomb Basin and Monkey River closer to the shore. The region known as Placencia, in particular, is worth visiting. This narrow peninsula ensures that you’re always on or near the beach, and it provides convenient access to everywhere all in a playground that can be accessed by bicycle or golf cart.

The Belize Resort Lifestyle

If you’re a snowbird that travels in a flock, the best part is that resorts like Chabil Mar let everyone do what they want. Our location in the heart of Placencia Village make us the ideal location for making excursions into the interior or onto the water, or you can just kick back and take advantage of our beautiful private beach and bountiful amenities. The knowledgeable and insightful staff are here to help with your every need — and the thrumming hub town of Placencia Village is only a short walk away.

They’re ethereal, beautiful, delicate and eye candy, but the butterflies of Belize do more than flit around from flower to plant, waiting to be admired. Thanks to low population density and enough flora and fauna to dazzle any insect, Belize butterflies may not live long lives, but they contribute mightily to a nation’s ecosystem, say ButterflyConservation.org researchers.

Why Belize butterflies are important

-Butterflies have been around for 50 million years, say scientists, so they’re of great ecological value
-The butterfly symbol is so sacred and revered, you’ll find images on resorts, restaurants and boutiques
-Butterfly studies undertaken by Belize experts prove insect migration patterns
-Butterfly wing patterns and iridescence are unique to these creatures
-Scientists of all disciplines (including genetics and population dynamics) study butterflies.
-Climate change researchers study butterfly group behaviors to reach conclusions
-Butterfly populations are a sign that an ecosystem is healthy
-They provide unparalleled organic pollination and pest control tasks
-Butterflies help feed Belize’s insectivorous populations
-Spending time watching butterflies can mediate depression
-Belize’s economy benefits from several butterfly farms from which visitors can choose!

Belize is awash in butterfly farms

Consistently vulnerable to weather fluctuations that can turn Belize from a tranquil land to wild and unpredictable weather fronts that sweep in, butterflies have grown adroit at hanging on throughout these dramatic weather changes.

Leaving Belize would be counter to butterflies’ ancestral behavior since this nation has exactly the environment necessary to keep these winged creatures healthy and thriving: flower nectar, tree sap, plant and flower pollen. Because butterflies are so important to the nation’s ecosystem, five Belize butterfly farms have been established to showcase these magnificent creatures:

1. Fallen Stones Butterfly Farm in the Toledo District is home to eight species
2. Cayo’s Green Hills Butterfly Ranch hosts the Blue Morpho, a rare specimen
3. Chaa Creek, also in Cayo, is also home to a rare Blue Morpho specimen collection
4. Tropical Wings Ecocenter in Cayo shows visitors how butterflies are raised
5. The Shipstern Nature Reserve in Corozal District is a 27,000 acre breeding area.

Fascinated? Why not visit?

Book accommodations at Chabil Mar, one of Belize’s most highly-rated resorts and located on Placencia peninsula, today’s trendiest place to vacation. When you make your arrangements, ask the concierge about the resort’s popular tours, some of which include visits to butterfly farms.

In addition to visiting butterfly farms, explore other wildlife habitats. Browse our Belize vacation packages to see which ones give you the most access to Belize jungles, forests and botanical gardens. While you’re on the page, don’t miss the specials and packages being offered that cover everything from luxurious digs and fine dining to resort surroundings that showcase Mother Nature’s bounty.

If all you want to do during your stay at Chabil Mar is to learn as much about butterflies and see as many species as possible, customize your visit. Bring the kids. Bring your camera. Most of all, bring your sense of wonder. You’ll never again look at butterflies in the same way after spending time in Belize.

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.