Love Chocolate? Don’t Miss The Belize Chocolate Festival This Year

belize chocolate
One of the most exciting food festivals in the world is going to kick off in the southern Toledo District of Belize in May. From Friday, May 17 to Sunday, May 29, 2024, the Belize Chocolate Festival will feature three whole days of celebrating this miraculous food in all its various formats. Local farmers will showcase their finest chocolates, and wines in between hosting trips to cacao farms and dancing the night away as local musicians fill the air with the sweet sounds of their indigenous heritage.

The cacao fruit, the seeds of which produce the world-famous food known as chocolate, is a local plant originally from Central America, and Belize’s Toledo District is renowned for having some of the best cacao in the world. Alongside a mind-boggling array of chocolate desserts and treats, the festival will feature other chocolate flavored products like chocolate beer, chocolate barbecue, and chocolate soap.

The town of Punta Gorda, capital of the Toledo District, will host a lively street fair during the three-day festival with plenty of live music, arts and crafts, games and activities for children, and a wide range of cultural displays from the region’s rich blend of indigenous peoples.

For chocolate lovers, there’s simply no better place to stay than the lovely Villas at Chabil Mar on the Placencia Peninsula in the Stann Creek District. Popular because of its lovely seaside setting and close proximity to all the fun in Punta Gorda and the Toledo District, rooms are rapidly filling up.

“I thought I loved chocolate before but now I am totally in love,” said one American visitor. “This is truly the best chocolate in the world down here in Toledo District. It has a taste that’s simply sublime.”

Known around the world as a superfood, chocolate in its pure raw form is extremely high in antioxidants as well as essential minerals like copper, manganese and iron. Chocolate was considered the elixir of life by the ancient Maya and the king was reputed to have drunk up to 50 cups a day of chocolate.

Held every year since 2007, the Chocolate Festival of Belize is rapidly becoming one of the most popular events in the country. Local growers enjoy showing off their premium products while getting a chance to promote the natural beauty of Toledo District which has long been overlooked by some tourists. All workers at the fair are local volunteers eager to show off their heritage and culture while welcoming visitors to the agricultural products and unspoiled natural landscapes in Toledo District.

For more information about all of the activities and scheduled events, see the festival’s official website here or 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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Want to Stay Healthy During Your Belize Vacation? Don’t Stop Eating Chocolate!

belize chocolate festival vacations at chabil mar belize

If your dreams include diving into vats of chocolate, being left alone with a fork and a mile-long sweet table or if you can’t pass a candy counter without tossing a chocolate bar into your cart, you’re probably addicted, and that’s a good thing! The darker the chocolate, the better this sweet (and sometimes savory) treat is for your health, so no worries about your doctor begging you to swear off the stuff. Adding chocolate to your life can keep you healthy and happy.

It’s all a matter of nutrients: flavonoids in cocoa beans fight toxins and repair cell damage and anti-oxidants in cocoa beans help your cells fight free radicals that attack your body and even cause low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to clog your artery walls. There’s more: flavanols lower blood pressure, improve blood flow to the heart and brain and aid in the clotting process when you suffer a skin break. Who wouldn’t fall in love with the cocoa bean after finding out how much it does for your body?

Given this bounty of health benefits, you might want to make a pilgrimage to Chocolate Mecca. We call it Belize. You’ll call it heaven. Here, the cocoa crop has been king since Belize’s Toledo Cacao Growers Association (TCGA) was formed in 1984 to take advantage of Belize’s superior soil and weather. As a result of this large-scale emphasis on cultivating cocoa beans, Belize has become something of a chocolate capital.

belize chocolate

Given your passion for chocolate and Belize’s reputation, you owe it to yourself to make a pilgrimage here. Nibble on chocolate as you book a stay at Chabil Mar Resort, one of the most glamorous accommodations in Belize, where complimentary chocolates are always part of a sweet stay.

Make time for the beach. Set off on adventurous water activities. But your sweet tooth won’t be satisfied unless you spend a majority of your time in country exploring the history, versatility and benefits of chocolate. Chabil Mar’s transport service and concierge desk can send you off on delicious, chocolate-focused tours like these:

-Travel to a farm to see how cacao crops are grown in an agricultural setting
– Learn how cacao is processed and used in recipes and products that are putting Belize on the map
-Learn to use a stone tool to make chocolate during a chocolate tour
-Sample unusual foods—everything from decadent desserts to wines!

Stop at specialty shops where homemade candies, wines, souvenirs and even chocolate-themed clothing will tempt you, but don’t be surprised by the amount of stamina you enjoy during your Belize vacation. After all, you’re giving your body big hits of flavanols and antioxidants throughout your stay, so keep indulging!

Think there’s nothing else to get excited about once you undertake your pilgrimage? Au contraire, chocolate lover. Start making plans immediately to return to Belize next May. That’s when the nation pulls out all stops to honor its most successful cash crop by staging a three-day bash known near and far as the annual Chocolate Festival of Belize. Your Chabil Mar hosts will be happy to welcome you back when you return for those three days of insanity. Sweet insanity, of course!

Visit our website chabilmarvillas.com for more information on traveling to 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.

 

JetBlue’s Inaugural Direct Flight from New York to Belize Kicks Off Today: A Gateway to Paradise Unveiled

JetBlue Airways, in a transformative partnership with the Belize Tourism Board, has today launched a momentous direct flight service from New York’s JFK Airport to the enchanting country of Belize. This inaugural flight marks a significant milestone in travel, seamlessly connecting the bustling energy of New York City with the serene splendor of Belize, a nation celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse cultural heritage.

A Seamless Connection: New York to Belize

Your Guide to Arriving at Belize's International Airport

This direct flight is a game-changer for travelers, particularly New Yorkers, facilitating a smooth transition from the urban expanse to a tropical haven. Belize, previously a destination requiring multiple flights and extensive travel time, is now a simple, single flight away. The introduction of this route reflects a commitment to making Belize’s unspoiled landscapes, rich biodiversity, and vibrant cultural mosaic more accessible than ever before.

Exploring Belize: A Blend of Nature and Culture

belize reef

The Belize Barrier Reef beckons to those seeking underwater adventures, offering a stunning display of marine life and coral formations. The ancient Maya ruins scattered across the country provide a window into a historical and architectural legacy, inviting a journey through time. Furthermore, the cultural richness of Belize, with its blend of Maya, Mestizo, Creole, Garifuna, and other communities, offers a vibrant, authentic experience of the country’s diverse heritage.

Chabil Mar: The Ultimate Belize Retreat

Chabil Mar Wins 2023 Travelers’ Choice Award

Are you ready for an unparalleled tropical retreat? With the launch of JetBlue’s direct flight from New York to Belize, your dream vacation at Chabil Mar is just a booking away. Nestled along the stunning Placencia coastline in southern Belize, Chabil Mar is not just a resort; it’s a gateway to a world of luxury, adventure, and natural beauty.

As you step off the plane, a serene paradise awaits you. Chabil Mar, known for its exclusive ambiance and personalized service, stands as a jewel in Belize’s crown. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be enveloped in an atmosphere of elegance and tranquility. Our villas, each a blend of comfort and style, offer breathtaking views and a sense of serene privacy.

Imagine starting your day with a gourmet breakfast overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea, followed by an adventure into the lush Belize jungle or an exploration of the world-renowned Belize Barrier Reef. At Chabil Mar, every day is a new opportunity for adventure or relaxation. Indulge in bespoke services, from spa treatments to private dining experiences, all tailored to your preferences.

In the evenings, unwind by taking a stroll on our private beach or relax in your villa’s comfort, the sound of the waves providing a tranquil backdrop. Our on-site culinary team is ready to delight your taste buds with a fusion of local and international cuisine, crafted from the freshest local ingredients.

Chabil Mar is more than just a vacation; it’s an experience that touches every sense and creates lasting memories. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a solo retreat, our resort is designed to cater to your every need and desire.

Book Your Luxurious Escape Today

Luxury resorts in Placencia

Don’t wait to experience the magic of Chabil Mar. With JetBlue’s direct flight from New York to Belize, your luxurious escape is more accessible than ever. Visit our website now to book your stay at Chabil Mar and embark on a journey of relaxation, adventure, and unparalleled luxury. Your Belize paradise awaits!

10 Reasons to Attend the 2024 Placencia Lobsterfest in Belize

2024 Placencia Lobsterfest

In 2024, the Placencia Lobsterfest will commence on July 5th, and as we all know the festival is a grand celebration of the opening of the lobster season in Belize. Thousands of local and international visitors will attend this event which is organized by the Placencia BTIA and the Placencia Village Council.

Here are ten good reasons why you have to attend the Lobsterfest in Placencia in 2024:

lobsterfest in placencia 2014

1.) Because it is one of the biggest and best food festivals in Belize and the world, even MSNBC agrees: http://www.nbcnews.com/id/22540834/#.U42yMnb6NHA

2.) Because lobster is one of the most delicious foods on earth

3.) Because it is the only time you can eat lobster in different forms: grilled, fried, stewed, and boiled

Dinner plate Lobster Ian Jennifer Belize Wedding Chabil Mar Placencia

4.) Because the event commemorates Fisherman’s Day and serves as a fundraiser for community projects in Placencia

5.) Because the event shows that the locals have not forgotten their roots and heritage. Note: before tourism became the main source of revenue for Placencia, lobster fishing was the primary source of income for the residents.

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6.) Because the Lobster Festival has something for everyone – not only great food but also great music!

Lobsterfest Tent Chabil Mar Belize Resort

7.) Because you can also enjoy Placencia beaches which have been rated as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean

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8.) Because you can also go snorkeling or scuba diving on the second largest barrier reef in the world

Interior MB Sample

9.) Because you can also stay at Chabil Mar, one of the best resorts in Belize

10.) Because the Lobster Fest event is only held once a year it will not  disappoint you

This is the most popular event of the season in Placencia so we hope to see you there!

Contact us today for more details on the 2024 Placencia Lobsterfest!

Belize May Just Have The Bluest Water In The World

Belize May Just Have The Bluest Water In The World

The globe is dotted with enchanting vacation destinations, but few can compete with the breathtaking beauty of Belize. Here, the waters are not just blue – they are a vivid hue that seems to hold the very essence of the sky and sea. When you think of the most serene and astonishingly blue waters, Belize is the zenith, an untouched paradise waiting to be explored.

Dive into the Heart of Belize’s Waters

Dive into the Heart of Belize's Waters

While the color of Belize’s waters is enough to captivate any traveler, it’s the activities beneath and atop these waters that make the country an adventurer’s dream.

Imagine descending into the water, the sunlight shimmering through the surface as you are enveloped in a world of vibrant coral reefs and exotic marine life. Snorkeling in Belize offers a front-row seat to this underwater spectacle, revealing the wonders of the deep in all their splendor.

For those who wish to delve deeper and experience the ocean’s mysteries more intimately, scuba diving in Belize is a must. Plunging into the depths, divers are treated to a vista of sprawling coral gardens, mysterious caves, and encounters with majestic sea creatures. Belize boasts some of the world’s most renowned dive sites, and each dive is a unique journey into a realm of beauty and discovery.

the Heart of Belize's

Above the water, the adventure continues. Sailing on the pristine Belizean waters is an experience akin to gliding on a sheet of liquid sapphire. The gentle caress of the wind, the rhythmic lapping of waves against the hull, and the panoramic view of the horizon make it an unforgettable venture.

Of course, not all moments need to be packed with action. Sometimes, the best way to appreciate Belize’s water is to simply be. Relaxing on the beaches, feeling the soft powdery sand beneath your toes, and letting the world fade away as you bask in the sun is an essential part of the Belize vacation experience. Let the rhythm of the waves dictate the tempo of your day and lose yourself in the sheer tranquility of the moment.

Making Memories at Chabil Mar

Making Memories at Chabil Mar

After a day filled with adventure and awe, where better to retreat than Chabil Mar? Positioned as one of Belize’s prime resorts, Chabil Mar is where luxury meets nature. Guests are treated to a blend of comfort and the pristine beauty of Belize’s coastline. It’s not just a place to stay; it’s where memories are made, stories are shared, and the blue waters of Belize become a backdrop to unforgettable moments.

Belize’s waters are more than just a sight; they are an experience, an emotion, and an invitation. An invitation to explore, to dream, and to be a part of something bigger than oneself. And at the heart of this azure oasis, Chabil Mar awaits, offering the best of Belize to all who seek its charm. Come, let the bluest waters in the world be the canvas for your next adventure.

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.

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