Category: Belize Resort and Vacation Blog

Ever since Greek runners launched the foot races that morphed into the Olympics events held today, individual nations have sought to make their international mark on sports by reclaiming their own traditions. 

For the people of Central America, an ancient Maya competition that’s as much historic as it is physically punishing has grown into a near-obsession: Pok Ta Pok is a sport that consists of moving a rubber ball around a field by players who are only permitted to use their hips and thighs to control the ball. 

During heyday of Maya domination throughout the region, this life-and-death game had dire consequences for losing teams, and while today’s version has the capacity to leave participants feeling humiliated and depressed, at least nobody loses their lives in the process. 

Who are the victors of the 2019 games? Belize, of course. This tenacious team beat out El Salvador, Mexico, Panama, Guatemala and Honduras handily on the 5th of May with their “take no prisoners” attitude and a big helping of national pride. In fact, Belize’s Ek’ Balam (Black Jaguars) elevated the world’s longest, continually-played competition to new heights, saluting the ancient teams who invented this sport. 

That Belize is proud of this outcome would be an understatement! There was a lot riding on an Ek’ Balam victory and every one of the 10-member team was willing to take their A Game to opposing teams throughout the competition that started on April 29th under the sponsorship of The Central American and Caribbean Association of the Ancestral Sport of Maya Ball.

Since the Black Jaguars also took first place at this event in 2017, the team is building a reputation for excellence that is going to be hard to beat in the years ahead. For this reason and so many more, the management and staff at Chabil Mar Villas in Placencia applaud this feisty team for bringing the win home to Belize and for showing how team spirit and love of country can make all the difference.

She changed your diapers, put up with your “terrible twos,” stood by when your teen romances dissolved like bubbles and she’s the first person to say, “I really don’t want a thing” each time you say, “Mom, what do you want for Mother’s Day?”

If you know that flowers and candy won’t cut it because neither conveys the deep love you have for your mother, the gift of a vacation in Belize is guaranteed to elevate you to the status of being mom’s favorite child (even if you have no brothers and sisters).

The Caribbean in mid-May becomes a wonderland for moms who are often shocked that their kid(s) sprung for such a remarkable gift. You don’t have to reveal that shoulder season has started and while the weather stays idyllic, rates drop appreciably. Winter crowds have vanished, so she doesn’t have to deal with crowds. 

Once Mom gets over the shock of learning that you’re taking her to Belize, we recommend handing her pen and paper and asking her what she thinks about the following attractions so you can book the ones that are ideal:

-Did she call you “little monkey” when you were a toddler? A Monkey River tour is relaxing and calming–until primal shouts of critters for whom the river was named liven up the journey. 

-Does your mom wax poetic about reading poetry on a beach with a cocktail in hand? Belize, and particularly Placencia peninsula beaches, has so many gorgeous beaches, making a decision can be difficult.

-Does your mom literally light up when the word chocolate is mentioned? Belize chocolate tours are delicious. Mom can make her own chocolate bar and she doesn’t have to share it with you if she doesn’t want to. 

-Is your mom known for taking in every stray animal on the planet? Delight her with Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Belize Zoo or other animal-focused tours that she’ll talk about for years to come.

-Has your mom read so many murder mysteries, it’s hard to find one she hasn’t already finished? Mayan ruins throughout Belize are tucked into jungles and mysterious caves where sacred chambers still hold artifacts, ritual items and skeletal remains. 

Of course, the resort you pick for mom’s getaway can make the difference between a so-so journey and one that’s unforgettable. One of Placencia’s most popular resorts is Chabil Mar where villas, amenities and luxury are exactly what mom deserves. Chabil Mar’s onsite gourmet restaurant, spa and pool get rave reviews from Fodor’s, TripAdvisor and organizations dedicated to promoting resorts that prioritize the environment, so she’ll be pampered throughout her stay. 

Direct Mom to this page on the Chabil Mar website. Don’t be surprised if she tears up and says, “The place looks like paradise!” It is. And since she’s your angel, Chabil Mar is exactly the place she deserves to be over the Mother’s Day holiday.

Belize is a lot of things to a lot of people: a tropical paradise where newlyweds can connect, a living obstacle course for outdoor adventurers, a natural spa for rest and relaxation. But this Central American country is a great destination for families as well. Here are some of the best activities in Belize that are also suited for vacationers with kids.

Silk Cayes and Laughing Bird

Snorkeling is a great low-intensity way for kids to experience the tropical fish and other sea life off the coast of Belize safely, and there’s no better spots in Belize than Laughing Bird and Silk Cayes. The gentle, shallow waters are ideal for first-timers, but there’s still an abundance of life occupying this stretch of the Caribbean Sea. Both cayes are accessible as day trips.

Monkey River Tour

Monkey River is aptly named. The habitat is home to a vibrant population of mischievous howler monkeys, and the popularity of this region has made them hospitable to strangers. Whether your family is looking to cruise the river by boat, experience the hiking trails, or do a little light spelunking, there are plenty of options. And your kid can go back with stories of meeting wild monkeys up close and personal.

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

Looking for something a little more fierce? Cockscomb Basin is home to the world’s first jaguar preserve, but don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe for visitors of all ages. It’s also known for its gorgeous waterfalls, and its biodiversity extends well beyond the local jaguar population. It can double as a learning experience as well, instilling in kids the complicated balance of life that makes up the natural world.

Maya King Waterfalls

Maya King Waterfalls is a great place for a relaxing and laidback afternoon with the family. Your kids can go splashing in the cool pool at the foot of the waterfall while you bask on the nearby rocks. The surrounding jungle is a true sight to behold.

Nim Li Punit and Lubantuum

Belize is home to a wealth of natural beauty, but it was also once home to one of the most expansive empires in history. If you’re looking to expose your kids to the importance of history and the experience of immersing themselves in other cultures, you owe it to yourself to make a visit to Nim Li Punit or Lubantuum. Located in the south of the country, these remarkably intact ruins are a testament to the extraordinary engineering skills of the Mayan people.

A Golf Cart Stroll on the Placencia Peninsula

The Placencia Peninsula is a beautiful stretch of territory where the beach is never more than a few miles away. That means that it’s a great region to explore by golf cart. A leisurely journey through the peninsula is an ideal way to soak up the local habitat and have some quiet family bonding time.

If you’re thinking about bringing your family to Belize, don’t wait to call Chabil Mar. We offer a variety of jungle and sea packages, and we can work with you to create an itinerary your family will love.

What do whale sharks and honeymooners have in common? For starters, both love privacy and several types of sharks like to dance, using those moves as mating rituals. Humans do, too. Men kiss the hands of their dates as a show of affection while male whale sharks nip at female fins to say, “Hey, I’m interested in you!” 

Why is it fun to compare the two? If you’re planning a honeymoon—or just a romantic getaway—choosing Belize as your destination gives you two the opportunity to see these amazing creatures up close and personal.

Of course, romance is less about whale sharks than it is about intimacy and privacy when the objective of a vacation is falling even more in love, so why not use whale shark spotting as your excuse to get away this summer? Whale sharks remain in Belize through June and if that’s the month you’ve chosen for your honeymoon, you’re in luck. 

Staying at Chabil Mar Resort in Placencia during summer months is heaven. Accommodations are just what honeymooners crave: luxurious, spacious and isolated enough to give you the privacy you desire. 

Take a virtual tour and if you don’t fall as much in love with these gorgeous surroundings as you did when you realized that your sweetheart “is the one,” you may need several whale shark tours to get your pulse rate up!

Summer at Chabil Mar is idyllic for practical reasons. Rates are lower. There are fewer crowds. The resort restaurant and bar are posh and menu items are exotic and delicious since authentic Belizean cuisine is guaranteed to please even travelers with picky appetites. 

June happens to be the month of Lobsterfest in Belize so guess what you can find on your dinner plate as often as you like? Here’s a hint: it’s not shark!

Honeymooners visiting the Belize Barrier Reef together start their life together on an awesome note because sharing underwater adventures builds colorful memories and for active couples who love to balance alone time with thrilling activities, you won’t find a better place to pair fun with romance. 

Belize in June is a honeymooner’s paradise for so many reasons, there’s a chance you might not have enough time to see those whale sharks. No worries. You’ll come back. Chabil Mar is the place couples return for anniversaries down the road! Sometimes, they even bring their kids to see the whale sharks they missed while on their honeymoons!

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.

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!