Chabil Mar Resort - Belize Blog, Belize Vacation Planning

Belize’s Chocolate Festival: A Must-Attend Event in 2025

Posted on March 26, 2025

Belize’s Chocolate Festival is an annual event that attracts chocolate lovers from all over the world. The festival is a celebration of Belize’s rich history with cacao, a fruit that was once used as currency. The festival has evolved into a showcase of local chocolatiers from across the country, selling desserts, dishes, and artisan crafts.

The festival will take place in Punta Gorda from May 16th to 18th, 2025, and promises to be a fun-filled weekend of competitions, family-friendly activities, and live music shows. Visitors can expect to learn about sustainable tourism efforts in the district and experience the diverse southern region of Belize.

The highlight of the festival is the finale held at the sacred Maya site of Nim Li Punit. It’s an excellent opportunity to witness the beauty of the Maya culture while enjoying the delicious taste of chocolate. The festival is a must-attend event for any chocolate lover.

For those attending the festival, Chabil Mar in Placencia, Belize, is an excellent choice for accommodations. The resort offers luxurious accommodations and is located just a short drive from Punta Gorda. Guests can experience the unique culture of the southern region of Belize while enjoying the resort’s amenities.

During the festival, visitors can sample chocolate from all over Belize, including locally-made artisanal chocolate. The festival is also an opportunity to learn about the history of cacao in Belize and its importance to the local economy.

In addition to the festival’s chocolate-centric activities, visitors can explore the surrounding area of Punta Gorda, including the stunning waterfalls and Maya ruins. The region is known for its lush jungles and vibrant wildlife, making it an ideal destination for eco-tourism.

The Chocolate Festival of Belize is a celebration of the country’s culture and history, as well as a showcase of its delicious chocolate. It’s an event that should not be missed by any chocolate lover. Book your trip to Punta Gorda for May 16th and 18th, 2025, and experience the sweetest festival 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.

Easter in Belize: Why Placencia is the Ideal Holiday Destination

Posted on March 10, 2025

Easter is a time of celebration, togetherness, and new beginnings, making it the perfect occasion for a tropical getaway. If you’re looking for sunshine, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant cultural experience, Placencia, Belize is the ideal destination for Easter 2025. With its warm Caribbean weather, friendly locals, and a mix of relaxation and adventure, Placencia offers something for everyone—from families seeking quality time to couples looking for a romantic escape.

For those wanting a luxurious and personalized vacation, Chabil Mar is the best place to stay. With beachfront villas, world-class amenities, and private access to Placencia’s best experiences, Chabil Mar ensures that your Easter getaway is one to remember.

Celebrate Easter with Belizean Traditions and Festivities

Easter in Belize is a lively and meaningful holiday filled with local traditions, beachside gatherings, and festive events. In Placencia, both visitors and locals come together to celebrate with sun-soaked beach parties, cultural activities, and delicious food.

Good Friday is a day of reflection and processions, where you can witness traditional religious ceremonies in nearby villages. Easter Sunday, on the other hand, is a time for family gatherings, games on the beach, and cookouts featuring fresh seafood, tamales, and cassava bread. The energy of the holiday is infectious, making it an exciting time to experience the local culture while enjoying Belize’s stunning natural beauty.

For those looking for a laid-back celebration, Easter in Placencia can also be about unwinding on the beach, taking a scenic boat tour, or indulging in a private beachfront dinner at Chabil Mar. Whether you want to embrace the lively atmosphere or enjoy a peaceful retreat, Placencia has it all.

Perfect Weather and Endless Outdoor Adventures

April in Belize is part of the dry season, meaning warm temperatures, blue skies, and crystal-clear waters. With daytime temperatures averaging between 80°F and 85°F, Easter weekend is ideal for outdoor adventures.

Snorkelers and divers can explore the vibrant reefs of Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, where encounters with sea turtles, rays, and colorful tropical fish are common. For a more thrilling experience, head to Gladden Spit, where whale sharks make their annual appearance during this time of year.

Beyond the water, visitors can take a sunset cruise, kayak through the Placencia Lagoon to spot manatees, or explore ancient Maya ruins like Nim Li Punit and Lubaantun. Easter weekend in Placencia is not just about relaxation—it’s about creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

Stay at Chabil Mar for a Luxurious Easter Escape

For a truly exceptional Easter vacation, stay at Chabil Mar. As the only guest-exclusive, full-service beachfront resort in Placencia, Chabil Mar offers luxurious private villas, fine dining, and an intimate, peaceful setting.

Guests can enjoy beachfront dining, infinity pools, and access to some of Belize’s most beautiful excursions, all while experiencing world-class hospitality. Whether you want to celebrate Easter with a private picnic on the beach, take a guided adventure tour, or simply relax by the water with a cocktail in hand, Chabil Mar makes it all possible.

Easter 2025 is the perfect time to visit Placencia, Belize. Book your stay at Chabil Mar today and experience the magic of Easter in paradise!

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.

Xunantunich Mayan Ruins

Posted on March 6, 2025

Xunantunich Mayan Ruins in Belize

Pronounced shoo-na-too-nitch by most people, this ancient Maya site is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Belize. With an interactive museum on site, visitors can learn about this majestic city that was once a luxury residence for Maya elites. Today, visitors approach the site by crossing the Mopan River using a hand-cranked ferry and then climbing to the top of one of the site’s fabulous temples to be rewarded with an amazingly panoramic view of the countryside.

About Xunantunich

In modern Belize, Xunantunich is located just a short distance from the town of San Ignacio in Cayo District and one mile north of the border with Guatemala at Benque Viejo. Built on a natural limestone ridge, the site was constructed to serve elite nobles and their retinue during the Classic Period.

With a central area measuring just 300 square meters (3,230 square feet) in size, Xunantunich isn’t the largest Maya ruin in Belize, but it’s unique residential structures and ceremonial center make the site one of the top attractions in the country. One of the first lost cities rediscovered in the modern era (excavations first began in 1892), archeological renovations at Xunantunich have revealed three ceremonial plazas, houses, and a large palace decorated with friezes and masks.

The most famous building in Xunantunich is “El Castillo” (The Castle), a pyramid soaring 130 feet above the main plaza. El Castillo was the tallest man-made structure in the country until the Sky Temple at the Maya site of Caracol was discovered a few decades ago. El Castillo is remarkable due to its large stucco frieze on its eastern side that details stories of the gods and stories from Maya creationist myths. Xunantunich was heavily populated until an abrupt event in the Classic Period that left the top of “El Castillo” partially damaged.

Although no one knows the original name of the city, today the site is called the “Stone Lady” (Xunatunich in modern Mayan) due to persistent stories of a woman in white that haunted the original British archeologists and has been regularly seen even up until modern times.

Chabil Mar in Placencia Belize & Xunantunich

The lovely Chabil Mar resort on the Placencia Peninsula is close to all of the most exciting mainland destinations in Belize. Guests of the resort can include a visit to Xunantunich as part of one of Chabil Mar’s fantastic Belize Reef & Jungle vacation packages.

The Maya Mountains of Belize

Posted on March 6, 2025

The Maya Mountains are a range of peaks that are primarily located in Belize but also in the eastern part of Guatemala. The Maya Mountains begin in the western part of the country and gently slope eastward until the coast.

The Maya Mountains are a relatively short range of peaks, the highest point being Doyle’s Delight in Cayo District, which measures approximately 3,680 feet (1,124 meters) tall. Doyle’s Delight is named after Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the author of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries. In 1912, Doyle wrote a book called The Lost World which refers to Belize mountains as beautiful and wild places.

The second-highest peak of the Maya Mountains is Victoria Peak in Stann Creek District in eastern Belize. Victoria Peak measures approximately 3,670 feet (1,120 meters) tall. Victoria Peak is classified as a Natural Monument and is located inside the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.

While both of the tallest peaks are difficult to reach, the Maya Mountains remain a top attraction in Belize due to their amazing views, unspoiled landscapes, the abundance of wildlife, and the number of waterfalls found in the area. Many of Belize’s national forests and protected conservation areas are found partially or wholly inside the Maya Mountain range.

Anyone considering some Belize travel should definitely consider visiting the Maya Mountains. Belize tours of the area include hiking to the top of 1,000 Foot Falls (actually 1,600 feet high), horseback riding, bird watching, canoeing, and visiting ancient Maya sites such as Lubaantun and Cahal Pech which were built on the periphery of the Maya Mountains. Tikal, in Guatemala, is also located adjacent to the Maya Mountains.

Belize vacations in this region also include activities like caving and cave tubing, the latter a uniquely Belizean activity involving using an inner tube to float down placid underground rivers. The town of San Ignacio is also located adjacent to the Maya Mountains, making it an ideal place to stay for travelers wishing to explore this region. The Maya Mountains can also be seen by car as the Hummingbird Highway crosses through the mountain range between San Ignacio and Dangriga.

If you’d like to explore the Maya Mountains, be sure to book your travels with Chabil Mar, the award-winning luxury Belize resort located on the Placencia Peninsula. Chabil Mar specializes in creating custom Belize vacation packages that include lodging, transportation, meals, and tours of both the Belizean mainland and offshore reef.

The Chocolate Festival of Belize: A Sweet Celebration from May 16-18, 2025

Posted on March 5, 2025

Every May, Belize transforms into a chocolate lover’s paradise with the Chocolate Festival of Belize, a three-day celebration dedicated to the rich Maya heritage of cacao. Taking place from May 16-18, 2025, in Toledo District, this festival brings together cacao farmers, chocolatiers, and food lovers from around the world to honor the history, culture, and delicious flavors of Belizean chocolate.

While the festival itself is held in Southern Belize’s Toledo District, Placencia offers a beachfront escape that makes for the perfect home base for those looking to enjoy both the Chocolate Festival and the sun-soaked beauty of the Belizean coast. Staying at Chabil Mar in Placencia allows visitors to immerse themselves in luxury, relaxation, and adventure, all while being a scenic drive away from the festival’s celebrations.

A Celebration of Chocolate and Culture

The Chocolate Festival of Belize is more than just an event—it’s an immersive experience that celebrates the deep connection between the Maya civilization and cacao. Belize’s indigenous Maya people have been cultivating cacao for centuries, using it not only as food but also as currency and in ceremonial rituals.

The festival features an exciting mix of chocolate tastings, demonstrations, cultural performances, and artisan markets. Visitors can sample handcrafted Belizean chocolate, watch cacao bean roasting and grinding demonstrations, and even participate in workshops led by expert chocolatiers. The event also includes live Maya music and dance, making it a vibrant celebration of Belizean heritage.

One of the highlights of the festival is the Wine & Chocolate Gala, an elegant evening where local chocolatiers pair their creations with Belizean wines and rums. It’s an unmissable experience for food lovers and anyone wanting to indulge in the rich flavors of Belizean cacao.

Why Stay in Placencia for the Chocolate Festival?

While Toledo District is the heart of the festival, staying in Placencia offers the best of both worlds—access to the chocolate celebrations while also enjoying pristine beaches, luxury accommodations, and a laid-back coastal atmosphere.

A stay at Chabil Mar means waking up to ocean views, relaxing in a private beachfront villa, and indulging in gourmet dining, all while being a short scenic drive from the festival. After experiencing the rich flavors of Belizean chocolate, return to Placencia to unwind on the beach, take a sunset cruise, or explore snorkeling and diving adventures at Silk Cayes Marine Reserve.

Placencia also provides the opportunity to explore Belize’s diverse landscapes, from the jungle-covered Maya ruins of Nim Li Punit to the vibrant marine life of the Belize Barrier Reef. Whether you’re a chocolate enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a unique vacation experience, combining the Chocolate Festival with a luxurious stay at Chabil Mar makes for an unforgettable getaway.

Book your stay at Chabil Mar today and make your Belize vacation one to remember!