Chabil Mar Resort - Belize Blog, Belize Vacation Planning

Celebrate Your Love in Style: Chabil Mar is the Ideal Destination for Renewing Your Vows in Belize

Posted on July 26, 2024

In 2023, getting to Belize from North America is easier than ever, making it an ideal destination for couples looking to renew their wedding vows. Among the top destinations for vow renewals is Chabil Mar, located in Placencia, Belize.

The Romantic Tourist, an online platform that offers insights and recommendations for couples looking to plan their romantic getaways around the world recently highlighted Chabil Mar as one of the top destinations in the world for renewing wedding vows. According to the article “25 Places to Renew Your Wedding Vows“, Chabil Mar offers a relaxed and private setting for couples looking to renew their vows.

Chabil Mar’s bespoke packages include everything couples need to create a memorable renewal of vows celebration. From the ceremony to the reception, the resort’s expert staff provides personalized service and attention to detail, ensuring the couple’s specific needs and preferences are met. The resort’s various venue options, such as the pier, garden, or beach, offer a stunning backdrop for the ceremony.

One great reason to renew your vows is the positive impact it can have on a relationship. Studies have shown that couples who engage in novel and challenging experiences together are more likely to report higher levels of relationship satisfaction and feel more in love with each other.

A vow renewal ceremony is a meaningful and symbolic way for couples to reignite their commitment to each other and create a shared memory that can strengthen their bond.

Apart from the vow renewal ceremony, Placencia has plenty of other activities for couples to enjoy. Visitors can explore the village’s local cuisine and art by taking a food and cultural tour or strolling through the local art galleries.

Couples can also take a boat ride to explore the nearby islands of Laughing Bird Caye or the Silk Cayes or go snorkeling and scuba diving to discover the vibrant marine life in the area’s clear waters. For a more leisurely experience, couples can unwind on the beach, soak up the sun, and enjoy the stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.

Couples can also explore the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, located just a short distance from Placencia. The sanctuary is home to the world’s only jaguar reserve and offers hiking, bird-watching, and river tubing opportunities.

Other nearby attractions include the Maya ruins of Nim Li Punit and Lubaantun, which offer a glimpse into the rich history of the region.

Back at Chabil Mar, couples can enjoy a range of amenities, including two sea-facing infinity pools, beachfront dining, and spa treatments, making it the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. With its stunning scenery, personalized service, and range of activities and amenities, Chabil Mar is an ideal destination for couples looking to renew their vows or simply enjoy a romantic escape.

For more information about Belize, feel free to chat with our Concierge at concier ge@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.

Belize in August

Posted on July 26, 2024

August is a really great time to enjoy an unforgettable vacation in Belize. When heatwaves and record temperatures are found all across North America, Belize enjoys lovely weather in August with daytime highs of just 86F (30C) and nighttime lows at a perfect 78F (26C).

August falls during the “low season” when fewer tourists visit Belize, making it the perfect time to take advantages of discounts up to 40% on lodging, transportation, and tours of the top sites in the country. August is also the month when westerly winds begin to replace offshore breezes, a period known locally as the “Little Dry” with reduced precipitation and abundant sunshine.

August is also a month where families, honeymooners, and adventure travelers can enjoy great celebrations and festivities such as:

International Costa Maya Festival

The biggest festival of the year in the country, the Costa Maya International Festival is a three-day affair held in San Pedro on the island of Ambergris Caye. Originally designed to showcase Maya heritage, the festival is now known for its beauty pageant, street parades, games, and live music from some of the top names in the region.

Tres Pescados Fishing Tournament

Anglers from around the world compete to finish a Grand Slam – landing the three fish (“tres pescados” is Spanish for three fish) species of bonefish, tarpon, and permit fish.

Placencia

The Placencia Peninsula is a 16-mile strip of golden beaches located on the Caribbean coast of southern Belize. Placencia is renowned for its laid back charm and “barefoot ready” motto, an eco-friendly part of the country where bicycles and golf carts are the preferred method of transportation.

Placencia is also the gateway to the southern Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site composed of hundreds of islands strung along the second-biggest barrier reef on the planet. The southern part of the reef is a top destination for visitors to enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and sailing.

Placencia is also strategically positioned close to the top visitor destinations on the mainland including the enormous Cockscomb Basin Nature Reserve (home to the world’s only jaguar reserve), boat safaris on the Monkey River, and ancient Maya ruins like Nim Li Punit and Lubantuum.

Chabil Mar

Chabil Mar is a luxury beachfront resort located on the Placencia Peninsula. With a lush tropical garden, 2 swimming pools, and elegantly appointed villas, Chabil Mar is the perfect place to enjoy a great vacation in Belize in August.

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The Mennonites in Belize

Posted on July 22, 2024

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the first arrival of the Mennonite community in Belize. In 1958, a small band of Mennonites left Chihuahua State in Mexico and crossed into Belize to establish a farming community at the village of Spanish Lookout.

The first Mennonite settlers purchased land that was originally dense rainforest. With hard work and thriftiness, the Mennonites cleared the land in Spanish Lookout. Today, Mennonite farms growing beans, corn, and raising cattle have transformed their settlements into some of the most productive agricultural regions of Belize. Almost all of the eggs, chicken, and dairy products in Belize come from Mennonite farms.

Originally founded in the 16th century as a subsect of Anabaptist denominations in what is now Holland, Mennonites were forced to flee to Ukraine in order to escape persecution where they became known as “Russian” Mennonites (at the time, Ukraine was part of the Russian Empire). But following political instability, many Mennonites were forced to relocate in Mexico.

Today, there are some two million Mennonites worldwide and around 12,000 Mennonites in Belize, including converts from the local Creole and Mestizo populations. Most Mennonites in Belize speak Plautdietsch, a variant of standard German for communication and standard German for church and school.

The Mennonite faith is expressed differently depending on the congregation, with some communities following a strictly conservative lifestyle that eschews all modern conveniences while others, including the Spanish Lookout community, use and operate modern machinery and electricity. In some Mennonite communities in Belize such as Lower Barton Creek, transportation is with horse-drawn buggies and no modern technology is permitted, including photographs. In Spanish Lookout, on the other hand, only the language and conservative dress styles separate Mennonites from other communities in Belize, and the congregation is permitted to drive cars and use electricity.

To outsiders, the Mennonites are often confused with the Amish, another conservative religious tradition that began in Europe. The Amish, however, are considered a subset of the larger Mennonite faith, and Mennonites, generally, are more open to using modern technology and interacting with the public.

“At Chabil Mar, we know that Belize’s cultural diversity is one of this country’s greatest strengths,” said Larry France, marketing manager at Chabil Mar. “On behalf of all of us at the resort, we congratulate the Mennonite community on the occasion of their 60th anniversary.”

Chabil Mar is an inclusive luxury resort located on the Placencia Peninsula in southeastern Belize.

The Magnificent Belize Manatees

Posted on July 19, 2024

Manatees are lovable and gentle water creatures that spend their entire lives in the water. According to researchers, manatees can have a life span of up to 60 years and are found habitually in warm shallow waters. They only eat plants making them herbivores.

Belize has the region’s largest concentration of manatees by the count of the United Nations Environment Programme due to the fact that our country has the largest coral reef in the western hemisphere and extensive mangrove swamps. In addition, Belize’s network of rivers and lagoons which is protected in part by the reef provides fertile feeding grounds and shelter for these amazing mammals.

See also: Cockscomb Basin Wildlife and Jaguar Preserve

Manatees can be spotted along Belize’s entire coast line and can weigh as much as 1000 pounds. According to a UNEP report, manatees in Belize number fewer than 1000 but the population’s birth rate and cub survival rate is moderately stable and analogous to the population of Florida’s Crystal River area.

There are three protected manatee areas in Belize: The Northern Lagoon/Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary near Belize’s border with Mexico, the Swallow Caye Wildlife Sactuary which is a few miles from Belize City and Gales Point Manatee Wildlife Sanctuary in the Southern Lagoon area.

Many of our guests have spotted manatees on their way to Monkey River Village for the Howler Monkey Tour which remains one of the top tours to do from Placencia. On this tour, you will not only see manatees but also a variety of exotic birds, crocodiles and howler monkeys in their natural tropical environment.

Contact our Reservations Manager to explore your Placencia, Belize Vacation.

Photo by Brigid Gallagher

Get Your Claws On: Placencia Lobsterfest 2024 Kicks Off This Week, July 19-21

Posted on July 15, 2024

After an unforeseen weather delay caused by the recent passing of Hurricane Beryl, the highly anticipated Placencia Lobsterfest is back on track and ready to kick off this week, July 19-21, 2024. Organizers have worked tirelessly to ensure the event can proceed as planned, demonstrating the resilience and determination of the Placencia community.

This beloved annual festival is a joyous celebration of the opening of lobster season, a time when the waters around Placencia teem with these delectable crustaceans. It’s a magnet for seafood aficionados from around the world, who flock to this picturesque peninsula to indulge in the freshest lobster dishes imaginable.

Prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure like no other! The festival’s food stalls and restaurants will showcase an impressive array of lobster creations, from the classic grilled lobster tails and zesty lobster ceviche to innovative delights like lobster pizza and crispy lobster fritters. There’s truly a dish to satisfy every craving, ensuring a gastronomic experience you won’t soon forget.

But Lobsterfest is more than just a foodie paradise. It’s a vibrant tapestry of Placencia’s rich culture and community spirit. The air will be filled with the lively sounds of live music and dancing, while talented artisans will showcase their unique crafts. Families will find plenty to enjoy, with a variety of activities designed to entertain all ages. Whether you’re a devoted foodie, a music enthusiast, or simply seeking a fun-filled weekend getaway, Lobsterfest promises something special for everyone.

And where better to stay during this exciting event than Chabil Mar, your luxurious haven on the Placencia Peninsula? Our resort offers the perfect blend of comfort, elegance, and convenience, with spacious villas that provide a true home away from home. Imagine waking up to the gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore, as our stunning beachfront location offers breathtaking views that will soothe your soul.

At Chabil Mar, we’ve thought of everything to make your stay unforgettable. Our on-site restaurant will be serving up delectable lobster dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, our proximity to the festival grounds means you’ll be just a short stroll away from all the action.

As the Placencia Lobsterfest emerges from the shadow of Hurricane Beryl, it stands as a testament to the strength and spirit of this extraordinary community. So, don’t miss out on this exciting event! Book your stay at Chabil Mar today and immerse yourself in the vibrant celebration of Placencia’s Lobsterfest. We’ll be waiting to welcome you with open arms and a lobster feast that will leave you craving more.

International Costa Maya Festival

Tres Pescados Fishing Tournament

Placencia

Chabil Mar

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