Still dreaming about how to start 2026 on a high note? There’s still time to book your dream getaway to Belize and celebrate the New Year where the Caribbean sun meets golden beaches. Imagine swapping snow boots for flip-flops, and crowded city streets for the soft rhythm of ocean waves. At Chabil Mar, New Year’s isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s an experience that fills your heart, lifts your spirit, and welcomes you into a year of joy.
Belize Knows How to Party
Few places know how to celebrate quite like Belize. Whether you’re joining locals in lively towns or watching fireworks dance over the water from your private beachfront villa, you’ll feel the magic of a nation that truly knows how to welcome the new.
Spend the day soaking up the tropical sunshine, and when night falls, toast to fresh beginnings with a cold Belize beer or a fruity rum cocktail. Let’s be honest—it beats shivering in a city crowd waiting for a ball to drop.
Learn Belizean Traditions
In Belize, the New Year is more than a party—it’s about renewal and gratitude. One beloved tradition involves sweeping your home to symbolically brush away last year’s troubles, making space for good fortune ahead.
Locals also enjoy round cakes to represent the circle of life—a sweet reminder that every ending brings a new beginning. You don’t have to join in, but why not? A little luck and a slice of cake never hurt anyone.
Eat and Be Merry
If you’re a foodie, you’re in for a treat. New Year’s in Belize means feasting on seafood simmered in coconut milk, tamales wrapped in plantain leaves, and rum-soaked fruitcakes that taste like celebration itself. Every bite is a toast to good times and great company.
Enjoy Life and Laughter
If the past year has been heavy, Belize is your place to let go and breathe again. Between the warm smiles of the people, the irresistible cuisine, and the lush natural beauty, you’ll rediscover joy in its purest form.
Take a nature walk, swim beneath a waterfall, or explore one of Belize’s incredible nature reserves. Everywhere you turn, the beauty of the land invites peace and renewal.
It’s time to start the New Year with a fresh perspective. Belize makes it easy to shed your worries and greet the New Year with joy.
Enjoy New Year’s Eve at Chabil Mar
If you’ve decided to greet 2026 in Belize, book at Chabil Mar. On the stunning beaches of the Placencia Peninsula, our luxury resort offers everything you need for a spectacular New Year’s Eve or a 2026 Belize vacation.
Start your year with sunrise views over the Caribbean, world-class dining by the sea, and memories that will last a lifetime.
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.
Even if you consider yourself a savvy traveler who has navigated domestic and foreign travel for business and/or pleasure, you may still never have heard the term “bleisure travel.” The expression has yet to wind up in dictionaries, but it will get there. Bleisure is one of the hottest “new” travel trends—despite the fact that most people have been doing it all along: A bleisure trip pairs “business” and “leisure,” and the time has come to formally acknowledge its popularity—especially if you decide to take your first official bleisure experience in Belize!
6 Reasons Belize is Bleisure Heaven
1.Despite meteoric changes in travel behaviors, goals, and styles, one dynamic remains a constant: Nobody wants to waste time getting to and from destinations. Because Belize flights take only a couple of hours from southern U.S. ports, getting on with the business at hand in a few hours and having zero jet lag are priceless perks.
2. You control your itinerary. Having made advance provisions for blocking out time needed to undertake business responsibilities, wrap your free time around those obligations so work tasks meet every deadline before you’re off to have fun. Since Belize is easily navigable and only the size of Vermont, you could easily see more sites and attractions during downtime than you would in a larger country.
3. Belize time coincides with North America’s Central Time Zone, so no need to wake anyone up to get a decision related to the work you’re doing during your bleisure getaway. Everyone in Belize speaks English, the exchange rate remains stable at $1USD to $2BZD, and if you want to use U.S. currency, plenty of places happily accept it.
4. You can bring your family. Belize is kid friendly for reasons that include an abundance of wildlife and kid-related experiences that run the gamut from caving and ziplining to the best aquatic sporting experiences in Central America. Sojourn at Chabil Mar Resort on the Placencia peninsula where there are so many onsite activities, writing corporate reports in silence won’t be an issue because family members won’t run out of fun things to do while you’re “working.”
5. Expect to find that you slow down (even if you didn’t mean to). A nation filled with friendly people, a mellow vibe, and idyllic weather is likely to impact the way you feel, move, and operate. The more you relax, the more productive you will be, say scientists exploring the relationship between recreation and work efficiency, thus Belize’s tempo could contribute mightily to the quality of work you produce.
6. The number of cultural experiences found in Belize is impressive, as evidenced by Chabil Mar’s tour menu where everything visitors crave can be found, and selecting a Belize vacation package means no decision-making when it comes to accommodations, meals, tours and onsite amenities. Scroll down that page and you may even find a deal! Business + Pleasure + Savings? Does it get any better? Why would you stay home if you’re well positioned to adopt a bleisure lifestyle?
Throughout much of the world, winter is a time when activity slows down. As the cold sets in, the adventures of summer are put away in favor of the obligations of work, school, and holidays. That’s not the case in Belize. An idyllic paradise situated right along the equator, Belize’s winter is actually its tourist season. It’s during these months that the weather is the driest, but the temperatures stay in the same pleasant range of 70s and 80s that the rest of the year is known for. There are a lot of things to do in Belize during the winter, but here are the activities you have to consider.
Explore the Barrier Reef
The vibrant life that calls the world’s second largest barrier reef home is worth seeing, but how you see it is up to you. Snorkeling lets you get up close and personal, while scuba diving offers an even more immersive experience. Deep sea fishing expeditions offer you an even more leisurely way to enjoy the barrier reef and a fresh meal you can enjoy for dinner. From the Silk Cayes Marine Reserve to the Blue Hole, there are countless aquatic exploration sites perfect for everyone from beginners to accomplished scuba divers.
Venture Into the Rainforest
While there are plenty of beautiful islands off the coast of Belize, it’s worth staying at a mainland destination with beach access — like Placencia — because it allows you to truly explore the world on land. National parks are abundant throughout Belize, as are the surprisingly extant ruins left behind by the ancient Maya empire centuries ago. More adventurous travelers will find themselves satisfied with excursions offering chances to tube through pitch black underground caves, zipline over expansive rainforest canopies, or enjoy the peaceful experience of kayaking down interior rivers. And for those who like things a little more relaxed, winter is the perfect time for birding and horseback riding.
Enjoy Chabil Mar
Winter can also be a time to relax, and no resorts offer an experience quite as luxuriant as Chabil Mar. Located on the Placencia Peninsula, guests are within reach of Belize’s coolest destinations but have everything they need right on the property. Our guest exclusive resort includes two infinity pools in addition to 400 feet of private beach just for you. Whether you’re looking to take a paddleboard out on the water, enjoy some seaside yoga, or simply spend your time napping on the beach with a good book, everything you could want is at reach when you stay at Chabil Mar.
Visit 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.
For the Maya Empire, Belize was an agricultural breadbasket that offered both saltwater and freshwater commercial trade routes. For the English buccaneers known as the Baymen, it was a lucrative source of lumber and later mahogany with direct access to international trade via the Caribbean Sea. Today, Belize’s tourism industry thrives on this combination of pristine jungles and amazing beaches. Even as the Caribbean and much of Mexico have become overcrowded with tourists, Belize offers a little bit of everything. Some of Belize’s most appealing tourist towns are directly to the north, while the country also offers direct access to the beauties of the Caribbean Sea and a path through the jungle to explore the rest of Central America. It blends together the best aspects of surf and turf without making sacrifices to either.
The Jungle
The thickest and most vibrant jungles in Belize sit in the Cayo District: an area which is commonly known as the Wild West of Belize. Some of the country’s most popular eco-lodges are here, but it’s also home to some of the most thrilling adventures and most peaceful respites you’ll find in the country. The verdant land here makes agriculture the major industry, but the low population density of Belize ensures that there’s still plenty of jungle left to explore. Some of the most popular and impressive Maya ruins in Central America — like Xunantunich and El Pilar — are located in the Cayo District, and the Cayo District’s Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave is one of the most spectacular natural sites you’ll find. More adventurous travelers will find opportunities to zip line, spelunk, and kayak through underwater caverns. But you can also find time for a romantic horseback ride through the jungle, birdwatching at dawn, or a gentle rafting trip down the Macal River. The town of San Ignacio offers a full range of modern amenities and conveniences and is treated as the gateway to the Cayo District’s natural treasures.
The Sea
175 miles of coastline offer plenty of opportunities to lounge along the warm and brilliantly blue Caribbean Sea, but the best way to see what’s out there is to venture further onto the water. More than 400 islands sit off the coast of Belize, and the world’s second largest barrier reef is also positioned within the country’s marine territory. But you don’t need to venture out to islands like Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker to see what the waters have to offer. There are plenty of great coastal villages worth exploring, but the Placencia Peninsula stands out in particular. The narrow strip of land that constitutes this peninsula gives it the vibe of an island while still giving you easy access to the interior. Whether you’re looking to fish, snorkel, or dive, you’ll find plenty of options out on Belize’s Caribbean waters.
See Both at Chabil Mar Villas
Chabil Mar offers you the flexibility to explore both the green and the blue of Belize. Chabil Mar Resort offers beachside relaxation on the Placencia Peninsula, while the Lodge at Chaa Creek sits conveniently in the major inland hub of San Ignacio. Our Reservations Team can help you find a Belize jungle and sea vacation package that gives you the perfect ratio of sea and land.
Visit 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.
Placencia Village on the southeastern coast of Belize is a popular holiday destination for North American expats and tourists. The village is located on the southern tip of the 16-mile long narrow Placencia Peninsula, a relaxed “barefoot friendly” community that bills itself as the caye (island) that you can drive to as it is easily accessible by automobile via a paved 27-mile road that branches off from the Southern Highway.
Placencia is a popular destination for vacationers but each tourist brings their own expectations to the kind of experience that they have in the area. Many enjoy the laid-back barefoot atmosphere where you can wander up and down the public beaches or mosey into some of the best bars and restaurants in the area. Others visitors looking for a more pampered experience can stay at top-rated luxury resorts like Chabil Mar located just a few minutes’ walk from the village.
The high season in Placencia starts in mid-December and lasts until after Easter, although any time of the year is a good time to visit. There’s always a bump in the number of visitors during the full moons of the months of May and June as that’s when the whale sharks come to feed in the waters just offshore.
Here are 8 must do activities/tours in Placencia.
Explore Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in the Stann Creek District and not far from Placencia Village, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is globally recognized as the world’s first jaguar preserve and is home to cascading waterfalls to swim in, panoramic mountain views, nature trails, furry mammals, colorful insects, scaly reptiles and a variety of neotropical birds. In addition, river tubing is a favorite adventure for the many visitors to this unique tropical paradise. Tours leave daily from Chabil Mar.
Although the jaguar (the largest spotted cat in the world) is what the reserve is famous for, you are unlikely to see one as the cat is nocturnal. However you will see its tracks along with tracks of tapir, deer, and other wildlife that inhabit the nature reserve. Cockscomb Basin is also home to one of Belize’s highest points — Victoria Peak and many travelers who vacation in Placencia go on this tour.
Go on a Kayaking expedition at Laughing Bird Caye
Kayaking in Placencia is a joy! The crystal clear waters, tepid sunshine and balmy Caribbean breezes that Belize offers make for an ideal kayaking expedition. As you glide across the warm waters, you will observe untouched coral reefs, white sandy beaches and abundant marine wildlife like the amazing sea turtle.
Belize has numerous cayes that can be explored on a kayak. Laughing Bird Caye National Park for example, is a mini atoll and is a favorite stopover for reef kayakers.
Pay a Visit to the Resident Howler Monkeys
Take a boat to Monkey River Village and head up Monkey River and into the jungle to pay a visit with the resident howler monkeys. Complete your adventure along the ride to observe crocodiles sunning along the river banks, along with exotic birds, iquana hanging in the trees, a few bats and lizards and enjoy a lunch with the villagers in Monkey River. On the way back to Placencia you may even see a few manatees along with their pups.
Explore Maya Temple Sites
According to archeologists, over 1 million Maya people lived in present day Belize. Today there are a range of Maya temples scattered throughout Belize. If you are vacationing in Placencia, you might want to explore Maya Temples like Nim Li Punit and Lubantuun in the Toledo District or Xunantunich and Cahal Pech in western Belize. While visiting some of these sites, maybe even add on a swim up river and into a cave! That is a thrill of a lifetime.
Dive or Snorkel – even with Whale Sharks
Home to the second largest barrier reef in the world, Belize is a diver and snorkeler’s dream come true. In addition, over 100 islands dot the coastline, just offshore from Placencia, providing endless opportunities for diverse diving and snorkeling opportunities.
During the months of March, April, May and June around the full moon, giant whale sharks will emerge in the turquoise clear waters of Gladden Spit and Silk Caye Marine Reserve near the Placencia Peninsula. This marine reserve is used by over 30 species of tropical fishes to release their eggs and it is the eggs of the cubera, mutton and dog snappers that the whale sharks munch on.
Both divers and snorkelers can swim with these giant whale sharks in the pristine and warm waters of southern Belize without any risk from these magnificent creatures as they do not pose any significant threat to humans.
Fishing is Extraordinary
As a traditional fishing Village, Placencia is the residency of some of the finest fishing captains in Belize. And, due to its location on a peninsula, the lagoons to the west, the Caribbean to the east and the barrier reef 18 miles offshore, while being dotted with multiple islands (cayes, pronounced “keys”), fishing is inherent in the population and history of this beautiful Village of 1500 residents. A grand slam is a definitely a possibility while visiting Placencia.
Enjoy delicious Belizean Cuisines
Placencia Village is a traditional fishing Village with a tourist element. It is this small tourist exposure that has encouraged its residents to populate it with amazing restaurants like Tipsy Tuna, Rum Fish, Barefoot, La Dolce Vita, Secret Garden, Yoli’s, Pickled Parrot, Purple Space Monkey and Wendy’s (no not the fast food restaurant) and these well known restaurants offer a variety of fresh sea food at a reasonable price. Dotted along the streets are many vendors serving some of the best Belizean dishes in the country, passed down from generations and prepared with local ingredients. Rum Fish for example, sells the best fish tacos and if you are into gourmet burgers you’ll have to try Barefoot Restaurant & Bar which is located right on the beach.
You can also check out the Italian Gelato Shop that offers incredible and authentic fruit gelatos. Gelato in Placencia? Yes, and we dare say among the best you will ever have the pleasure to put to your palate.
Placencia Beaches
In a country with more than 180 miles of beaches, the Placencia Peninsula truly stands out. Lovely white sand, refreshing tropical breezes, and the sight and scent of the sparkling waters of the Caribbean combine for a truly unforgettable tropical beach experience.
While many people partake in organized adventures on both the mainland and nearby Belize Barrier Reef, one of the truly special joys of a Belize vacation is relaxing and exploring the beaches of the Placencia peninsula.
Below are a few ways to make the most of Placencia’s golden beaches:
Take a long walk – In some parts, it’s considered a cliche to say that you enjoy a long walk on the beach, but in Placencia the words won’t matter. Whether you’re strolling hand in hand with a loved one or simply admiring the view on your own, walking along the beach in Placencia is undeniably good for the soul.
Enjoy a fine meal – Whether you’ve packed a picnic basket filled to the brim with tasty local goodies or you’ve decided to enjoy a seafront view at one of the peninsula’s amazing restaurants, few experiences can compare to dining on delicious food and drinks on the beach.
Main Street – New York has Fifth Avenue and Paris has the Champs-Élysées, but the village of Placencia has its own unique claim to fame. Officially declared the smallest main street in the world, the central “boulevard” running through the middle of the village is actually a sidewalk just four feet across. No cars are allowed which makes it the perfect place to visit cute little shops, grab a coffee, or sit down for a delicious snack.
Relax! – Many people get so wound up trying to cram in as many activities and tours during their vacation that they forget the reason why they decided to visit Belize in the first place. The lovely golden dunes of Placencia are a great place to work on your tan, swing in a hammock, or dip your toes in the Caribbean while unwinding and relaxing.
Seine Bight – Heading north from Placencia Village, visitors walking along the beach have the opportunity to go see the village of Seine Bight. Home to Belize’s unique Garifuna culture, Seine Bight is a great chance to experience Garifuna music, dancing, and food.
Take unforgettable photos – Whether you want to impress your friends on social media with your amazing selfies or simply want to capture the happy memories of vacation, the beaches of Placencia are ideal for taking photographs.
Visit our website chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize and Placencia, 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.
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