Quiet restaurants with tables in the sand serve lobster, a staple in the area. More than sixteen miles of beach line its coastline. A sidewalk-sized “street” that intersects the village. This is Placencia, Belize. In 2022, Forbes named Belize as one of its top travel destinations for 2022, while Placencia was chosen as one of the most beautiful coastal towns to visit around the world. With a lagoon on one side and one of the world’s most extraordinary barrier reefs on the other, it’s easy to see why. The diving, needless to say, is world-class, and the lounging on the beach is of equally fine quality. And one of the best ways to experience it? With an all-villa, guest-exclusive stay like Chabil Mar Resort right outside Placencia Village.
Vacation On Your Own Terms with Chabil Mar
Literally translating to “beautiful sea” in  Ket’chi Maya, Chabil Mar actually occupies the site of Placencia’s first resort in the 1970s, The Cove. Each villa covers 925 sq. ft. to 2000 sq. ft of Living Space. In addition to a personal veranda, an outdoor personal dining area, and a hammock. Lofts are optional, but travelers can choose from one- and two-bedroom options for that perfect Placencia sunrise; each villa at Chabil Mar faces the sea, regardless of which you choose. Not to mention, 400 feet of the private beach really sweeten things up to wade into its sugar-like shallows, just steps from Chabil Mar’s two infinity pools. Small and private, you can really savor the guest exclusivity and the Placencia Peninsula with Chabil Mar’s intimate 22 units.
The collection of mostly two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo units in a series of two-story buildings with blue roofs spread around lushly planted, gated grounds, toward the southern end of the peninsula. Being this close, guests can grab a complimentary bicycle and experience the village on their own time; though if you’d prefer, the resort also offers a shuttle service. Though you can dine literally anywhere on the property (think poolside, in your villa, or on the beach), how else would you sample all the local restaurants inside Placencia Village?
Placencia Village: Prime For Its Close-Up
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- Photo by Itz’ana Resort
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- An aerial of Placencia Peninsula’s pointe. Photo by Belize My Travels (@belizemytravels)
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- Photo by Chabil Mar Villas
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- Placencia Village, Belize. Photo by Turtle Inn
Placencia Village itself is found at the very end of the 16-mile peninsula, which was hailed as one of the best beaches in Central America by Lonely Planet; specified for its peace and quiet. It’s quiet in comparison to Ambergris Caye, which is Belize’s largest island. Not to mention, it’s more accessible given travelers can boat, drive, or fly to Placencia. On its beachfront, you’ll find the likes of lively hotspots like Tipsy Tuna Seaside & Sports Bar and traditional Garifuna fishing shacks as remnants of its once-sleepy fishing past. It’s a view that’s only found in Placencia, and you can enjoy it with a cup of bottomless coffee from any of Chabil Mar’s guest-exclusive, sea-facing villas.
The Cockscomb Basin expanse from Outlier summit. Image by Harvey Valenzona
Scuba diving and snorkeling at the Laughing Bird Caye National Park to experience offshore marine life, trekking to the summit of Ben’s Bluff in the world’s first jaguar preserve, and visits to local markets and art locales just a Âľ mile stroll to the center of Placencia Village are only a few things during your stay at Chabil Mar.
Not to mention: Chabil Mar’s tropical gardens come with a view of the Caribbean Sea from the entire self-contained unit. That also makes it one of the most romantic destinations on the Placencia Peninsula.
