So Placencia had a super charming, old-fashioned (and I mean old – like the rides and games you’d see in a movie from the 50’s-70’s – some might even call it reminiscent of a horror movie…..anyway…) we were thrilled to have it and I wish we had this permanently. Here’s some pics to take you back to old school carnival days (thanks Sue for the great pics!!)…..
This look super complicated and mystical.
I’ve definitely seen this in a horror movie.
Who doesn’t love old school carnival games???
Looks totally gorgeous…..
However – I bet we’d all be making this face, getting on a Ferris wheel from around 1950….
And more cotton candy…
Also this week was Mango Festival in Hopkins….this is pretty self explanatory. If you are headed here, you MUST get a local mango from the farmer’s markets scattered all through the village, they are truly one of the greatest things I’ve eaten here…..
And finally, here are some gratuitous pics from around the village, too charming not to share!
A very common question I get from guests is how their cell phones will work in Belize, and what options they have when they are here, for wifi, calling/texting back home, and staying connected via their data. Here are our latest recommendations!
1.) The most obvious and easy way to stay connected is to simply connect to the wifi available at almost every hotel, restaurant, bar, the airport, and even some shuttles. If it is your first time out of the country, it seems scary to have your phone looking like its roaming, or getting messages that your data is on, and hearing stories about outrageous fees people have paid because the settings on their phone were not right. You just have to make sure that your data is turned off when you arrive.
Make sure that green is switched to gray (off) 🙂
2.) If you are just using wifi – and don’t need a local phone number, or the ability to have local calls come in, you can use several methods for staying in contact with people at home. The most popular way is through Facebook messaging, which is free, and allows you to call, text, and send pictures. You can download this app to your phone.
Facebook Messager app icon
3.) I also recommend the Skype app – this is not just video calling. Skype allows you to call anywhere in the world, you just download the app, and I put about $25 a YEAR on it and never use it up. It is very cheap and you just open the app and call like a regular phone, you just have to be on wifi to use it. It can be annoying if your connection is not strong. This opens you up to be able to call all over the world, not just people on Facebook messenger.
Skype app icon
4.) If you have an iphone, you can call or facetime anyone in the world who has an iphone as well.
Facetime app icon
5.) Most US carriers offer service in Belize if you sign up for it. It’s pricey, and this is not necessary for most people. This will enable you to call and receive calls the same as you would in the US.
6.) Some hotels will give you a local cell – check before you arrive if you think you will want to be able to call locally. This can be good piece of mind to have in an emergency.
7.) If you’re staying longer than a vacation, you can get a SIM card for your phone from a local company – BTL. They’ll need ID and probably a passport, but you can get a local #. You can do this in Placencia with Eric from Office Supply – just hand over your phone and he’ll fit the local SIM card to your device. Then you can get data. Almost everyone is pre-paid, not post paid plans like in the US. Data plans are also available on pre-paid plans. This allows you to stay connected to the internet even when you don’t have wifi.
8.) If you are doing a local cell, here’s what to know. ‘Top-up’ is Belize speak for adding credit, or adding value, adding minutes, etc. Then there’s the ‘double up’. About twice a month you can get 2x the value of your ‘top-up’. You can download the app eCredit Belize to top up whenever you need to, or go into most grocery stores in the village and at the counter, just give them your cell number and how much you want to add, and they will do it there.
If you see this on the side of the store, they sell minutes there.
9.) A note about security – I highly recommend you put a code lock on your phone, especially on vacation. I also recommend downloading a “find my android/iphone” app, which is free, and if your phone gets lost or stolen, it will locate it for you.
The weather has been beautiful this week! Although the sea has been a little rough, and is churning up some seaweed, the sunshine and bright colors in the village NEVER get old…
There are some activities and excursions here in Placencia that you can count on being around, indefinitely. The wonderful tours and excursions, the local, authentic, great food, and of course the unspoiled, rustic, funky atmosphere of the heart of the village. Some new businesses come and go, and so it is always a new experience for guests! Some of the new businesses we are sad to see close for a season or for good, but then there is always something new to be excited about. In the next year, as It’zana comes to completion, along with a few other surprises on the peninsula, there will be even more to look forward to, and the Ellysian Hotel has also now opened in the village, which provides a Miami-Beach style hotel experience. Here are some of the changes of the last few seasons, and some new stuff to try when you get here!!1.) Farmhouse Deli – Ian Anderson of Cave’s Branch is known throughout the country for awesome organic food, meat, and cheese….our recent guest said she bought brie from there, that was the best she has ever had. The pictures and reviews coming out about the food there, speak for themselves. There is a new store/deli/restaurant right in the heart of town – open 7am-8pm! Thanks Lee Nyhus for the delicious pic….
Check out this amazing, exotic dining area….
And come see Lisa, who is super nice and let us sample ALL the amazing cheeses!!
2.) Cha Chi’s Indian food/Live music venue: Cha Chi’s has awesome pizza downstairs….and now, upstairs, you can enjoy amazing Indian food and live music on the weekends! Seriously…..I had chicken curry there last week that was one of the best I have ever had. I can’t recommend this highly enough! They also do takeout 🙂 One of our recent guests took these pictures…thanks Sarah!
And here is a pic from their Facebook page….gorgeous!
3.) Aerial yoga at Naia – Naia Yoga is a beautiful place to visit, about 20 minutes north of the village. They have an amazing yoga room – the view is breathtaking, and you can arrange for your group to have an aerial yoga class with Stephanie, of Eucalipto! Here is an image from a recent class we took….if you like yoga, you will love the unique stretches that you can’t do in a regular yoga class! (Also, there is a new upscale restaurant on site called 1981 that is worth the trip up!)
4.) BB Yoga Flow is now Placencia Yoga – with two great new teachers! There is a huge yoga vibe in Placencia and classes can be found all over the place.
5.) L & A Placencia Takeout – Placencia’s version of “fast food”! This is getting great reviews for local food, fast….this pic is from their Facebook page so you can find it!
6.) For vegetarians and vegans….I am stealing the following description from from the Placencia- What’s Happening Page! “A place with HEALTHY vegan/vegetarian food has opened in Placencia Village called Lil’ Bites, on the main road between Charo’s and Omar Creole Grub. Fish and chicken delights as well as yummy pastries are also on the menu. It’s delicious, inexpensive and served fast. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Try it…you will not be disappointed.” Here’s some pics so you can find it, right off the post:
7.) King Lewey’s Island Resort Excursion: Several people have said they have had a blast on this new private island excursion….here’s some info from their page…
“King Lewey’s Island Resort is now OPEN FOR BUSINESS. It has been under construction for over one year. Everything is made fresh at our restaurant, barbecue and bar. Even the bread is baked fresh on the island! Amazing King Lewey Burgers; made with 1/2 pound steak patties. Our island has a fun Pirate theme. We offer paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkeling. We will have two additional boats up and running within two weeks.” Here is a pic from their Facebook page…
8.) The Flying Pig (TFP) – just a couple miles from the village, there is now All-you-can-eat spaghetti and movie night, every Thursday at 6! From their page…
9.) The Vineyard Restaurant and Bar – this is a new upscale restaurant in Brisa Oceana, right on Main Street, near Rumfish….looks amazing!!!!
10.) Citrus Sensations: They are right in the heart of the village, they have all kinds of great takeout food, fruit, pizza, and local food! This pic is from their Facebook page…
So what has closed/changed? Right now, Fusion is closed except for private events, but there is talk that perhaps this will reopen – no word yet. Tranquilo closed for the season and no word on whether this will reopen this season yet or not. Tiger Restaurant, which had amazing Indian food, has changed cuisine to more Mexican style? I haven’t been there yet to check it out so this is word of mouth. All the favorite stuff in the village is still here and waiting for your next visit!!
We hope you will consider CBC for your beach wedding! We can hold up to 25 guests at the wedding, and 14 can stay at CBC – we can assist with lodging right around CBC for your extra guests. This recent wedding was remarkably beautiful, and so much fun in our intimate, tropical setting! We are the perfect spot and our past brides have been thrilled! We have a very sweet recommittment ceremony coming up this week as well…
Placencia is known as a tranquil, peaceful, place, for 363 days out of the year. The only two days it isn’t – Easter weekend! The entire country knows that Placencia is the place to be for Easter weekend, and it is PACKED and crazy. Here are some pictures from this past weekend!!!
These are some courtesy of CBC’s own Sue:
And local photographer Maz Carr captured Easter so beautifully, I had a share a few of her shots!
“Belize in America” on Facebook also captured this….
Part II: We were very fortunate that wonderful photographer Duarte Dellarole, https://www.duartedellarole.com/, was in town, so we decided to get some updated images of CBC! As our past guests know…..:)…..we are always making small changes and upgrades, so it will always look new, fresh, and different for your next visit (we make sure it is always in the best of ways, to improve your experience!)
We are thrilled with how they turned out. If you are on your way down, here is some eye candy to get you excited for your trip!!
Everyone’s favorites….the original Sol and Luna Cabanas, closest to the sea – true Belize-style cabanas!
Luna Cabanas
Our newest and most modern Villas! Rooftop decks, fresh and modern, Mexican-style villas…
We were very fortunate that wonderful photographer Duarte Dellarole came down for a CBC vacation so we decided to get some updated images of Caribbean Beach Cabanas! As our past guests know…..:)…..we are always making small changes and upgrades, so it will always look new, fresh, and different for your next visit (we make sure it is always in the best of ways, to improve your CBC Vacation!)
We are thrilled with how they turned out. If you are on your way down, here is some eye candy to get you excited for your trip!! I’ll post the Cabana and Villa updates next, along with some new ones from around the Cabanas.
Hacienda- Our two bed, two bath, Hamptons-style beachfront home
La Casita – Our authentic Belizean/Caribbean exotic experience…
In less than the last two weeks, Belize has shown up again and again in many sources all over the news. I am one of those who searches constantly for the latest #belize news, so here is the research for you, all on one page!!1.) This one is huge – because Belize isn’t. Belize is a tiny country and is still relatively undeveloped, and is decades behind the tourism-savvy countries it competes with. YET – TripAdvisor ratings found it to be in the top 25 destinations in the world!!! https://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Destinations-cTop-g12.)Destig.net is a site dedicated to sharing their latest great travel destinations in the world…..and the latest one is a great review of Belize! https://www.destig.net/travelbuzz/belize-much-more-than-perfect-beaches
3.) Johnny Depp has been slated to play John McAfee – and much of the movie will take place in the time he spent in Belize – this one is a big deal because, the population and size of Belize is tiny, to have a major motions picture featuring Belize is a REALLY big deal! (Yes, there will probably be some negatives about his time here, but you can bet the aesthetics shot in Belize are going to be amazing!) https://www.breakingbelizenews.com/2017/03/29/johnny-depp-play-infamous-john-mcafee/
This is a hard question to research or google when you are on vacation…..if you are looking for a tranquil afternoon, you might head to a pool bar, but then find it is a crazy loud place. Maybe you are a vegetarian and you head to a place that specializes in stewed chicken. Here are some helpful hints past guests have reported on, to help you find your perfect vacation spot!If you want to….
WATCH SPORTS
This is a common request. While many of the bars have TV’s, and this isn’t too hard to find, I will say that the award for best place to watch sports is Pickled Parrot. Eugene and Lynn are huge sports fans and there are always fun events and characters to interact with here!
EAT THE BEST LOCAL FOOD
This is an arguable one. However, based on guest feedback, these are not the fanciest places, but the places where people have found the best local dishes….Dawn’s Grill and Wende’s Creole Resaurant.
Wendy’s front porch – tripadvisor.com
HAVE THE BEST AUTHENTIC, CHEAP LUNCH
Mim’s! This is not online, and is very modest looking – you’ll find it on main street if you walk right to the street from CBC, on the right. They have the best authentic stewed chicken, rice and beans, for $5usd. (If you are not staying at CBC, it is located north of the village, just south of Top Value)
MEET EXPATS LIVING IN PLACENCIA
Friday afternoon – Yoli’s – the Lost Reefers are playing, and there is always fun in this lively Caribbean style bar. It is not easy to find online or in person, but it is right by Paradise Hotel on the southern tip of the peninsula.
tripadvisor.com
HAVE THE BEST ICE CREAM Tutti Frutti – it is not a secret!
HAVE LATE NIGHT PIZZA BY THE SLICE
We finally have a pizza shop that is open kind of late, and sells by the slice! Cha Chi’s right next to Tutti Frutti.
PLAY TRIVIA
Thursday night…..Pickled Parrot again….just put your game face on because this is serious business.
SING KAREOKE
Thursdays at the Tipsy Tuna Sports Bar and Sundays at J-Dees!
tipsytuna.com
HAVE A MEMORABLE MEAL
Get a cab to Maya Beach for one night and visit the Maya Beach Bistro…..it is probably 100% approved by past guests.
traveldew.com
WATCH THE SUNSET
Placencia has most of its fun on the Caribbean side, and you have to go to the lagoon side to see the sunset. If you are in town, head to the pier where you can watch the fishermen bring in their catches, people and dolphin watch, and then see the sunset from the southernmost point in the village.
HAVE SOMEONE COOK YOUR FISH FOR YOU Omar’s right in the village is recommended by past guests.
FIND THE BEST SOUVENIRS
My personal opinion on a great souvenir….go to any local grocery store and pick up some $1 mini bottles of Marie Sharps! Or visit Leo the woodcarver on the sidewalk near Tipsy Tuna.
MEET LOCALS
Head back to the pier and hang out near Brenda’s Caribbean Cooking food stand…you are guaranteed a fun experience!
FIND THE BEST VEGETARIAN MEALS
A guest favorite is Rick’s on the sidewalk, the vegan salad is amazing!
HAVE LOCAL BBQ
John’s BBQ in the area right by the fields, where you will see three wood houses, a great place to hang out!
SEE AN ISLAND RIGHT OFF A CALENDAR
Visit Ranguana Caye for the day.
HAVE THE MOST OUTRAGEOUS EXPERIENCE IN THE COUNTRY
Although it is a long drive, it is one of the most popular activities in the country. At Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave Tour, you will feel like you are Indiana Jones.
bernardoni.com
HAVE A QUIET AFTERNOON OUT OF THE VILLAGE
Visit the Quarterdeck Bar at Laru Beya, it is almost always quite tranquil, and the restaurant there will serve you right at the pool, well worth a visit out of the village!
larubeya.com
PARTY ON A SUNDAY Barefoot Bar is the place to be!
