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Thinking of moving to Placencia, Belize? 13 ways living here will change the way you think!!

Remax Vip Belize: Easter weekend 2017 in Placencia
It is hard to remember how things change in the way you think, after a few years here…but here are 13 ways that I guarantee you will change if you stick around!1.) Continuously lowering your expectations about what hair products (and makeup, etc) you’ll be OK with using.–unless you are going back to the US a lot, you have to be ok with whatever stock is here. I have been unable to buy hairspray for a couple weeks at a time, and while in the US my preferred brand is certainly not V05 or Suave, I am happy to have it here! (because it is only a few bucks, the occasional random good stuff is 10x the US price!)

Get comfy with this brand. (frugalchick.com)
Remax Vip Belize: Get comfy with this brand
2.) Although you lose the materialism mentality in the US, the scarcity mentality will hit you hard….–when you DO find a beloved import product in the stores, you will find yourself buying all the things, because you may never see it again.3.) Finding yourself saying – “Its just a cockroach…. It’s just some termites…. Scorpion stings/tarantula bites don’t actually kill you….Oh the bees here are all Africanized bees? Sweet.”
—Your peripheral vision will pick up dark shadows in the corners pretty frequently. For my first year here that would set off my central nervous system every time…coming from NE US, we are taught to be pretty terrified of all the creatures. I have now become completely desensitized. Oh a little gecko poop on my pillow? Well at least it is here eating the mosquitoes. Oh there was a boa constrictor sighting in my front yard? *yawn.* Oh there is a scorpion by my foot? Well I should move. Oh look at that 6 inch beetle with pinchers. Cool. Shoot that 4 inch cockroach went under the fridge. And so on.

Don’t believe me? Check out this Facebook page…https://www.facebook.com/groups/1425989061003132/
Actual pic from the page. Cute!
Remax Vip Belize: Scorpion stings/tarantula bites
4.) I guess it is ok to start drinking at 11(am)…—Belize is FUN and you can find yourself finding a lot of excuses why it is a good happy hour day. Every day. Tourists are having fun every day of their vacations. It is a struggle because no one is going to judge you if you do!

Because THIS is a 2 minute walk away.
Remax Vip Belize: Start drinking at 11
5.) No, really, I don’t miss having a large selection of beer. —For some reason, you just don’t! You can only get Belikin and its cousins here, plus a few other Caribbean beers, but because you are always drinking it while at the beach bars of your dreams, it doesn’t occur to you that it matters.
Remax Vip Belize: I don't miss having a large selection of beer
6.) Having your soul die a little every time you throw away very recyclable plastic.—Placencia is quite clean, and does a great job with its resources, but the amount of plastic garbage you will see….will make you immediately want to open a recycling facility.
7.) Forgetting how to look at a bill and not ask yourself if it is Belize dollars or USD. —Even when you go home. It is a switch I can’t turn off. And you will still probably question your math 100x every time you pay a bill with mixed Belize and USD.8.) Feeling guilty if you put any toilet paper in the toilet.—Even when I’m in the US, I am programmed to throw toilet paper in the wastebasket….it is ingrained due to the septic systems here.

9.) Being OK with almost getting hit by a golf cart, bike, bus, or truck….every day.—Just head to Main Street during a busy hour for this fun time!

10.) You stop wondering if the Pit Bull-looking stray dog walking towards you is going to rip your throat out. –In the US, if I see a huge, mangy stray coming at me I am accustomed to thinking it is Cujo. Here, he probably just wants you to pet him. The dogs here are unnaturally nice.

11.) You stop wondering where all the tourists are….the hotels are all full….yet you are still the only one on the beach. Every time.
— This is one of Placencia’s mysteries. No one has solved it. But it is why many people come back again and again!

Remax Vip Belize: Tourists are the hotels
12.) Burglar bars don’t mean you are in a “bad” part of town.
—Belize is a DIY country. Also, it is known that if you leave your stuff out, it means it must not mean a whole lot to you. Burglar bars just mean that the person building the house had a bit of extra money to add in this bit of security – there aren’t alarm companies down here yet and it is just a little extra peace of mind.
13.) If you are on the internet, as Placencia runs on facebook….you will write this infinity times to messages you will get – “No, sorry, I don’t know of any good long term rentals right now.”
—Yes, there is a shortage of these. But here is a good resource!
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Improve your mood immediately by looking at these Placencia, Belize beach bars!!

Remax Vip Belize: Tipsy Tuna Only
OK, that title is not totally backed by science, but we hope you enjoy these images from Barefoot Bar and Tipsy Tuna – our guests RAVE about the food and atmosphere at these two….they are the template for all beach bars!
This is the (famous Placencia) sidewalk in between CBC and Barefoot 🙂
Remax Vip Belize: Sidewalk in between CBC and Barefoot
This is the totally charming entrance from the sidewalk, heading to the beach at Barefoot Beach Bar…
Remax Vip Belize: Heading to the beach at Barefoot Beach Bar
Getting closer!
Remax Vip Belize: Getting closer Barefoot Bare
Tipsy Tuna has an equally adorable entrance! Just try not to get a picture of one of their many kitschy signs…
Remax Vip Belize: Tipsy tuna only
Remax Vip Belize: Tipsy tuna thankyou
Inside of Tipsy Tuna….at their opening, before the lunch and happy hour crowds roll in!
Remax Vip Belize: lunch and happy hour crowds roll in!
The seating on the beach at Barefoot Bar…have your pick of tropical colors
Remax Vip Belize: The seating on the beach at Barefoot Bar
 THIS VIEW….they share the beach seaside.
Remax Vip Belize: THIS VIEW....they share the beach seaside.
Looking down the beach the other way…
Remax Vip Belize: Looking down the beach the other way
The view of Barefoot, standing on the shore
Remax Vip Belize: The view of Barefoot, standing on the shore
Inside Barefoot
Remax Vip Belize: Inside Barefoot
Hopefully you are on your way here soon! If not, and you are looking at snow outside, then take advantage of the recent slew of discounted plane tickets to Belize, and get here!!
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On your way to Placencia, Belize for vacation? Here are some gorgeous images from around the village!

Remax Vip Belize : On your way to Placencia, Belize for vacation
Get more excited for your vacation (or take a break from looking at snow) by checking out some of our images below, these are mostly taken from the pier walking on Main Street…
Thank you Breeanna!! http://www.breeannakayphotography.com

The pier…the most southern tip of the peninsula…some really cute shops and great people watching!
Remax Vip Belize: The pier...the most southern tip of the peninsula
 On the right is Above Grounds coffee house, a great second floor balcony to people watch. You’ll feel like you are in a treehouse.
Remax Vip Belize: Coffee house, a great second floor balcony
 Mojo, another great second floor people-watching fun time…..Fridays they have a great Happy Hour 5-6:30…often there is live music on the balcony
Remax Vip Belize: Mojo, another great second floor people-watching fun time.
 One of the farmer’s markets in town, the produce is sold at these stands – not the grocery stores
Remax Vip Belize: Farmer's markets in town
 A Placencia favorite…the second floor balcony at Rumfish
Remax Vip Belize: A Placencia favorite...the second floor balcony at Rumfish
 Another farmer stand
Remax Vip Belize: Farmer stand
 Omar’s – great place for local food, or they will cook your fish for you!
Remax Vip Belize: Omar's - great place for local food
 There are several great spa/massage places you’ll see all through town!
Remax Vip Belize: Tree of Life
It is always fun to see the random vehicles that you don’t see in the US or Canada – driving around town in a golf cart, Indian/Chinese trucks, and Scooby Doo looking vans!
Remax Vip Belize: Indian/Chinese trucks, and Scooby Doo
 Tutti Frutti….everyone’s favorite stop
Remax Vip Belize: Tutti Frutti
 Main Street will give you a feel for a Central American village, whereas the sidewalk makes you feel like you are on the perfect Caribbean vacation…
Remax Vip Belize: Central American village
More to come! 🙂
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Remaxvipbelize : Beach Nature
Over the years, we have learned a ton from our own travel, and the questions and problems guests have had in getting here. Here are the top 10 tips we’ve learned on how to navigate the Belize airport and regional jet system like a pro!1.) Tropic and Maya Island Air –
The most popular method of travel around Belize, is to take one of Belize’s regional planes (“puddle jumpers”) from the Belize International Airport (BZE) to the village airports (in our case, Placencia). You can pre-book this flight by going to www.tropicair.com, or www.mayaislandair.com. The flights are scheduled throughout the day to most larger villages. The flight is only 40 minutes long to Placencia, and once you’re away from the mainland, the water turns beautiful shades of blue and turquoise. It is like an excursion in itself!

Remaxvipbelize - Our own travel
tropicair.com

2.) Make it fun! Ask the pilot if you can sit in the co-pilot seat – they will let you if you ask. The right side of the plane shows you the Maya Mountains, the lagoon, and across the mainland. The left side shows you spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea – get your camera out!

Remaxvipbelize -Co-pilot seat
tropicair.com

3.) Money saving tip!!!! Laurie, “Taco Girl”- a great blogger from San Pedro, provides (for free) the most up to date code for 10% off your Tropic Air flight. You can enter your email here – you’ll get the code immediately – and no spam email. http://tacogirl.com/flights-to-belize/.

4.) How much time should I leave between flights? What is the airport like?
We recommend leaving at least 75-90 minutes between your incoming flight and your puddle jumper flight. Please note that the airlines still recommend 2-3 hours in between. As there is always a chance of delays, please schedule what makes you comfortable. If you breeze through customs and immigration, they will put you on an earlier flight. How to ensure you get through immigrations/customs as quickly as possible? Read on!

5.) Expert Tip!!!! International flights deplane from front AND back at BZE – you really want to try to be one of the first off, as this will get you in the front of the line for immigration – this makes a big difference! (and don’t dawdle…walk fast – don’t run people down, but move stealthily through the crowd.) We recommend you book in the last few rows or as close to the front as you can, but avoid the middle of the plane. When you get off the plane (all planes deplane right on the runway, total old-school, exotic fun!) you’ll go through Immigration and Customs, and then after collecting your bags (see notes on immigration and customs below), you will proceed to the Tropic Air/Maya Island Air counter, to check in for your flight to Placencia (or wherever.) If you breeze through Immigration and Customs, you may be bumped up to an earlier Tropic or Maya Air flight. No worries, this happens often, ask the desk to call your hotel or ride (CBC is 622-4142) and let them/us know you got on an earlier flight, so they/we can be there to pick you up.

Remaxvipbelize - San Pedro
dickieville.com

6.) Immigration – After getting off the plane have your passport and Arrival Form (they give it to you on the plane) available to go through Immigration. As noted above, try to sit at the front or back of the plane, not the middle, to get off the plane first. Immigration is pretty straightforward, and you just need to get your passport stamped. You then pick up your bags…BUT FIRST…

6.) **MONEY SAVING TIP! Before you leave the baggage claim area to head to customs (the baggage claim duty free store is the only place you can buy duty free at arrival in BZE, to take with you for your vacation – the others are in the main waiting area, and for taking back OUT of the country when you are leaving). After you are in the baggage claim area look around and you’ll see a store called “Arrival Duty Free”. This is not your typical duty free store where you buy wine or perfume, etc, when you leave; this store is for buying when you arrive in Belize – they have the very best prices. If want to enjoy any of the name brand liquors like Bombay Gin, Johnny Walker Scotch, Stoli Vodka or any of the others, make sure you buy those liquors here at this store. Because of the high import tax, these same liquors will cost twice as much in Belize (local rum, beer, vodka are relatively inexpensive.)**If you buy duty free, as you head towards customs, you will have to get in the line for “Declaring” items. On to Customs….

Remaxvipbelize passport and Arrival Form
sanpedroscoop.com

7.) Customs – When you are on your way in, on the airplane, you’ll get a Customs form, along with the Immigration form, to fill out. They basically want to know if you are bringing in things to sell, or anything that will be left in the country (for example, we have to declare items we bring in to use at the resort, like a lighting fixture or household item.) You are allowed to have your personal items and these do not have to be declared. Unless you go to the duty free shop at the airport, and you just have normal tourist things in your suitcase, don’t declare anything. There is a line for those who are declaring and those who are not. They don’t look in your bags in the latter group; once in a while they will spot check, but for common items, even expensive ones like cameras that are for personal use – this is a very common item and shouldn’t raise any red flags. You can get through quickly if you are not declaring anything. The officer may direct you to the line to get your bags checked, but again this is pretty low stress. Your personal items are allowed duty free in Belize. There is an import allowance of 200 cigarettes, or 1/2 pound of tobacco goods, 20 ounces of alcohol and one bottle of personal perfume. For other questions regarding customs, please check: http://www.customs.gov.bz/

Remaxvipbelize - BZE waiting area
BZE waiting area – totally exotic! ambergriscaye.com

8.) Please note our time difference. We occasionally have had a guest get mixed up about the time change. Belize is on Central Standard time but they do not have Daylight Savings Time. One of the common ways people get screwed up is if they use Google calendar, which will record your flight times in your local time, unless you change your settings. When you are booking your puddle jumper, this will be on Belize time, so keep those times straight!

9.) If you get stuck at the airport, please keep note of hotels around the area that are to your taste. For example, the airlines like to put people up at Global Village hotel. Nothing against them, but note that you may want to check out all your options and make your own choices – everyone has a different tolerance for location/aesthetics etc. It doesn’t hurt to have a back up plan! Also note – there are better food options than ever before at BZE – they changed the carb-happy old cafe, to a 1st rate grab and go sandwich place, with salads and sandwiches – and there is a stand with Chinese food (they also have salads and Belize food) – but if you are a picky eater, this is not a first world waiting area – you might be stuck eating cashews and bottled water. Oh, there is also a bar with just hot dogs :))

10.) One of the best back up plans we’ve come up with, if you come in to BZE too late to make a puddle jumper, or you miss your flight and have to stay, but want an adventure…. The Belize Zoo is about 45 min away from the airport. Here is the website: http://www.belizezoo.org/accommodation/accommodations.html

Remaxvipbelize - Chaacreek
chaacreek.com

The Zoo is well known as one of the most unique experiences you can have here; it is not a regular zoo. You only need about an hour or two to get through it. You can spend the night at or near the zoo- even go to the zoo in the morning, then drive down/take a shuttle/taxi back to the airport and puddle jumper, down to us….I highly recommend it! The zoo accommodations are quite rustic but might be a good story. 🙂 San Pedro Scoop is a very popular blogger and wrote a funny post about staying at the zoo to give you an idea what to expect:
http://www.sanpedroscoop.com/2014/11/night-tour-belize-zoo-overnight-lodging.html
There is also a guesthouse nearby and you can see that link lower on the Zoo page. Alternatively, you could drive to many hotels in Belize City, and just come down to us, but I highly recommend the zoo for a memorable experience. Hotels in Belize City – I would recommend NOT staying right by the airport, driving just a bit, as you can have a night of an experience/memorable adventure at some really unique places. Here are some rather close to BZE:

Remaxvipbelize - Cool Caribbean house
http://www.greathousebelize.com/ – cool Caribbean house
Remaxvipbelize - Casino in the heart of Belize City
http://princessbelize.com/ – Casino in the heart of Belize City
Overall, I have been seriously impressed by my experiences with BZE and the puddle jumpers. They are friendly, safe, efficient, and pretty consistent. The experience is just exotic enough that you will really feel like you are doing something before you even start your vacation 🙂
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Post renovation and ready for high season at CBC!!

Remax Vip Belize : Post renovation and ready for high season at CBC
We are thrilled to have reopened, including our brand new Villas! If you are headed here, enjoy these images of the renovations to our units, the new pool and tiki area, and grounds!!
Renovations on Cabanas: new doors, new roofs, all new paint inside and put, new tile floors, upgraded cushions, new hammock, new art and kitchenware, renovated kitchen and upgrades to all decor, brand new spa baths! Note guests enjoy luxury robes, resort beach towels, and welcome basket with lots of complimentary gifts 🙂

Remax Vip Belize: Our brand new Villas!
Remax Vip Belize: Renovate to bedroom
Remax Vip Belize: new Kitchen
Remax Vip Belize: renovate Kitchen sink
Remax Vip Belize: new curtain
Remax Vip Belize: new hammcok
Remax Vip Belize: New Kitchen Utensils
Remax Vip Belize: New Table
Remax Vip Belize: New Loan
Remax Vip Belize: new chair and cushion
Remax Vip Belize: new roof
Remax Vip Belize: New Bedsheet
New Villas! Villa Playa and Villa Mar are exceptional….Mexican-style Villas with wraparound lower veranda overlooking pool, with hammock and adirondack chairs, modern, sleek beach furnishings, and rooftop decks with cushioned loungers, and bar table with palapa umbrella!
Remax Vip Belize: Mexican-style Villas with wraparound lower veranda
Remax Vip Belize: resort beach towels
Remax Vip Belize: Paint in walls
Remax Vip Belize: New Chair and Cushion
Remax Vip Belize: Villa Playa
Remax Vip Belize: Villa Playa
Remax Vip Belize: Renovations on Cabanas
Remax Vip Belize: New Cabanas Coffee area
Remax Vip Belize: Villa mar
Remax Vip Belize: New Chair And Hammcok
Remax Vip Belize: Beach outside area

New look as you walk through CBC…

Remax Vip Belize: you walk through CBC
ALL NEW tropical pool and tiki area….under that pool palapa, sits a bar table with a gas grill and kitchen area – open to guests & stools in and out of the pool – even a swing!
Remax Vip Belize: tropical pool and tiki area
Remax Vip Belize: tropical pool and tiki area
Remax Vip Belize: tiki area under that pool palapa
Remax Vip Belize: tiki area

New areas around CBC…..check in area, tubes, new coconut area to get your complimentary coconut drinks fresh off the tree, and there is so much more!!

Remax Vip Belize: New areas around CBC check in area
Remax Vip Belize: tubes
Remax Vip Belize: Coconut Station
Remax Vip Belize: Drinks fresh off the tree
Remax Vip Belize: Palm Tree
This…..
Remax Vip Belize: Villa Playa outside view
Used to look like THIS!!!!
Remax Vip Belize: Villa Playa park nature
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Some rare and breathtaking images of Placencia, Belize village!

Remax Vip Belize: Some rare and breathtaking images of Placencia
Thanks Breeanna! A good “friend/family” of CBC is http://www.breeannakayphotography.com, and when she comes into town, she loves to get (National Geographic quality!) images of the village through her eyes. When I saw her latest, I had to share…more coming in the future, as they are so good, they are hard to take in all at once! Enjoy!!
You’ll find amazing artist booths throughout the village….
Remax Vip Belize: Amazing artist booths throughout the village
 The hard-to-find but fun Friday night place….Yoli’s!
Remax Vip Belize: Paradise Resort
 Great shot of the dive shop at Paradise Resort…
Remax Vip Belize: Paradise Resort
 You’ll often see local kids playing soccer (football/futbol!)
Remax Vip Belize: Local kids playing soccer
 The lagoon side has its own beauty…
Remax Vip Belize: Lagoon side has its own beauty
 Sunset at the pier….great peeople watching as the fishermen return!
Remax Vip Belize: Sunset at the pier
 Many people relax on the pier in the evenings….
 Remax Vip Belize: Many people relax on the pier
 Cleaning the fish! (maybe don’t watch this before dinner.)
Remax Vip Belize: Cleaning the fish!
 Great shot of her puddle jumper ride over the beautiful Belize countryside!
Remax Vip Belize: Puddle Jumper Ride
A walk down the fun part of the beach 🙂
Remax Vip Belize: A walk down the fun part of the beach
 Barefoot Bar before happy hour craziness sets in!
Remax Vip Belize:  Barefoot Bar before happy hour
 The beach park near Tipsy Tuna
Remax Vip Belize: The beach park near Tipsy Tuna
 Fun breakfast place near the Pier
Remax Vip Belize:  Fun breakfast place near the Pier
 A shot from Main Street
Remax Vip Belize: A shot from Main Street
 What a great place for a drink! Tipsy Tuna’s 2nd floor…
 Remax Vip Belize: What a great place for a drink!
 Where this is your view….
Remax Vip Belize: Where this is your view
 As well as this!
Remax Vip Belize: As well as this
Hope this got you more excited for your trip here! More to come…
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What a typical Friday night out looks like in Placencia, Belize!

Remaxvipbelize : a typical Friday night out looks like in Placencia, Belize!
We got a bit of a later start Friday night due to our construction, but the typical place many people start their night out at is at Yoli’s. Yoli’s is kind of tough to find, but well worth it once you do! It is a quintessential Palapa Bar over the water, and they have a live fun Jimmy Buffett-style band called the Lost Reefers there, starting at 3 or 4 on Fridays. We got there about 7 and had some quick fun:

Remax Vip Belize: Yolis
Remax Vip Belize: Palapa Bar
Remax Vip Belize: Palapa Bar

Then we walked over to Mojo’s, just a quick walk. Again we missed “happy hour and a half” which is 5-6:30. They also had fun live music on their little balcony, which is great for people watching…..

Remax Vip Belize: Mojo's
Remax Vip Belize: Mojo's

Next we went to Pickled Parrot. Eugene and Lynn can always be found having a good time, and their bar is as fun Caribbean as it gets….

Remax Vip Belize: Pickled Parrot
The two Pickled Parrot dogs, Mia and Ziggy, are always around 🙂
Remax Vip Belize: Pickled Parrot dogs
Remax Vip Belize: Mia and Ziggy
Remax Vip Belize: Mojo's
Remax Vip Belize: Mojo's

Finally we hit Tipsy Tuna, where we stayed the rest of the night. There was live music here too, people dancing, and is right next door to Barefoot Bar, which is closed for a few more days.

Remax Vip Belize: Barefoot Bar
Remax Vip Belize: Barefoot Bar

You can also have fun just stopping at grocery stores, buying a beer, and wandering around….this is such a foreign concept to Americans as you aren’t allowed open container in the US – one of the MANY great reasons it is fun to go out here! The locals are friendly, and this little guy wanted to show us the smallest frog I’ve ever seen, that he had just caught:

Remax Vip Belize: low season fun in all around
Remax Vip Belize: low season fun in all around
Even in low season fun in all around!
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Trying to stay healthy while vacationing in Belize, or while living here? Low carb dieting and yoga discoveries in Placencia!

Remax Vip Belize : Low carb dieting and yoga discoveries in Placencia!
There are a lot of arguments over the “best” and healthiest way to lose weight. Personally, I find that yoga 3-4x a week, and eating a relatively low-carb diet keeps my weight low enough to feel ok in a bathing suit, but we all have our own body chemistry and what works for us!

For those that move here, or are just here on vacation, and are low-carb fans, I have some ideas about how I’ve maintained a low carb diet while here (And feel free to say to h*ll with dieting, I’m on vacation….however, you may not feel like you are dieting with these ideas!!)
Some ideas for low-carb menu items around the village!
***also note, I have researched the lowest carb alcohol drinks one can get here – I drink these two exclusively – Pinot Grigio or other white wine, or a Vodka (Hyper is the local brand but watch the hangover) with club soda and a lime. Most of the mixed drinks are just filled with sugar here. For beer, I’d probably stick to Lighthouse Lager. No info on the carb count of the beer here…and only Bowen and Bowen beers are available in the country.
Dolce Vita – They have the best wine list in town, and many of their menu items are paired with either a salad or pasta, so it was no big deal to order low carb here. The portions are HUGE and this is highly recommended for dinner!
Rick’s Cafe– YUM….lots of healthy, organic, vegan options. My favorite is the Vegan salad, to which I non-vegan-ly add chicken, but it is so filling and delicious. Totally recommended and there are plenty of carb-y options for your spouse.
Rick’s, off the sidewalk, about halfway between pier and northern edge of village
Remax Vip Belize: northern edge of village
Wende’s Creole Cafe or Cozy Corner – Sit on the porch/deck, these are seriously fun local places…I always order one of the fish entrees which are straight off the boats. I order double veggies and it is a huge portion.
Rumfish, Mojo, or Secret Garden – these are three of most popular places to eat in the village, they all have great atmospheres, unique & vacation-ey – and very easy to order the fresh fish of the day with just veggies on the side and maybe add a salad. You will NOT feel you are missing out. However, at Rumfish and Mojo you WILL feel you are missing out on the awesome drinks they offer, but their wine is good and you’ll live.
Something more casual – Barefoot Bar or Tipsy Tuna – easy to order dry rub wings, a burger with no bun, or a salad at either place. You’ll be happy!
**The sleepers!! EnE Chinese restaurant….no facebook page, you will see it as you enter the village on Main Street from CBC. You have to try their egg drop soup and egg fu yung, sooo good. You can order it to go. Another place that just reopened – Dragonfly on Main Street – I had their egg drop soup and it was filled with chicken and veggies….it was the best soup I have had in a long time, a huge bowl, for $4US!!! This has a fun patio to sit at and watch the village go by.
Also – at the street food stands, Mim’s, etc – order stewed chicken, double portion, maybe with cole slaw- yes a bit of sugar in the cole slaw but things could be worse. Hot Chicks Deli also has rotisserie chicken.
Brewed Awakenings – Espresso madness drink – this is better than the best thing at Starbucks and it has seaweed, that you will never know is in there. Although it tastes a bit sweet, it is the cacao you taste and there is no added sugar. SUCH a treat.
Me and Sticks grabbing a seaweed shake.
Remax Vip Belize: Me and Sticks grabbing a seaweed shake.
Breakfast – I usually order a veggie omelette with a side of sausage or bacon, most places have it – I just ordered this at The Shak and it was AMAZING.
Remax Vip Belize: The Shak
Finally, if you are curious what low-carb options are available at the grocery stores, vs. what you should plan on improvising or bringing from home….
Things I often buy at the grocery store, that are almost always available.…(grocery stores here are kind of….inconsistent, in what is available 🙂 )
—85% local dark chocolate from Goss -often kept in the coolers (this has a little bit of sugar but not much at all, and I usually get 4 servings out of one bar, so this is negligible sugar – it is RICH)
—Plenty of nuts (but the imported ones are expensive!), local cashews, peanut butter, sunflower seeds, lunch meat, eggs, breakfast meats, local pumpkin seeds, & sunflower seeds are available.
—Splenda is available, but no Stevia. There is plenty of diet coke, called “coke light” here (Ming’s has the best selection of diet colas.) Almond milk with no sugar added is almost always available, along with cream, cool whip (only has 2 carbs per serving!), plain yogurt – the local kind called Mr. Natural is the BEST. Top Value often has nitrate-free hot dogs, and all places carry tons of chicken and meat. Salad stuff and veggies can be found at the farmer’s markets all through town.
–When I come down I will sometimes bring down low carb wraps, liquid Stevia, maple extract, and protein bars/powder. This really depends on how you cook and what you really think you’ll miss.
 Make sure yours has a sticker that says “85%” (quora.com)
Remax Vip Belize: Goss Organically Grown
One of many markets you’ll see throughout the village
Remax Vip Belize: Fruit Market
Which brings me to my last point. I have figured out a pretty solid list for cooking down here based on what I know will be available. Anyone who has done a low-carb diet knows that preparation is the key to sticking with this diet, as when you are hungry, it is too easy to grab whatever is easy, and that bit of preparation can stop you from blowing it.
Some easy recipes if you live here, are staying a while, or are just super dedicated to low carb :):
—Here is my Pinterest Board called “Belize Low Carb Recipes” – feel free to follow as I will always be updating this. This has recipes that I can assure you, you will usually be able to find all of the ingredients here.
Here are some of my favorites:
Low carb tortillas
Egg drop soup (no spinach, add fresh ginger!)
Taco salad – so simple. Just lettuce, with tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeno, then brown up some ground chicken or beef and add a taco seasoning packet (or your own spices.) Top it with sour cream, cheese, and avocado. I make this like once a week. Sometimes I’ll also sautee onion and green pepper with the meat.
Hard boiled eggs – self explanatory and easy 🙂
Chicken or beef patties with a fried egg on top, also self explanatory.
Here are my two favorite low carb recipe sites:
***Also, for those who do yoga, you will be a happy camper here :). You have two great yoga instructors in the village.
—Stephanie from Eucalipto – her classes are right in the village, next to Brewed Awakenings. You can walk there from CBC, and her little studio is a tropical dream come true with a bamboo ceiling and floor, and curtains for walls so you can see tropical foliage all around you during class. Her classes are M-W 6:30am for Vinyasa (ok for beginners, you can sit out/improvise more advanced poses – moderate and advanced can definitely get a sweat on), F at 7am relaxed Vinyasa for all levels, and T-Th 8am for all levels Hatha.
Check out that floor!! (yogatrail.com)
Remax Vip Belize: Yoga in Belize
—Agnes from BB Yoga Flow – you can take a short bike ride up the main road, past Chabil Mar and Turtle Inn, and you’ll see her little studio on the right hand side of the road. Agnes is awesome, you’ll love her classes — 6am M-W (Moderate) Vinyasa, also fine for beginners, M-W also at 9am, Basic and Gentle Flow – nice for those on vacation!!, also F she has 6am Gentle and 9am Basic. T-Th there is 9am classes as well – Vinyasa on T and Ashtanga on Th.
Love her place…BB Yoga…(yogatrail.com)
Remax Vip Belize: Love her place BB Yoga
—Note – for those you want a regular gym, two options –  Evolution Beach in the village, and up in Maya Beach, the Maya Beach Heath & Wellness Center.  Note also that a great way to stay in shape here is to just walk the beach – the beach here is a workout to walk on, and the beach is ALL public, so you can walk your butt up 14 miles if you care to. You can also take your bike 14 miles up the peninsula, but don’t forget that you have to ride it back too :). For an easier but fun walk, just do the loop of the sidewalk to the pier and back on the street. It is about a half hour walk and you will always have an experience.
***If you like doing DIY yoga, a couple thoughts. Stay somewhere where there is a semi-private and/or large enough veranda for you to spread your mat – bring your own, or find a quiet part of the beach and spread a towel. (The yoga studios provide mats here.) You can always YouTube yoga, my favorite is Adrienne, she is too cute.
Her positive attitude makes you want to exercise. (youtube.com)
Remax Vip Belize: Her positive attitude makes you want to exercise
***Also, if you are coming down with a significant other who is less than interested in healthy eating/moderate portions, and yoga — check out THIS link for my husband Dave’s recommendations for where to get the largest, man-liest, tastiest portions of food in the village!!
And finally….

Stay away from Tutti Frutti if you are a determined low-carber. If you go, you will then know what you are missing, so just don’t do it!! (No sugar free gelato there at this time:) )

Who could resist??? (chabilmarvillas.com)
Remax Vip Belize: Tutti Frutti
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As seen on HGTV with our own Chris Appelbe

Remax Vip Belize : our own Chris Appelbe

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Placencia Beach has long been a world-class destination and now the spotlights are on us!

Last year, our WowBelize lifestyle consultant Chris Appelbe was featured on HGTV’s Beachfront Bargain hunt, where he showcased a truly amazing beachfront find. When working with Ohio couple Dave and Laura Diffendal, Chris was able to lead them right to the property of their dreams: a beachfront lot with a house of their own and two tropical casitas to rent. Their journey from tropical newbies to staples of the Placencia community started right here, with the hunt for their perfect property.

Remax Vip Belize: hgtv-showchip-beachfront-bargain-hunt-jpg-rend-hgtvcom-616-347
Looking for a beachfront bargain of your own? Check out the Diffendal’s journey here and gain a bit of inspiration for your future Belizean home. Laura and Dave came to us with a budget of $350,000 looking for a property on which they could live and earn money. Touring Placencia with Chris shows how there really is a slice of paradise for everyone. Not only did their beachfront lot fall within their budget, it exceeded their expectations of what Placencia has to offer.

It doesn’t take a camera crew for us to know that finding a home in Belize is not only about the property, but also about the relationships we make in this tropical paradise. Come visit today, and just like the Diffendals, find your Beachfront Bargain… it might be more fun than you expect!

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A Placencia vacation through the eyes of other guests this week….since we don’t don’t have any right now!!

Remax Vip Belize: Land at Local Prices
We are missing our guests here!! If you are looking forward to your trip here, I always suggest to search Instagram and Facebook for #placencia image tags, because you can see what people are doing each day around the peninsula. I do this all the time to see what others are seeing….and thought I might put together a little photo shoot of what guests are seeing and doing around here! (these are some latest Instagram photos!)The flight into the village from Caitlin Furio….

Remax Vip Belize: The village from Caitlin Furio

Some great beach shots from Lucy Brown…

Remax Vip Belize:  Some great beach shots from Lucy Brown
Remax Vip Belize:  Some great beach shots from Lucy Brown

And another from Lucy Brown, of a typical scene in the village of the supermarkets here…..

Remax Vip Belize: Everyday Supermarket 1 Beer Of the Caribbean

Fusion Beach pool, from Donnie Tejani, who just moved here with his awesome family!

Remax Vip Belize: Fusion Beach pool, from Donnie Tejani

A typical Belize lunch of stewed pork from Sunny Mui…

Remax Vip Belize: Belize lunch of stewed pork

Love this shot of one of the last few remaining beach lots near the village, just a couple properties North of CBC….by Brienne Gabathuler

Remax Vip Belize: Brienne Gabathuler

Silk Caye from underneath! by Thetwoweektraveler

Remax Vip Belize: Silk Caye from underneath

Beautiful sunrise by Jimmie Walker…

Remax Vip Belize: Beautiful sunrise by Jimmie Walker

Typical beach scene, seen all over the village, by Danni Coyote

Remax Vip Belize: Beach scene, seen all over the village, by Danni Coyote

A very popular shot/spot at Tipsy Tuna’s beachfront…..by Terrifictina11

Remax Vip Belize: Tipsy Tuna's beachfront

And another by Donnie Tejani, of the typical walk to the planes you do here at the airports 🙂

Remax Vip Belize: Donnie Tejani

And finally, an updated shot from 2 weeks in on our construction – it is still going faster than expected and we are thrilled to see the pool (left) and the villas (right) taking shape!

Remax Vip Belize: 2 weeks in on our construction