Posted on Tuesday, November 21st, 2017
The planet celebrated World Toilet Day on November 19, and many people in Belize decided to contribute pictures, stories, and information on social media about the restroom facilities found throughout the country.
As a rural country, many homes in Belize are very simple, and that includes the bathrooms of their houses. While the word “outhouse” often conveys a sense of horror to some people, they are quite prevalent in certain areas of Belize, including on beautiful offshore islands.
In areas where there are no municipal sewer networks, outhouses are often a viable choice. And while they conjure up images of insect-infested, smelly, and uncomfortable toilets, outhouses can often be a very “green” and pleasant way to dispose of human waste.
Many villagers in Belize live in simple homes and their lifestyle has changed little over the centuries, including their restroom facilities. But when constructed and executed properly, the simple outhouse can efficiently recycle human waste in a sustainable way.
For outhouses that serve the public, mixing waste with organic material renders everything odor-free. Furthermore, the mixture can then be composted and returned to the soil, a very “green” alternative to relying on toxic chemicals and expensive portable toilets that are often used in wealthier countries when municipal sewage connections are not available.
Of course, not every home or business or resort in Belize uses outhouses. Many homes, hotels, lodges, and resorts have ordinary, modern flush toilets just like you’d find in the United States or Canada. And while these offer visitors an accustomed comfort, waste disposal is an integral part of protecting and conserving nature.
Since gaining independence in 1981, Belize has made tremendous strides in improving infrastructure, including sewage lines, flush toilets, and water treatment plants. But in rural, isolated, or offshore locations, sometimes the best option can be a simple outhouse, relying on nature’s bounty to do the recycling and composting in a way that has functioned well for thousands of years.
Visitors to Belize can expect adventure, and part of that experience is seeing and using different kinds of bathrooms, including outhouses. But instead of fearing what it might entail, visitors should keep an open mind and realize that sometimes, an outhouse is safer, cleaner, and more efficient than a modern flush toilet.
Chabil Mar resort is located on the Placencia Peninsula in southeastern Belize. Chabil Mar has luxuriously appointed beachfront villas, all of which come with modern bathroom facilities.
Posted on Tuesday, November 14th, 2017
Placencia, Best Beach Destination to visit in Belize
With more than 400 offshore islands and 200 miles of Caribbean coastline, it can be difficult agreeing on which beach in Belize is the most beautiful.
Much of the country is pristine and untouched, brimming with wildlife and gorgeous flowering plants, so finding the ultimate beach destination in Belize isn’t easy. Add in the fact that the islands have their own inescapable charm, many of the beaches front gorgeous mangrove-lined lagoons, and stretches of white sand are common, making crowning one beach the best an extremely difficult task.
But after carefully reviewing all of its features, benefits, and location, the beaches that reign supreme in Belize are found on the Placencia Peninsula.
The Island You Can Walk To
In Belize, islands are known as “cayes” (pronounced “keys”), and Placencia is often called “The caye you can walk to.” Except for a narrow strip of land measuring just half a mile wide, the Placencia Peninsula is separated from the rest of the mainland in the southeastern part of the country.
Placencia was given its name by the Spaniards, who called this lovely 16-mile long strip of land “Punta Placencia” or “Pleasant Point,” an apt name. Less than a mile wide, the western edge of Placencia is a pristine, mangrove-lined lagoon teeming with fish, birds, and wildlife. On the eastern shore, Placencia fronts the beautiful Caribbean Sea.
Only around 1,500 people live full-time in Placencia, so the peninsula has retained much of its idyllic charm. Most locals are employed in traditional occupations of fishing or farming. There are two villages in Placencia, Seine Beight, a community primarily inhabited by the Garifuna people, and Placencia Village at the southern tip.
Placencia Village serves as the unofficial capital of the peninsula and is the holder of the Guinness Book of World Records title for the smallest main street on the planet, a 4,000 foot-long pedestrian-only sidewalk renowned for its lovely shops, boutique coffee houses, and colorful street murals.
Placencia Village also serves as the gateway to the Belize Barrier Reef.
Adventures Abound
Placencia is a great place to stroll along the beach or enjoy a swim, but it’s also famous for being the access point to the islands of the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many protected national parks and marine reserves. The reef abounds with spectacular places to scuba dive, snorkel, fish, and sail.
Placencia’s beaches are formed of pure white sand and offer enough space that you can easily find a secluded spot to relax and unwind or simply admire the stunning views.
Chabil Mar
Chabil Mar is an award-winning resort located on the Caribbean coast of the Placencia Peninsula in southern Belize. Chabil Mar features elegantly appointed villas, a gourmet restaurant, a lush tropical garden, and a seafront pier ideal for enjoying meals under the stars.
The resort is conveniently located just a few miles from the Belize Barrier Reef and offer guests Belize vacation packages that include scuba diving and snorkeling on the reef. Chabil Mar also organizes diving and snorkeling tours during the springtime to see migrating whale sharks that visit Belize each year near Gladden Spit on the reef.
Visit our website www.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.
