Fodor's Expert Review Chabil Mar

Chabil Mar means "beautiful sea" in Kek'chi Mayan, and the sea and almost 400 feet of beach are indeed gorgeous at this gated luxury condo-style resort. The villas, inside a walled and gated compound, are tastefully designed and luxuriously furnished. Although each one is different, they're all upscale, with features such as marble floors, original art, and four-poster king beds. There's a great attention to detail here, from topiary figures created from shrubbery to daily scrubbing of the two swimming pools to washers and dryers in every unit. You can take any or all of your meals at Chabil Mar—on your veranda, in your suite, by the pool, or (with reservations) on the romantically lighted pier. If you'd rather sample local restaurants and bars, it's a moderate walk or a short taxi, bike, or golf-cart ride into Placencia Village. You'll find a large portfolio of dive, snorkeling, fishing, and soft adventure tours.