Picture yourself waking up in a dome-shaped igloo with the sound of the Pacific a few steps away and howler monkeys calling from the rainforest behind you. That is what a morning at Igloo Beach Lodge looks like.
If you’re comparing beachfront hotels in Costa Rica, you’ll find plenty of resorts with ocean views. Very few of them let you sleep in an eco-friendly igloo on Espadilla Beach, walk to Manuel Antonio National Park, and bring your dog along. This guide covers what to look for in Costa Rica beach hotels, why Manuel Antonio is a strong choice, and what makes Igloo Beach Lodge stand out from the other options.

When you book a hotel on the sand, the beach stops being a day trip. It becomes part of your daily routine. You can start the morning with a swim, come back to your room in the middle of the day, and catch the sunset without planning transport.
Many Costa Rica beach hotels describe themselves as “beachfront” even though they sit on a hillside or across a busy road. Before you book, check these points:
Igloo Beach Lodge does well on every one of these points. That’s why it shows up regularly in searches for beachfront hotels in Costa Rica.
Manuel Antonio is on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast. It is one of the few places in the country where rainforest runs straight down to the beach. In the same day, you can watch sloths and capuchin monkeys in the morning and swim in warm Pacific water in the afternoon.
Manuel Antonio National Park is home to sloths, white-faced capuchins, squirrel monkeys, iguanas and toucans. Because the park is close to Espadilla Beach, guests at Igloo Beach Lodge can reach it easily, without a long transfer.
Igloo Beach Lodge sits right on Espadilla Beach, where the rainforest meets the ocean. You won’t find concrete towers here. Instead, the lodge has signature eco-friendly igloo-style accommodation surrounded by tropical greenery, a few steps from the sand.
| Igloo Type | Size | Guests | Best For |
| Standard Igloo | 26 m² | 2 adults + 1 child | Couples and small families |
| Standard Igloo Jungle | 26 m² | 2 adults + 1 child | Guests who want rainforest views |
| Double Igloo | 22 m² | 2 adults + 1 child | Couples on a romantic getaway |
| Double Igloo Jungle | 22 m² | 2 adults + 1 child | Nature lovers |
| Quadruple Igloo | 26 m² | 4 adults + 2 children | Families and groups |
Every igloo has modern comforts, and guests have easy access to both the rainforest and the beach. Explore all our igloos →
Most Costa Rica beach hotels don’t allow pets. Igloo Beach Lodge welcomes them. If you’re travelling with your dog, you don’t need to arrange a sitter or leave them at home. Please contact the lodge before booking to confirm the current pet policy.
Casa Playa is the lodge’s open-air restaurant. It serves dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and you can eat with a view of the beach. It works well for a relaxed breakfast, a family lunch or a romantic dinner, and pets are welcome too.
After a day of surfing or hiking, you can book a treatment at the Igloo Beach Lodge spa. The menu includes Swedish massage, hot stone therapy, deep tissue massage and couples massages.
The lodge’s pool is surrounded by palms and rainforest greenery. It’s a good place to cool off between beach sessions.
At most Costa Rica beach hotels, you have to find tours yourself. Igloo Beach Lodge lets you book adventures and tours directly through the lodge:
Tour availability and prices may change. Please check with the lodge when booking.
| What Travellers Want | Typical Beach Resort | Igloo Beach Lodge |
| Beach access | Often on a hillside, with a shuttle | On Espadilla Beach |
| Accommodation style | Standard hotel rooms | Unique eco-friendly igloos |
| Pets | Usually not allowed | Pet-friendly |
| Dining | Varies | On-site Casa Playa Restaurant & Bar |
| Tours | Booked separately | Booked directly at the lodge |
| Experience | Generic | Memorable and photo-worthy |
| Season | Months | What to Expect |
| Dry season | December – April | Sunny days and peak demand. Book early. |
| Green season | May – August | Lush scenery, sunny mornings and afternoon showers |
| Rainy months | September – November | Heavier rain, quieter beaches and better deals |
Tip: The green season is often the best-value time to book beachfront hotels in Costa Rica. The rainforest is at its most vibrant, and Igloo Beach Lodge often runs direct-booking offers during this period.
Day 1: Arrive and unwind. Check into your igloo, walk onto Espadilla Beach, and have dinner at Casa Playa.
Day 2: Explore the national park. Start early with a guided park tour. In the afternoon, relax by the pool or book a couples massage.
Day 3: Pick an adventure. Choose a catamaran cruise, a surf lesson or a zip line tour, then finish with sunset on the beach.
1. Is Igloo Beach Lodge a beachfront hotel?
Yes. Igloo Beach Lodge is located on Espadilla Beach in Manuel Antonio, which makes it one of the most convenient beachfront hotels in Costa Rica.
2. What are the best beachfront hotels in Costa Rica for a unique stay?
If you want something different from a standard resort, Igloo Beach Lodge offers eco-friendly igloo-style accommodation on the beach in Manuel Antonio.
3. Is Igloo Beach Lodge pet-friendly?
Yes. The lodge welcomes pets. Contact the lodge before booking to confirm the current pet policy.
4. Is Igloo Beach Lodge good for families?
Yes. The Quadruple Igloo sleeps up to 4 adults and 2 children, and the lodge offers family-friendly tours such as the national park walk and surf lessons.
5. How close is Igloo Beach Lodge to Manuel Antonio National Park?
The lodge is on Espadilla Beach, close to the park, so guests can reach it easily for guided tours.
6. Does Igloo Beach Lodge have a restaurant?
Yes. Casa Playa Restaurant & Bar is an open-air restaurant on site that serves dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
7. Are Costa Rica beach hotels good for couples?
Yes. Igloo Beach Lodge is popular with couples for its private igloos, couples massages, beachfront dinners and sunset views.
8. When is the best time to book Costa Rica beach hotels?
Book early for December to April. For better value and fewer crowds, consider the green season from May to November.
9. Can I book tours at Igloo Beach Lodge?
Yes. Guests can book national park, catamaran, surf, zip line, waterfall, coffee and chocolate tours directly through the lodge.
10. How many days should I stay in Manuel Antonio?
Three to five days gives you enough time to visit the national park, enjoy the beach, take a couple of tours and relax.
Manuel Antonio combines Pacific beaches, rainforest and wildlife in one compact destination. Among the many beachfront hotels in Costa Rica, Igloo Beach Lodge stands out for several reasons:
If you want more than a standard hotel room from a Costa Rica beach holiday, this is the place to stay.
👉 Book your igloo at Igloo Beach Lodge and start planning your Manuel Antonio escape.





Manuel Antonio · Costa Rica
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