Zen Casita Studio

The Space

Zen Casita Studio is tucked away within the Hacienda Iguana development, just a short walk from the Beach Club and the Playa Colorado surf break. This spacious, detached studio is ideal for a solo traveler or couple, with a twin trundle bed that can accommodate a third guest.

• Property type: Studio
• Bedrooms: 1
• Bathrooms: 1
• Maximum occupancy: 3 guests
• Distance to the beach: 50 meters
• Nearby surf breaks: Playa Colorado, Panga Drops, and Los Perros

The newly constructed studio includes:

• Kitchenette
• Private bathroom
• Queen bed with twin trundle
• Comfortable couch
• Television
• Air conditioning
• Hot water
• Starlink internet

The main house is occupied long-term, but the studio has its own private entrance and privacy fence.

Booking Policy

• A 50% deposit is required to confirm a reservation.
• The remaining rental balance is due 30 days before arrival.
• Payment for airport transportation and the meal plan is also due 30 days before arrival if either service is booked.
• Full payment is required at the time of booking for reservations made 30 days or fewer before check-in.

Laundry and Power Information

Housekeeping staff handle guest laundry because they are the only people with access to the washer and dryer in the main house.

• One complimentary laundry service is included with stays of 3–7 nights.
• Additional laundry requests cost $10 per load.

Occasional power outages are common in the area. The property has a battery backup system that powers most outlets, including the refrigerator and internet, as well as ceiling fans and lights during an outage.

The backup system does not power:

• Air conditioning
• Microwave
• Water heaters
• Laundry machines

Please limit electrical use during an outage to conserve battery power. The system typically lasts approximately 4–6 hours, depending on usage.

Activities

Hacienda Iguana is known for its world-class surf breaks. Four breaks are within walking distance:

• Playa Colorado
• Panga Drops
• Los Perros
• Playa Amarillo, located south of Playa Colorado and accessible on foot at low tide

The development also features a beautifully maintained, well-designed, and affordable 9-hole golf course for guests.

We can arrange airport transfers and a variety of tours, activities, and excursions before or during your stay, including:

• Private and group yoga classes
• Surf lessons and guided surf trips
• Boat and fishing charters
• Massage and spa treatments
• Hot springs
• Horseback riding
• Local community tours

Food Supplies

La Colonia in Rivas is the best place to purchase groceries. It is located 100 meters south of the turnoff for Tola, on the right-hand, or west, side of the road.

While in Rivas, it is also recommended that you refuel, as the gas stations there are the closest to the property.

We highly recommend purchasing all, or as many as possible, of the groceries needed for your stay. Alternatively, ask about booking the meal plan, a full-service catering option that eliminates the need to plan, shop, and prepare meals.

Dining

Several excellent dining options are available within Hacienda Iguana.

• Pili’s Kitchen: The development’s only beachfront restaurant, located at the Beach Club in front of the Colorado Break. It serves fresh food, juices, smoothies, and a full bar.
• The Salty Koala: Located in La Joya next to the Eco Casitas, offering Asian cuisine and craft cocktails.
• Casa Ananas: Located above the office in the commercial zone, serving authentic Italian cuisine, pizza, and nightly international specials.
• Downtown Iguana: Located next to the office and surf shop, offering seafood and authentic Nicaraguan cuisine at reasonable prices.
• Scoops and Spokes: Located across the street, serving homemade ice cream, coffee, baked goods, paninis, and fresh juices.
• Iguana Brewery: Located a few doors away, offering sports bar food and local craft beer.

Other restaurants and dining spots in the surrounding area include:

• Gigante: El Pozo, Juntos, and Giant’s Foot Surf Camp, which offers Burger Night every Monday
• Rancho Santana: The Club House, La Boquita tapas restaurant, and La Taquería
• Limón 1: Avila’s Taquería
• Limón 2: La Calabria brick-oven pizza
• Jiquelite–Playa Santana: Malibu Popoyo, Buena Onda, Costa Oeste, and Aloha Bungalows
• Popoyo: Mag Rock and Café con Leche
• Las Salinas: Todo con Amor restaurant
• Guasacate: Finca Wayuu, Dutchy’s Deli, and Viento Este

Shopping and Services

NSR Surf Shop is located within Hacienda Iguana and offers:

• Souvenirs
• Surf accessories
• Clothing
• Beach towels
• Flip-flops
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Swimsuits
• Wetsuit vests and tops
• Rash guards

The shop also rents:

• Scooters
• Dirt bikes
• Surfboards
• Boogie boards
• Stand-up paddleboards

Other services and businesses within Hacienda Iguana include:

• Pure Spa
• Two small convenience stores with assorted grocery items
• An on-site ATM
• Yoga
• Horseback riding
• In-home massage

The Riviera commercial plaza is located within half a mile of the Hacienda Iguana entrance. It includes:

• BAC bank with an ATM
• A small grocery store carrying basic supplies
• Bagels and Bakes, a café offering coffee and freshly baked goods

Getting Around

The property is approximately a 2–2.5-hour drive from Augusto C. Sandino International Airport in Managua and about 4 hours from Liberia Airport in Costa Rica.

Most major car rental agencies operate at the Managua airport, and advance reservations are recommended.

A four-wheel-drive vehicle is generally only necessary if you plan to visit beaches farther south, including those in the San Juan del Sur area. Guests who prefer not to rent a vehicle can arrange airport transportation and daily sightseeing or surf trips.

Motorcycle and scooter rentals are available, and vehicle or boat transportation to other nearby surf breaks can also be arranged. Vehicles may also be rented from Alamo and National, which have an office next to Hacienda Iguana.