When you think about cozying up and enjoying a nice warm meal, the last thing you probably imagine is eating in an igloo. Believe it or not, though, there are all sorts of icy eateries where you can dine on delicious delicacies, sip on scrumptious beverages and enjoy experiences like no other.
If hanging out in the cold isn’t your thing, there are also plenty of heated igloo-shaped restaurants that provide the experience without the chill. From Boston to Bali, there are amazing igloos to check out all around the world. Here are a few of the best ones to visit if you want to enjoy an incredible dining experience.
Igloo Bar at The Envoy Hotel – Boston, Massachusetts
Each winter, the Envoy Hotel in Boston’s Seaport District has rooftop igloos you have to see to believe. The pop-up igloo bar consists of size transparent, heated igloos that are open Wednesday through Saturday evenings from 4 to 11 p.m. Each igloo sits eight to 10 people comfortably, and since they’re clear, they offer breathtaking views of Boston’s skyline and harbor.
Once you are nestled inside your igloo–which comes complete with fleece blankets to up the cozy factor–specialty cocktails are just a press of a button away. When you press the button, your igloo lights up to let a server know that you would like to make a request. You can order up all sorts of mouthwatering cocktails crafted by master mixologist Brian McDougall. If you are hungry after taking in the views of the city and harbor, head downstairs to the Outlook Kitchen & Bar where you can enjoy fresh takes on progressive American cuisine.
Hotel de Glace – Quebec City, Canada
Hotel de Glace is the only North American hotel made entirely from ice and snow. Located in Quebec City, Canada, this large facility features 45 guest rooms and suites, an ice slide and an ice bar which serves up delicious cocktails in glasses made of ice. Visitors are welcome to stop by and enjoy the bar even if they do not choose to spend the night. Just be sure to layer on a few extra t-shirts and wear a warm hat!
Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel – Alta, Norway
The Igloo Hotel at Sorrisniva in Norway is the northernmost igloo hotel in the world. Each winter, it is built from the ground up in a different theme. When you visit, you get an experience like no other. Wander among handcrafted ice sculptures, enjoy an iced drink at the bar and, at the end of the night, curl up in a sleeping bag in your own icy accommodations. Everything is made completely from snow and ice–including the glasses used in the ice bar! It’s truly an incredible experience.
Adjacent to the Igloo hotel is the main house where you can enjoy a delicious meal at the restaurant or relax in the living room. The restaurant’s chef creates mouth-watering cuisine using raw materials sourced from the local river, fjord and plateau.
Tappo Restaurant – Buffalo, New York
Buffalo, New York’s Tappo Restaurant debuted its own rooftop igloos in December 2018. Each plastic igloo is heated to a comfy 65 degrees and provides beautiful views of downtown. Patrons can rent a private igloo for up to two hours, and each plastic igloo can sit up to eight people.
While some rooftop igloos only serve up beverages, the igloos at Tappo provide a full dining experience. Your reservation includes the use of the igloo as well as food and beverages. You’ll get your choice of two warm beverages for your group as well as two bottles of wine. Your reservation also includes a three-course meal featuring your salad and bread, mouthwatering Italian entrees and a scrumptious dessert.
Iglu Hotel Grandvalira – Grandvalira, Andorra
Iglu Hotel Grandvalira in Grandvalira, Andorra is a unique destination tucked away in the Pyrenees Mountains. It is constructed entirely from ice and snow and features a restaurant, bar, terrace and five guest rooms. There are even snow jacuzzis where you can warm up while completely surrounded by snow.
The Iglu Restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a tasty dinner while surrounded by snow. If you want to warm up a bit, though, you can also visit the Domo Restaurant. There you will enjoy a warm environment and views of the surrounding mountains.
Igloo dining at Bubble Hotel Bali – Bali, Indonesia
Would you stay in this igloo hotel in Bali?
If you want the experience of sleeping and eating in an “igloo” but don’t enjoy cold temperatures, check out Bubble Hotel Bali. When you book a stay here, you will have your own private plastic igloo on the beach where you can enjoy incredible ocean views. You can also choose from several upgrades, including a campfire or barbecue to prepare your own seaside cuisine or a romantic Italian dinner. Despite staying in a clear bubble, you have plenty of privacy and feel like you have your own private island. It’s truly a unique experience that shouldn’t be missed!
Conclusion
If you are looking for a unique place to enjoy a drink, have a nice meal or even get away for a few days, igloo restaurants, bars and hotels are a travel trend that are worth checking out. Finding amazing dining experiences requires a bit more effort than traveling to your local diner, but doing so is an incredible way to experience new cultures and enjoy once-in-a-lifetime meals.
Brenda Kimble is a writer and travel blogger from Austin, TX. She is also a mother of 2 daughters and a son. Her life’s journey has taken her to 5 continents, 25+ countries, and all 50 United States. When she is not traveling, she is typically doing yoga, crafting with her kids, or working on her writing.
