About Us

Welcome to Arkouda Cabins, a sanctuary nestled in the pines of Big Bear Lake, where the natural elegance of the mountains meets the comfort of a true retreat.

A Legacy Rooted in the Mountains

Our name, derived from the Greek word for "Bear," pays homage to the natural elegance of the mountains. Originally built in 1935 as the legendary Embers Lodge, this property was a secret sanctuary for Golden Era Hollywood icons who needed to escape the city. We fully reimagined the estate in February 2026 to blend that nostalgic charm with modern comfort.

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Driven by a Mission

The vision for Arkouda Cabins is driven by a team of founders, including Joseph Lontos,  who believe in the restorative power of nature. Our mission is to offer Rustic Restoration: a curated experience where wellness is not a scheduled activity, but an inherent, sensory state of being. We believe genuine recovery requires a complete change in atmosphere, allowing you to disconnect from the demands of urban life and find a true reset.

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What Sets Arkouda Apart

What sets Arkouda Cabins apart is the deliberate focus on privacy and elevated comfort. Unlike traditional rentals, we offer only nine units, strictly prioritizing absolute tranquility. We successfully bridge the gap between "rustic" and "luxury" with high-end touches like Egyptian cotton sheets, rainfall showerheads, and private hot tubs. By combining this premium private experience with the property's cinematic history—including authentic Marilyn Monroe handprints—we ensure your stay is not just lodging, but a complete, year-round retreat.
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What Our
Guests Say

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"Wonderful stay! The team was incredibly helpful during our visit. The cabins have such a great vibe and excellent rating category. Highly recommend for an excellent Big Bear getaway."

Danny
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"An amazing historic retreat in the heart of the pines! The 'Marilyn Monroe' factor with the authentic handprints made our stay so special. Clean, cozy, and perfect for a mountain reset."

Lillian
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"Wonderful experience at the cabins. The location is perfect—just a quick walk to the Village and the lake. The high-speed WiFi was a lifesaver for getting some work done while enjoying the mountains."

Michael
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"Superb service! The manager, Jenica, was so helpful with our early check-in request and ensuring we had everything we needed in the kitchen. A truly first-class boutique experience."
Roberto
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"Excellent property! We stayed in the Northern Flicker Estate and it was pure mountain glamour. The stone fireplace and the private jacuzzi under the stars were the highlights of our group trip."
J.L.
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"Exceptional! It really feels like a world away from the urban noise. The Egyptian cotton sheets and rainfall showerheads bring a level of luxury you don't usually find in a rustic cabin."
A.R.

FAQ

Guests may begin their stay at 3:00 PM, and we kindly ask that you depart by 11:00 AM. Following these times allows our team to ensure every cabin is meticulously prepared and sanitized for your arrival.

Arkouda Cabins offers nine distinct retreats, ranging from romantic studios to expansive lodges for larger groups:

  • Cabins 1, 2, 3 & 5: Ideal for 2 guests (King bed).
  • Cabin 4 (ADA Accessible): Accommodates 2 guests (Queen bed).
  • Cabin 7: Room for up to 4 guests (Queen bed and pull-out sofa).
  • Cabin 6: Sleeps up to 7 guests (2 Queen beds and 1 Full bed).
  • Cabin 8: Perfect for up to 8 guests (Queen, Full, and Bunk beds).
  • Cabin 9: Our largest space for 9 guests (3 bedrooms with various bedding).

Absolutely. We provide on-site parking for all our visitors. Since we are just a 12 to 13-minute stroll from Big Bear Village and the Marina, you can easily explore the local shops and sights on foot.

We are delighted to be a pet-friendly destination! We welcome your four-legged companions, with a limit of one pet per cabin.

Summer Special: Enjoy our PETS STAY FREE offer until September 22nd! (Standard $35 fees are currently waived).

 

Each cabin at Arkouda is designed for your ultimate comfort, featuring:

  • Connectivity: High-speed Wi-Fi (100+ Mbps) throughout the property, ideal for work or play.
  • Comfort: Cozy wood-burning fireplaces, premium linens, and rainfall showerheads.
  • Entertainment: Full access to our communal outdoor Game Deck.
  • Hot Tubs & Spas: Cabins 6, 8, and 9 include private hot tubs.

Cabins 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 have access to our shared hot tub, nestled in a scenic forest setting with stunning open-sky views. 

It depends on your adventure!

  • Winter (December–March): Best for snow sports and cozy fireplace vibes.
  • Summer (June–August): Ideal for lake activities, hiking, and escaping the valley heat.
  • Fall (October–November): Perfect for witnessing the stunning changing foliage.
  • Spring (April–May): A quiet "secret season" great for peaceful hiking and birdwatching.