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Reviewed 27 January 2014

If you want to veg this is your spot but bring a fat wallet. The staff is quite good, the food average or below, and the room old and forgotten. Great views though and you will enjoy the tropical vegitation fauna and flora.

Date of stay: December 2013
  • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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9  Thank Otello635
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 8 January 2014

My husband and I traveled to Verana after our New Years Day Wedding in downtown Puerto Vallarta. We had 60 friends and family in town so the 5 days before the wedding were full of events and excursions. We stayed at Hacienda San Angel the night of our wedding and traveled to Verana the next afternoon. Verana could not have been a better compliment to our days before the wedding. We were able to relax, recharge, and eat amazing food before returning to the states.

All of the staff at Verana were beyond expectations. We did the Be Active package so were out and about everyday. Justin took us fishing and into Cathedral Falls. Both times he went above and beyond to show us different things native and special to Yelapa, Mexico. He loves what he does and that definitely came across to us.

We are vegan so having different and dynamics meals three times a day was incredible. It added so much relaxation to the trip to know we just had to show up to eat. On top of that, if we were out on an excursion, our guide would bring us lunch. Overall the attention to detail was unmatched. The food was beautifully plated, the handmade scrubs were outstanding, and personable staff made us feel right at home.

Every night it was an amazing experience to fall asleep listening to the sounds of the jungle. It was such a contrast to bustling city sounds of PV. We hope to return to Verana in the future!

Room tip: Bungalow was very private and had AMAZING views!
Date of stay: January 2014
  • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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1  Thank Mebbers21
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 1 December 2013

The setting is amazing, as so many other reviewers have stated so well. It is a peaceful, wonderful retreat from all things of a modern, busy, harried, frenetic life. Everything just stops when you get there - the text dings, phones ringing, alarms, and all other extraneous noises. You will walk a lot to get everywhere on the property because everything is in its own little area. It's a daily glute workout. The steps up to the property are tough the first couple of times, and if you're even slightly out of shape, you'll be dripping with sweat at the top, which is not concerning because the pool is remarkably cool and refreshing. The weather is typically hot & muggy, some days worse than others, so most folks stayed in their bathing suits all day. For women, dressing for dinner can range from the extremely casual suit cover up to a lovely dress, whereas for men it's typically shorts & t-shirt or collared shirt. You will sweat through all of your clothes & your belongings will be thoroughly dampened by the humidity, so don't bring your nicest, fanciest things. The bugs are everywhere, but they generally want nothing to do with you, so it's best to just decide to not care about them. There are large spiders - not gonna lie, I hate them - but they never moved from their spot or did anything remotely scary. Walking to town is a hoot, takes about 30 minutes, and you'll likely to see lizards, spiders, and a beautiful array of butterflies. We did get a visit from a coatie (Mexican Raccoon) one night - very exciting!!! The town is humble, and the townspeople are generous and lovely. Many of them either work at Verana or are related to Verana employees, and will be very happy to help you if you're lost, in need of assistance, or just feel like chatting. The outings are great, but it's also fantastic to just hang by the pool and enjoy the sun. You'll meet like-minded travelers at the bar each night, which is a blast as well. We stayed in the Palapa our first night, and then changed to the Pool House for the rest of our stay. We befriended another couple and got to see the Tea House, which we agreed was really the best.

In summary, it's an amazing place where I was actually able to sleep, relax, and turn off my brain for an entire week. Worth. Every. Penny.

Date of stay: November 2013
  • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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4  Thank heathernap
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 26 October 2013

I wanted to visit Verana since 2006. In turn, when my boyfriend and I were planning a trip to kick-off 2013, I shared this idea for consideration. I wish I didn’t.

He became enchanted with the place as I did. Who wouldn’t -- the photos are spectacular. Given the background of Verana’s owners; however, that is to be expected. They are in the business of creation an illusion. I just wish I didn’t fall for it, as it was an expensive mistake.

Here are some highlights:
• A visit from a snake. Having been there for less than an hour, a black snake enters our room. I understand that we are in the jungle and may encounter wildlife, however, the staff didn’t provide me with peace of mind. E.g., no one knew what to do should a poisonous snake bite us; there is a single phone on the premise at the office, however, there isn’t always someone at that location, etc. This was an unsettling start to the trip, as I realized that if something were to happen, I would have to solve the problem myself.
• Bugs. Again, I understand that when in the wild, you encounter wildlife – including bugs. However, the army of ants that invaded our room every day was over the top. There was line after line of ants (and other bugs joined the fun). I have never seen so many bugs in a room, and I have traveled quite a bit.

We changed rooms (thank goodness!), yet the bed was full of small little bugs!
• Food. I indicated on the form that I’m vegetarian, however, one night they couldn’t accommodate my dietary needs so I only had chips and guacamole. I don’t feel that this was worth the price that I paid for the “meal”.
• Beds. They were the most uncomfortable beds that I have ever experienced, which is shocking considering how much we paid for the room. The pillow alone was lumpy. Purchasing pillows alone would be a fast and cheap fix to the subpar sleeping situation.

I could keep going, but I think you get the picture: Verana isn’t worth the money unless you are solely going for a photo shoot. If living a facade isn’t your cup of tea, I recommend that you vacation elsewhere.

Date of stay: January 2013
  • Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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15  Thank goingtorwanda
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 29 April 2013

This was our fourth visit to Verana. Honestly, each trip gets better than the last. Verana is a unique, special, almost magical destination. We love the fact that there are no TV's, telephones, elevators, walls, air conditioning (at least not in the palapa we stay in). Understandably, this may not be for everybody; the first time my wife suggested it, I had serious reservations. Now, I can't stay in any other type of resort. I can't tell you how liberating it is to truly be "off the grid" and unplugged.

Some may say its "logistically cumbersome" to arrive at Verana. That's part of its appeal. What, you don't like getting away from the tourist areas and maybe seeing a whale breach the surface on your boat ride to Verana?! Coming into Yelapa Bay and seeing the orange umbrellas of Verana makes me giggle like an imbecile. The walk up to Verana is its own reward. The many flora and fauna will overwhelm you, and you haven't even got to the resort yet.

Choosing a palapa is easy, for privacy, and the most stunning view, it's the Tea House, hands down. It also comes with its own grotto, complete with your own private dipping pool. Want a little more room, try the Palapa, complete with a hammock and a day bed for a total of three great places to take a nap. Both of these palapas have no AC, open walls but tons of privacy.

The grounds are more beautiful than any botanical garden you've ever been too. Theses grounds support the most incredible populations of birds and butterflies. Have breakfast and dinner while overlooking Yelapa bay. You should never get tired of this view. Stunning. Have lunch poolside with a view of the Bay of Banderas, equally stunning. Speaking of meals, the food is another of the main reasons we frequent Verana. Get the meal plan. How some people stay at Verana and don't take advantage of some of the best meals you will ever have is beyond me. Some may complain that there is no choice at dinner (only one entree, at the chef's discretion). Don't worry, you won't be disappointed. Can you tell that I love the food here?! Where else are you gonna get fish that was caught only hours ago?!

My wife and I pretty much did all the activities that Verana has to offer. They all rock. Now, we are content to just lounge around, enjoying the flora, fauna and well stocked library. Oh, do not bring soap, shampoo or conditioner. Verana provides you with amazing "house brand" supplies. Trust me, you won't touch the stuff you bring. Using their products, while taking an outdoor shower in indescribable. What an experience.

The staff are attentive yet never intrusive. Super friendly and eager to please, not fake, annoying or oppressive.

I could go on and on extolling the virtues of Verana. Visit the website. That should sell you immediarely. It pains me to publish this review; I want to keep Verana a secret.

Date of stay: April 2013
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
9  Thank nyseskinny
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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