Yelapa, Mexico

Verana is a boutique hotel located at the top of a mountain and cohabiting with the jungle. The land holds 8 different and gorgeous houses, a swimming pool featuring an amazing view, a bar and restaurant for the lovely evenings and a spa right at the bottom.

It was my first time visiting Mexico and the trip to Verana made it very exciting even if I didn’t have any extra time for visiting cities.

I had to take a cab ride from Puerto Vallarta airport for 45 minutes leading me to Boca de Tomatlán. The ride was more than enjoyable as we got up the city and got a real nice view.

From there, the Verana boat was waiting for me and we started a 30-minute ride to Verana’s private dock in Yelapa, Mexico. A lot of taxi boats leave either from Puerto Vallarta or Boca de Tomatlán as it is the fastest way and sometimes the only way to get around.

Once all the new guests got off the boat, we were greeted by our host Kent. Gabriela, the very sweet girl working at the spa restaurant offered us a Tamarind water to welcome us and get us ready for our first “hike” up to Verana.

The spa is actually located outside the hotel as anyone coming by boat or from Yelapa can enjoy the services. A 5-minute walk up leads to the private hotel path.

The road all the way to the top is a real sport, especially for the first time! Fortunately, a few mules take care of getting our bags all the way to our separate houses.

After this short cardio session, we were lead to the bar to enjoy a cold lemonade cocktail and get introduced to everyone.

Verana is a very special hotel since only 16 guests approximately will be sharing the place with you. The 8 houses are all located in different sections of the land and you hardly see or hear anyone during your stay unless you go to the pool and to the restaurant for a meal.

After our cocktail, Kent lead me to the house I chose for my stay: The Jungle Suite. What a gorgeous space it was! The suite was huge and so very well decorated.

It was my first time sleeping with a net around my bed and no wall in front of me. It was such a great experience to fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle and wake up to the sun and quietness.

My stay at Verana was mixed between taking it slow at the pool or go on amazing adventures either hiking, snorkling, fishing or visiting islands by boat.

After long days in the sun, all the guests would meet at the bar in the evening for delicious drinks made by Ryan. Funny stories would be shared before enjoying a three-course meal.

The food was amazing during my whole stay at Verana and I was especially impressed by the skills and passion of the chef down at the spa for lunch time.

This has to be one of my favorite trips yet. It’s a perfect balance for the backpacker who wants to enjoy a five-star location for once in a while.

For more information, visit Verana.com.