Set deep on a hillside with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the mountains of the Valle
de la Sierra Oriental in Yelapa - Mexico, Heinz Legler and Veronique Lievre have created Verana, a small yet unforgettable retreat comprised of a cluster of secluded bungalows, located just 30 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta. Offering all the amenities necessary for a transforming getaway, Verana was designed for travelers with a sense of adventure and an appreciation for tranquility. A unique haven carved out of the lush and verdant Mexican jungle, this retreat allows guests to enjoy the simple pleasures of leisure in a rustic yet sophisticated style.

Verana is a modern hybrid of the traditional and the contemporary. By combining indigenous methods of construction and the natural landscape of the jungle with a modern design sensibility,
Legler and Lievre have given Verana a style which is distinctly its own. Each of the eight guest houses maintains an uncomplicated and elegant aesthetic while remaining authentic in feel and function. Set within luxuriant tropical gardens, each house has its own spacious terrace with panoramic views, mosquito-netted beds, and furniture as well as fixtures designed by local artisans.

The Tea House, a new addition, offers dramatic vistas from the Japanese style living room and bedroom. Unique to this suite only, is its very own plunge pool—perfect for a refreshing dip in your own private space.

The Spa at Verana is inspired by nature and design. Carved into the rocks overlooking the Bay of Yelapa, the spa is organically centered amongst the gardens and sprawling tropical vegetation. Surrounded by towering cacti, blooming fruit trees and panoramic views, spa guests feel the energy of the jungle and the peace of the ocean while being shielded by simple design concepts that provide privacy without building walls.

A subtle redesign of the spa over the summer has further enhanced Verana’s signature sense of blending the inside with the outside. The massage hut has been moved to a more extreme vantage point for optimum sweeping views of jungle and ocean. The sublime art of Watsu massage will be practiced in our new and enlarged pool. A system of adding natural sea salts to
the pool will also be in use to maximize the health benefits of the massage while adding a sensation of floating in mineral rich ocean waters. Our open air baths will continue to be a featured service available for individuals or couples. You may want to schedule a moonlight bath with a pitcher of the house Margaritas. Alone or with someone special—the evening will be memorable. Verana will continue to offer a variety of specialized massage including Thai, hot stone and private in-room treatments. All of our body and facial masques are prepared using fresh local products and vital, natural elements.

Verana offers an extensive array of activities and excursions, including ocean kayaking, fishing, whale and bird watching, trekking jungle trails and snorkeling. Yoga is offered daily and private sessions may also be scheduled. Try and make time for at least one yoga class in our new yoga hut. Built on the hillside near the pool, the floor extends beyond the incline of the hill to provide a sense of floating as you move through the asanas. Enlightenment guaranteed! Of course, a day can also be well spent in Verana’s beautiful spring water swimming pool with its 180° view of the mountains and the ocean, or reclining in a hammock with a book from the hotel’s library while waiting for an afternoon massage. In November, the new Poolside Restaurant will debut, where guests can enjoy lunch, afternoon cocktails and snacks. Using local organic produce as well as the mangoes, bananas, papayas, limes, coconuts and pineapples grown in the Verana garden, the new poolside menu will feature light & healthy fare.

Diners will continue to enjoy the spectacular view of the Bay of Banderas from the outdoor Terrace Restaurant, serving breakfast and dinner. Verana’s dinner menu is inspired by traditional, pre-Hispanic cooking and includes regional recipes from across Mexico. Sunsets and cocktails can be found at our Terrace Bar which serves a large selection of the finest tequilas available—all of which are produced in the region. Special dietary requests can be forwarded in
advance of your stay.

Yelapa, located on Mexico’s West coast, is accessed by air via Puerto Vallarta. Once in Puerto Vallarta, guests taxi to Boca de Tomatlan beach where our own boat will be waiting to transport you to Verana. The 30 minute boat ride to Yelapa is followed by a short hike through the jungle—or mule ride if one prefers—to Verana’s idyllic hillside retreat. Luggage is brought up separately by mule.

Available accommodations also include Casa Sin Tiempo, a two room guest house in Puerto Vallarta. For guests wanting to spend some time exploring this charming city, stays can be arranged before or after a visit to Verana, or for a trip just to Puerto Vallarta. Verana’s shuttle service to and from Boca de Tomatlan is available with a reservation.