A Magical Resort in Yelapa, Mexico
Yelapa is a secluded village outside of Puerto Vallarta. In Yelapa, you lose your vacation days like pocket change. Wake up with the sun and snorkel with exotic fish. Jump off the dock right from your palapa before you’ve even eaten breakfast or get your heart pumping by hiking through thick rainforest to a hidden waterfall. If you're ready to relax, get a massage at the spa or buy a bucket of cervezas and lay on the beach. Dance your heart out with a belly full of tequila and tacos as the sun goes down.
Yelapa is a small fishing village located outside of Puerto Vallarta. It has a population of about 1,500. Cars aren’t allowed, so visitors take a boat from a neighboring town. There is little electricity and few stores. The government has preserved the land here by awarding it to the community. This means that newcomers can’t buy land, but can hold a long term lease. Yelapa is also one of the most biodiverse regions of the world, second to the Amazon rain basin. The community, food, culture, and biodiversity allow for an incredibly unique experience. In Yelapa, you feel disconnected from the world. Knowing that you are a boat ride away from any major city and with limited access to the internet, you can unplug.
Staying at Verana Resort
If you’re going to Yelapa, Verana is the place to stay. Verana is a unique boutique hotel that sits right on the water nestled into the mountainside. There are nine unique houses, each with panoramic views, scattered throughout the property. There are a few palapas that are open air with only a few walls. You feel like you can walk right out of your room and into the lush forest that surrounds you. Others have windows lining the entire space looking out onto the ocean. Some are perfect for a getaway for two and others are well suited for a group vacation.
Staying at Verana Resort
Walking to Town
Regardless of where you stay in Yelapa, you’ll need to walk to town. Most of the resorts in this small village sit along the coastline with a well-established trail that takes you from your resort to town. If you’re staying at Verana there is a steep set of stairs that brings you from the top of the resort to the water and then along the water to town.
Traveling as a Group
Here’s our hot tip: go to Yelapa as a group. Not only does it keep the price of the resort down (because you can split the lodging cost), but it’s also an excellent place to travel with a group. Since there are no cars allowed in Yelapa, everything is walkable and it’s easy to navigate as a group. And with so much to do in Yelapa, everyone can find an activity they enjoy. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s whale-watching, swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. If you want to relax, there’s a spa, restaurant, hammocks, and pools.
Choosing a House
We’ve got strong opinions about what house you should stay in at Verana. If you are traveling with a group, stay in the Blue House. The Blue House has three bedrooms (one King/two Queens) and a kitchenette. The bathroom has a large window that overlooks the ocean while you shower, and the best part—this house is right on the water. In the morning you can sip your coffee looking out onto the water and then head to the dock. All of the snorkeling gear is stored in the Blue House, too, and is free for guests to use. The Blue House also has hammocks and its own pool. You’re gonna thank us for this tip when you don’t have to lug your baggage up the hill, too.
