As many of the previous reviewers alluded, Verana is a wonderful place. Regardless of what you are used to, you will be impressed by the level of service, quality of food, privacy, beautiful view and unique accommodations.
To give you some perspective, we are a married, no kids, many pets couple in the 35-44 demo. We are big fans of foodie-quality, sub 25-room boutiques. We have stayed at other TripAdvisor faves like the Caves (cliff dwellings in Negril), La Zebra (palapas on unspoiled beach in Tulum) and Casa de Mita (more traditional brick and mortar in Punta Mita). We’ve also enjoyed several of the larger gourmet all-inclusives dotting the Riviera Maya, but those don’t matter here.
Transport: First, PVR is one of the best airports anywhere to get in and out of. From there, we took the Verana VIP transfer service in order to avoid the mayhem of negotiating a cab. I’m still not sure it was worth the extra cost, as we still ended up in a regular cab to Verana.(that disappointment was lessened on the return trip in a Yukon-type SUV) We were dropped off on a bustling little beach where we had a cold one before jumping on the Verana panga for the 30-min ride to the property. Sure, a little bumpy here and there, but you are heading to paradise!
Resort: Once off the dock, we were promptly met (shout out Bernardo and Kris!) and escorted up the stone stairs, across dribbling brooks, past friendly burros and to a table with refreshing infused waters. If you are chain-smoking or drinking heavily on the way in, the trek up to the property can be a task. But if you are in any kind of shape, you will love it from the first stone step. Exercise without even realizing it, as you are more focused on the nature around you. Leave the Buns of Steel DVDs at home! #datedreference
Rooms: Every room is different and we toured them all. I would be happy to stay in any of them as each has a distinct character and unique design. We stayed in the Palapa. The only walls were around the toilet. Open air living at it’s best. Incredible views from any spot. Sit on the east side for the sunrise over the Sierras. Lay on the west side to catch some afternoon sun. Take a shower while trying to catch a whale breaching in the bay.
Food and Drink: Everything delicious. We live by downtown Dallas, have done foodie tours of Chicago and LA and lil’ Verana could stand up to any of them. Amazing sauces, creative and fresh. Like sashimi? How about sashimi that was swimming a couple of hours before you eat it. F.R.E.S.H.
Danny’s (sometimes Joel’s) bar is a nice place to try some very interesting twists on traditional cocktails from a true mixologist. He’ll even teach you how to whip them up.
Activities: Usually in places this remote, you need to be happy with doing nothing. However, at Verana, you can walk to the nearby fishing village of Yelapa for fish tacos and a sand beach. There’s half day excursions to private remote beaches, the Marietas Islands (highly recommend), kayaks and snorkeling gear. Or hit the yoga studio or spa for a full line of services, including the best massages you may ever have.
With so many interesting places to travel, it’s tough to settle on one. I guarantee if you pick Verana, you will not be disappointed!
ps. We didn’t spot a scorpion anywhere. Vampire bats and chupacabras, yes, but no scorpions.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
