My wife and I recently returned from our five night stay in the Palapa. Some recent reviews have mentioned maintenance issues and there are some of those, but having stayed at many similar properties, most of these can be forgiven in my book. Overall, it is a beautiful place.

We loved the Palapa and can honestly say there were no houses that we'd have rather stayed. We had a huge outdoor area looking out on miles of coast line. We loved the parrots and the parakeets. The place was kept tidy and the linens were good considering the place is open to the elements. We did arrive in a bit of rain and were disappointed that all our outdoor cushions were left out in the rain. Come on.

Our toilet stall was the only area actually enclosed and it was in need of serious refurbishing. Seems like an easy fix for a place that is closed a few months a year. Get some paint! I know it's the jungle and all but come on. Still, a minor issue. Overall, the palapa was wonderful. Restaurant/bar area also very nice.

The only really bad experience was a group of four diners who stayed up late partying loudly at their table which was at the foot of the steps leading to our completely open Palapa. Shame on the guests for having so little regard for the other guests but, also, I would have thought that the staff at some point would have at least suggested that they take their party to the bar and away from the foot of our bed. Oh well...

I also feel some of the meals were a fairly poor value. Don't get me wrong, the food was very good. But every dinner is $45. I understand that everything comes over in a boat and all that. But $45 for a few tacos seems a bit steep. The tacos were very good but they were tacos. I'd say 3 of our 5 dinners were a fair value given the location. Great fish on a couple of nights and some wonderful tuna tartar.

Bottom line, we loved Verana and would highly recommend it. We also enjoyed the walk into town and the town itself is quite an experience. There are many wonderful restaurants in Yelapa so get off the property a time or two and experience them.

We had an amazing vacation at Verana. Part luxury, part safari - it's a place unlike any I've ever seen. We had the pool house, mid-Nov, which blurs between indoor and outdoor, having a bed next to the cooling waters of a pool, and lush vegetation beyond that. This house also has a deck and second bed"room" as well. Birds were all around us. The views of the bay were incredible from here and there was a nice breeze most days. The staff are wonderful - highly attentive but never intrusive; the food was fantastic - fresh fish, tacos, chiles rellenos; the housekeeping staff were impeccable with attention to every detail. If you want to experience nature, pampering, and seclusion all at once, I highly recommend Verana!

Reviews, the Verana website & rates, led me to anticipate a rustic yet stylish, smart, artfully designed, wonderfully situated jungle lodge-type resort. Relaxed, unpretentious, original & together (eg quality). While much of the above, Verana is also in need of serious rehab/updating to offset a slide into funk. It comes across as a place that has not been significantly upgraded since opening, or scrutinized pre-season, (e.g., peeling paint/plaster, less than comfortable seating/mattresses, dated hippy funk light & plumbing fixtures, minimal/insufficent fans, some stone patios/showers showing signs of mold, can of Raid in the bathroom.) When considering rates to value/expectations, the funk/neglect loses its charm and is offputting. The character/setting/concept of Verna is special, but it needs attention to live up to its reputation/website photos.