Numerous Puerto Vallarta spas are to be found in this vacation hot spot. There are day spas and spas in Puerto Vallarta hotels and resorts, so wherever you are staying, you will have little trouble finding a good massage to relax after day of sightseeing and outdoor activities such as fishing and scuba diving. You will even find deluxe Yelapa Mexico spas in the little fishing village of Yelapa, located about 30 miles south of the city of Puerto Vallarta. But the Verana Spa is undoubtedly one of the finest spa experiences on the west coast of Mexico. The Verana is a secluded and exclusive mountain retreat, with only eight rooms—actually, eight separate casitas, which are all unique and overlook the ocean below. To get your Yelapa massage at this romantic hideaway, you will need a boat ride of about 45 minutes from Boca de Tomatlan. On arrival, you are met by hotel staff and pack mules to guide you and carry your luggage up the hill.

Called the Jungle Spa, it is a full-service spa with every imaginable treatment, all of which begin with a soothing footbath. You can choose from a menu as extensive as that of a fine restaurant, and after your Yelapa massage you can enjoy an open-air bath by candlelight. The soak tubs are built for two and allow you to admire the magnificent sunset over the pristine beaches below. There is also a meditation pool, a tide pool, and a watsu massage pool—all this in addition to the spring-fed swimming pool.

As you might imagine, this is an expensive property to stay at, and the minimum stay is five nights. And, with only eight Verana rooms available, space is at a premium. However, you can enjoy the Verana Spa just for the day at a relatively reasonable rate. The hotel has its own panga, or shuttle boat, that leaves from Boca de Tomatlan, near Puerto Vallarta, every morning at 9:30, and returns at 5:00 in the evening. A full spa day here includes lunch in the gourmet restaurant, one or two massage treatments, and use of the steam room and other facilities. You can take a dip in the pool, spend some time strolling around the lush grounds, or get in some yoga. Yelapa Mexico spas may be located in the little fishing village on the ocean, but the Verana Spa is one of the best and most beautiful on the entire Mexican coast.

Puerto Vallarta Map