In short: Bahía Soliman is an enclosed bay between Akumal and Tulum, sheltered by the reef, with calm water year-round and regulations that limit building height and density. It is home to two boutique beachfront projects: NEEA, with 10 move-in-ready residences, and Maranta, with 17 pre-construction apartments.
Where is Bahía Soliman?
Bahía Soliman is on the Riviera Maya coast, between Akumal and Tulum, just north of Tulum. It is a residential stretch of coastline, away from the tourist flow of the Hotel Zone, with access to the bay through a security gate and controlled entry.
Despite its secluded feel, it is well connected:
| Destination | Approximate drive time |
|---|---|
| Tulum Ruins | 12 minutes |
| Downtown Tulum | 15 minutes |
| Aldea Zamá | 18 minutes |
| Akumal | 20 minutes |
| Playa del Carmen | 45 minutes to 1 hour |
| Tulum International Airport | 50 to 55 minutes |
| Cancún International Airport | 1 hour 30 minutes |
Proximity to the Maya Train stations also makes it easy to travel around the peninsula. If you're looking for other options in the area, see our Tulum guide.
Why is Bahía Soliman so special?
Because it combines three things that are increasingly scarce in the Caribbean: calm seas all year, a natural white-sand beach and a strictly protected low-density setting.
A natural coral barrier, part of the Mesoamerican Reef System, shields the bay from the swell. The bay becomes a huge crystal-clear pool in shades of turquoise, ideal for swimming, paddleboarding or snorkeling right from the shore.
There are no large hotel developments, no traffic and no crowds. The landscape remains intact and offers privacy, silence and a quality of life that's hard to find on the waterfront today.
What can you do in the bay?
Activities are low-impact and revolve around the calm water and nature.
- Kayak and paddleboard: the calm water lets you explore the bay from end to end and discover spots where the jungle meets the sea.
- Snorkeling: just a few meters under the surface you can swim among sea turtles, rays and corals.
- Conservation: thanks to the work of local associations and a committed resident community, the area remains free of mass tourism. The mangrove and turtle nesting areas are actively protected.
For social life, the bay has a beach club open to the public, Manta Ray Tulum, with good food, cocktails and open sea views. It strikes a balance between the privacy of each residence and a nearby place to get together.
What regulations protect Bahía Soliman?
Bahía Soliman is one of the last coastal areas where regulations severely limit height, density and the number of buildings. That explains why every new project is small and why beachfront supply is so limited.
For buyers, this scarcity is part of the appeal: it isn't a trend, but a location with limited supply and high-end demand. Even so, as with any purchase, check the project's permits, land use and legal status.
If you're a foreigner, remember that in the coastal strip you buy through a bank trust (fideicomiso), under Article 27 of the Constitution and the Foreign Investment Law.
What does NEEA offer in Bahía Soliman?
NEEA is a boutique beachfront development of only 10 residences, already built and ready for immediate delivery. Its architecture favors clean lines, natural materials, cross-ventilation and open views of the Caribbean.
The apartments have a dual orientation: at the front, direct sea views from the living areas and main terrace; at the back, mangrove views, with sunrises over the Caribbean and sunsets over the jungle. They are delivered turnkey, furnished and decorated.
Amenities are spread over two levels:
- Beachfront: private beach, a beach club with a pool of about 13 meters with built-in benches and a jacuzzi, a sun deck with loungers, a social dining area and bar for events, and an air-conditioned lounge.
- Rooftop: a second pool, gym, sauna and service bar.
- Services: lobby with concierge, covered parking, interior gardens, 24/7 security and Starlink internet.
Which NEEA residences are available?
According to our current listings, these are the NEEA units for sale. Prices are as published and may change, so confirm availability before deciding.
| Unit | Size | Features | Published price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom penthouse | 98.54 m² (65.16 m² interior + 33.38 m² terrace and rooftop) | 1 bathroom, private pool, front sea view | MXN $10,500,000 |
| 3-bedroom apartment | 163.81 m² (134.74 m² interior + 29.07 m² terrace) | 3 bathrooms, sea and mangrove views | MXN $16,557,500 |
| 3-bedroom apartment | 169.90 m² (139.86 m² interior + 30.04 m² terrace) | 3 bathrooms, sea and mangrove views | MXN $17,000,000 |
The 3-bedroom apartments include an equipped kitchen, dining room, covered terrace overlooking the pool and the sea, laundry closet and a primary bedroom with a private terrace facing the mangrove. The penthouse stands out for its share of outdoor space: a third of its area is terrace and rooftop with its own pool.
If you plan to rent it out, keep in mind that a verifiable return calculation requires historical income, occupancy, average rate, maintenance fees and operating expenses.
What is Maranta Soliman?
Maranta is the bay's second boutique project: a collection of only 17 beachfront apartments, 13 facing the Caribbean and 4 facing the mangrove and jungle. It is in pre-construction.
The architecture keeps the sea as the star: the idea is to arrive, park the car and be barefoot on the sand in a few steps. Interiors use neutral tones, wood and stone, with large openings onto the terraces.
- Units: 1 to 3 bedrooms, from 54.91 to 141.13 m².
- Price: from MXN $5,625,000.
- Amenities: beachfront pool, beach club with paddleboards, kayaks and snorkeling gear, social terrace with bar, jacuzzi, gym, concierge, lobby and elevator.
See the full listing for Maranta Soliman.
How does NEEA differ from Maranta?
The main difference is the stage: NEEA is already built and delivered furnished; Maranta is in pre-construction and has a lower entry price.
| Item | NEEA | Maranta |
|---|---|---|
| Number of residences | 10 | 17 |
| Status | Immediate delivery, turnkey | Pre-construction |
| Bedrooms | 1 (penthouse) and 3 | 1 to 3 |
| Size | 98.54 to 169.90 m² | 54.91 to 141.13 m² |
| Published price | From MXN $10,500,000 | From MXN $5,625,000 |
| Key amenities | Private beach, two pools, sauna, gym, Starlink | Beachfront pool, beach club, jacuzzi, gym |
Both share the same philosophy: respect the environment, prioritize privacy and create residences designed to hold their value over the long term, whether for personal use or investment.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Bahía Soliman from Tulum?
About 15 minutes by car from downtown Tulum and 12 minutes from the ruins. Tulum International Airport is about 50-55 minutes away.
Can you swim in Bahía Soliman all year?
Yes. The reef shelters the bay from strong waves, so the sea stays calm and is ideal for swimming, paddleboarding or snorkeling from the shore.
Are NEEA apartments delivered furnished?
Yes. NEEA residences are delivered turnkey, furnished and decorated, ready to live in or rent out.
Is there a public beach in Bahía Soliman?
Yes. The strip along the sea is federal maritime-terrestrial zone open to the public; behind it, NEEA has its own private beach area. There is also a beach club open to the public.
Are there other quiet beachfront areas nearby?
Akumal, about 20 minutes away, is another quiet beach option. Explore beachfront properties in Akumal.
If you'd like to know current availability, sizes and terms for NEEA or Maranta, contact us and schedule a private visit with our team.
You may also be interested in: Safety Guide on the Riviera Maya: Real Data for Residents and Buyers and Nightlife in Tulum and Playa del Carmen: Beyond Tourism.
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