Soliman Bay, The Riviera Maya’s Best-Kept Secret

Where To Stay

What To Do

There are few secrets left in the Riviera Maya. In this astoundingly popular destination, most formerly hidden gems are now well-known attractions. However, there is still a place far from everything, stuck in time, where big resorts and noisy crowds are completely absent, and the jungle touches the electric turquoise waters. 

That place is Soliman Bay. Located just a ten-minute drive north of vibrant Tulum, this crystalline inlet has somehow gone largely unnoticed by most travelers. Just a few luxury villas and boutique hotels populate one of the last stretches of coast in the area that look a lot like they did more than 20 years ago. The beach is quiet, the jungle unspoiled, and the water unbelievably calm thanks to the coral reef that almost protrudes out of the surface not far from the shore.

Seclusion. If there is one word that comes to mind, that would be it. Soliman Bay developed as a residential community and has thus maintained its essence. Frequented by locals and experienced voyagers who want to get away from the usual tourist itinerary, it’s the quintessential Caribbean experience.

A shingle road leads to the bay from the main highway. Almost three kilometers on, one finds Chamicos, a small beach-side restaurant that offers fresh catch and a fantastic spot to spend a quiet afternoon under the palm trees. And there is not much else, which is precisely what makes it perfect. Because at the end of the day, what else do you need besides lush greenery and a private piece of tropical heaven?

The inlet is a natural spectacle. It's almost completely still waters are a paradise for kayakers and paddle boarders. And the reef is teeming with life. Turtles and rays are a common sight for snorkelers, while back on the beach it’s hard not to relax surrounded by the murmur of wind rushing through the trees. 

Despite its relative seclusion and breathtaking landscape, Soliman Bay is not all that remote. As a matter of fact, it is surprisingly close to the action. The bay is just 15 kilometers north of Tulum and a 30-minute drive from Playa del Carmen. Archeological sites, top-notch gastronomy, and thrilling nightlife are a stone’s throw away, making this an ideal destination. If you stay here, in a single day, you could visit the only Mayan city that overlooks the ocean, enjoy a gourmet meal in a trendy restaurant, and come back in time to spend the rest of the afternoon swinging in a hammock. 

Soliman Bay is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places in the Riviera Maya. Few spots like these are left on the Caribbean coast. We trust that when you visit, you’ll help us keep the secret.