Where to Stay in Soma Bay: Neighbourhood Guide to the Marina, Mesca, Bay Central & Wadi Jebal

Soma Bay is a private Red Sea peninsula known for its year-round sunshine, world-class reef, sandy beaches, Marina, spa, golf course and calm lagoon for water sports. Because the destination is made up of several distinct neighbourhoods, choosing the right area can genuinely shape your holiday.

This guide breaks down each neighbourhood—the Marina, Mesca, Bay Central and Wadi Jebal—so visitors can easily decide where to stay depending on what they want from their trip.

The Marina

The Marina is the social hub of Soma Bay, set around a modern waterfront promenade with restaurants, cafés, shops and yacht berths. It’s the most walkable part of the peninsula and ideal for travellers who want convenience and atmosphere.

Who it’s best for:

• Guests who enjoy cafés, dining and an evening stroll
• Those who want to be close to the hub of Soma Bay
• Couples and families looking for convenience and activity
• Travellers who prefer not needing a car or shuttle for basics

What it’s like

The Marina offers a lively but still relaxed vibe—perfect for dinners, gelato, sundowners and access to boat trips. It’s also close to the house reef jetties, making snorkelling and diving easily accessible through short transfers.

Pros

• Walkable, atmospheric and convenient
• Close to dining and excursions
• Great for social travellers
• A short shuttle from beaches

Considerations

• Not directly on the beach
• Slightly busier than other parts of Soma Bay

Mesca

Mesca sits along the coastline and offers modern apartments, easy beach access and direct views over the bay. It blends new infrastructure, great swimming waters and proximity to the Kitehouse.

Who it’s best for:

• Guests wanting modern accommodation with clean, contemporary design
• Those seeking to kitesurf or enjoy other above-water sports
• Beach lovers who want to walk to the water
• Families who want sand, shallow water and simplicity
• Travellers who prefer a quiet residential feel

What it’s like

Mesca offers direct access to S.cape Beach, one of the nicest sandy beaches in Soma Bay. The area has a calm, upscale residential feel while still being close to the Marina (about a 7–10 minute golf cart drive or a 30-minute walk along the sea).

Pros

• Walkable beach and pool access
• Modern buildings and clean design
• Calm environment

Considerations

• Limited dining directly in Mesca—Marina is the nearest option

This is one of the most sought-after areas for short-term rentals because of the modern layout and proximity to the beach.

Bay Central

Bay Central is the central heart of residential Soma Bay, positioned between Mesca and the Marina and close to calm, swimmable beaches. It’s superb for guests who want to be close to the action but not necessarily in the middle of it.

Who it’s best for:

• Families wanting convenience and space
• Guests who want walking distance to both beach and Marina
• Anyone who prefers a balanced location—quiet, but well connected

What it’s like

With landscaped gardens, calm neighbourhood streets and a central location, Bay Central offers an ideal mix of comfort and accessibility. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the Marina and the same to S.cape Beach.

Pros

• Excellent balance of quiet and accessibility
• Close to both the Marina and the beaches
• Great for families and extended stays
• Expanding area with modern units

Considerations

• Some neighbouring developments may still have construction
• Not directly on the water, but very close to the beach

Bay Central listings are ideal for guests who want a complete Soma Bay experience without needing a golf cart.

Wadi Jebal

Wadi Jebal is the clifftop luxury neighbourhood of Soma Bay, stretching along the edge of the peninsula with elevated sea views, incredible sunsets and an exclusive residential feel.

Who it’s best for:

• Guests who want panoramic views and privacy
• Couples seeking a quiet, romantic escape
• Families wanting larger villas
• Long-stay travellers, remote workers and digital nomads

What it’s like

This is the most scenic part of Soma Bay, offering wide open views over the Red Sea and mountains. The elevation provides a cooler breeze and a profound sense of calm. It’s farther from the Marina and beach (about 10 minutes by golf cart or 30 minutes on foot), making it ideal for travellers who want peace and space.

Pros

• Stunning clifftop views
• Quiet, upscale and private
• Larger properties and premium villas
• Beautiful breezes and dramatic landscapes
• Close to the golf course

Considerations

• Not walking distance to the beach or Marina
• Best enjoyed with golf carts or shuttle access

If someone wants uninterrupted relaxation, space and views, Wadi Jebal is unmatched.

Which Soma Bay Area Should You Choose?

For walking distance to restaurants and cafés: Choose The Marina.

For modern units and easy beach access: Choose Mesca.

For a balanced location near both beach and Marina: Choose Bay Central.

For privacy, views and premium villas: Choose Wadi Jebal.

Each neighbourhood offers something unique, and all are connected by shuttles, golf carts and smooth internal roads, so getting around Soma Bay is always simple. No matter which neighbourhood you prefer, we have the perfect base for your Red Sea holiday. Explore Seascape Stays Properties.