On the serene fringes of Fethiye – a coastal town where pine-covered hills dip into the Aegean Sea – XO Cape Arnna ushers in a new, all-inclusive, family-friendly escape on the sun-drenched coast of Southern Turkey.
Newly opened this spring, and just a 45-minute drive from Dalaman airport, XO Cape Arnna offers two distinct resorts in one: The Club, an adults-only sanctuary and The Resort, a world dedicated to families of all ages. Here, little ones can explore the vibrant splash park, while older children and teens enjoy their own dedicated spaces, including a thoughtfully designed kids club and teen lounge. With expansive family pools (37 to be exact), an on-site private water park, and easy access to a child-friendly beach, every detail has been considered.
Despite being set across a sprawling 100,000 square metres with 513 rooms and a plethora of amenities, XO Cape Arnna still manages to feel intimate and easy to navigate with children – without the need to call for a golf cart to get you from beach-to-bar-to-restaurant. A true fly-and-flop destination, the resort layout has made it all too easy to while away the days bouncing between the vast number of pools and the beach; all whilst making the most of the all-inclusive offering. While the beach here may not boast the postcard-perfect gold of the tropics, it’s charming in its own right – and perfect for building sandcastles under the sun with little ones. If you’re lucky, you might even spot one of the resident sea turtles, who return here each year to nest on the neighbouring stretch of sand.
The Vibe
XO Cape Arnna is a feast for the senses when it comes to design. The attention to detail presents itself from the moment you step into the atrium-ceilinged reception, where sculptural gold rings hang suspended, artfully catching the light. From the high-spec, design-led interiors to the perfectly manicured grounds and sleek pools that frame the resort, every element feels luxurious – stylish, modern, and aesthetically pleasing. A far cry from the clichés often tied to traditional all-inclusive, package holidays. The slick design also doesn’t take away from the family-friendly vibe – rolling walkways cater perfectly to snoozy strolls in pushchairs, while the vibrant pops of colour – inspired by the local region – lend a cheery ambience to the resort.
The Rooms
The Resort offers 373 generously appointed one and two bedroom family rooms and suites, thoughtfully designed for both space and style. For those seeking even more room to unwind, the 20 Grand Family Suites deliver residential-style comfort with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a separate living area – ideal for longer stays, larger groups or those with older children. Topping the list are the Family Swim Up Suites, made for effortless dips at any hour. With direct pool access and elevated design, they offer the ultimate in family luxury – especially if you’re travelling with little ones that still nap – allowing you to have the baby monitor at hand, while simultaneously maxing out on some private relaxation time, with a pool literally at the foot of your terrace.
The two-bedroom family rooms offer ample space for a family of four or five, and travel cots can be arranged free of charge through the hotel. While the rooms aren’t interconnecting, a sliding door separates the master bedroom – a thoughtful feature for parents that also serves as a noise buffer if you’re staying up to enjoy balmy evenings on the balcony while the kids sleep. The bathrooms are sleek and modern, featuring a ginormous rainfall shower roomy enough to accommodate the whole family. Although there isn’t a bathtub for little ones, the concierge is happy to provide a baby bath which is also large enough for a toddler.
Food + Drink
With 11 restaurants, cafés and bars, the resort delivers an impressive culinary experience that spans continents and cravings – from pan-Asian dishes and sushi to elevated Turkish dining and elegant plates of pasta. Whether you’re indulging in à la carte fine dining or seeking laid-back family favourites – including a very British pub – the variety is exceptional.
Mornings at Mad Med restaurant begin with a bountiful Mediterranean-inspired buffet that offers more breakfast options than you could possibly imagine. From eggs made to order and a dedicated toastie station to enormous cheese-filled böreks and an endless array of freshly baked breads, the spread is as generous as it is delicious. Little ones will make a beeline for the crepes, pancakes, and waffles, while the fresh juice bar – bursting with vibrant, zesty blends, some even laced with collagen for an extra boost of wellness – makes for a great way to start the day. Pork is not widely consumed in Turkey for religious reasons, so while all the usual fry-up components (and more) are on offer, the only thing you won’t find on the menu here is pork sausages and bacon.
During the day, situated between the pools and the beach, Tiny Bites is a firm favourite with families. A relaxed and informal setting open only for lunch, with an easy menu for all the family. Think fresh fish, poke bowls, pizzas and quesadillas, with a beach-bar vibe, albeit one with high chairs!
The perfect spot for evening dining – and surprisingly toddler-friendly – was Sun Tzu, the resort’s elegant Pan-Asian restaurant. While it doesn’t offer a dedicated kids’ menu (which may be a challenge for pickier eaters), sushi rice, prawns and sticky sweet aubergine are all on offer and kids seem to very much enjoy them. As part of the all-inclusive package, guests are entitled to one complimentary dinner per stay at Sun Tzu. This is one of three à la carte experiences included in the package (for stays of five nights or more), with additional visits available for a surcharge. Reservations open daily via Whatsapp from 9am – just be sure to set an alarm reminder as bookings are taken on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Child’s Play
XO Cape Arnna have gone all out at Lumi’s World kids’ club. There are, however, a few important caveats for those with very little ones. There’s no formal childcare available for babies under one, and while private babysitters can be arranged for children aged one to two (at €50 per hour), they’re not permitted within the main kids’ club spaces. Toddlers aged two to four are welcome to play in the pastel-toned crèche room, located inside the club, for €30 per hour with bookable childcare, or you can opt to stay and play for free alongside them. Little ones will adore the room and won’t want to leave. Hardly surprising given the giant ball pit, rainbow-coloured slides, mini climbing wall, various play stations – from a workbench decked out with tools to a Duplo table – and plenty more to explore.
The kid’s club at the resort really comes into its own for those with children aged five and over, who can use all of its areas at no extra cost and can drop in (no booking required) any time from 8am-11pm – a game changer for date nights! Designed to spark curiosity and creativity, the club features immersive, themed zones tailored to all kinds of interests. Younger kids can lose themselves in the Wonder Valley, filled with arts and crafts, wall games, Lego, and a Hot Wheels zone, while mini creatives can express themselves in the Beauty Salon or the Animation Studio, where they’ll learn the basics of stop-motion and digital storytelling. There’s even a secret spy room complete with lasers that you have to dodge, escape room style.
Older kids and teens aren’t left out either. The club’s teen lounge feels genuinely cool – rather than just a token space – with its own DJ workshop, PlayStation room, and interactive digital game table. The resort also offers a diverse range of sporting and wellness experiences for guests of all ages, this includes everything from beach volleyball and basketball to football and even expert-led martial arts classes. Racket sport enthusiasts can make use of two Padel courts and a full-size tennis court, while the Sailing Academy and water sports (which come at an additional cost) are a standout option for guests wanting to master the waves while soaking up the Aegean sun.
The Spa
This state-of-the-art wellness centre is a haven for adults to unwind with a full range of soothing experiences and expert treatments at hand. At its heart is the traditional Turkish hammam, where guests can enjoy authentic kese rituals – exfoliating treatments rooted in centuries-old cleansing traditions. The hammam is open to the whole family, a rare and special offering in what is normally a very adult-only space, but actually makes for a really sweet thing to do altogether; especially with older children who are more likely to respect the general spa etiquette of keeping calm and quiet (slightly more challenging with a toddler in tow!). The spa also features a salt and steam room, a Bio sauna, and even an igloo room for contrast therapy. For those seeking deeper relaxation – perhaps once the kids have checked into Lumi’s World – a menu of wellness therapies includes everything from Ayurvedic and Thai massages to targeted facials and footcare treatments, all delivered by skilled therapists.
The To-Do List
Outside of the resort, take a taxi to Fethiye’s charming natural harbour, dotted with traditional gulet boats and tucked into the foothills of the Taurus Mountains. By day, the harbour bustles with activity – from fishermen returning with the morning’s catch to yachts gliding in and out – a perfect spot to enjoy café culture with a Turkish tea in hand. Just a short walk inland, the open-air fish market is also well-worth a visit. Inspired by a vision to enhance the town’s culinary charm, the mayor of Fethiye initiated a new tradition whereby visitors can purchase fresh seafood from the market stalls, then take it to the surrounding small local restaurants, who will grill it for you and serve alongside other traditional Turkish meze.
Renowned for its crystal-clear waters and mountain-backed landscapes, Fethiye is also steeped in history, offering tourists a unique blend of ancient culture and unspoiled natural beauty. Among its most iconic historical sites are the 4th-century Lycian rock tombs, including the Tomb of Amyntas, carved dramatically into a cliff face overlooking the town. The area is also home to some of the country’s most treasured natural wonders, such as the secluded Butterfly Valley, a protected gorge known for its waterfalls and rare butterfly species, and Kabak Bay, a pristine, forest-backed beach perfect for hiking, swimming and enjoying nature together.
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