The turquoise waters of the Aegean stretched endlessly before me, and the sun-warmed sand beneath my feet already whispered promises of the extraordinary — this was XO Cape Arnna, a place where every corner seemed crafted for both indulgence and discovery. Nestled just outside the charming town of Fethiye, the resort offers a perfect balance of natural beauty and sophisticated design. Fethiye itself is a hidden treasure of Turkey, with secluded beaches, dramatic cliffs, and a rich history waiting to be explored. And on the resort’s own beach, endangered Caretta caretta turtles make their home, laying eggs in the soft sand and creating a rare glimpse of nature at work.
Fethiye is often overlooked on the usual Turkish Riviera map, yet it is a town of striking contrasts. Ancient ruins, Ottoman architecture, and quaint harbor streets coexist alongside pristine coves and turquoise lagoons. A morning spent wandering the streets of Telmessos, the old Lycian city, felt like stepping back in time. Later, a drive along the coast revealed cliffs carved by centuries of wind and waves, dotted with hidden beaches. And knowing that the turtles, slow and deliberate, return here every season to lay their eggs added a magical, almost sacred layer to my stay.
Gourmet Experience
The resort itself is nothing short of spectacular. XO Cape Arnna has truly reimagined the ultra all-inclusive concept, offering guests a seamless, 24-hour luxury experience that feels curated rather than packaged. With 18 restaurants and bars, every meal becomes a discovery of flavors and moods.
My first evening unfolded at Sun Tzu High Dining, perched above the shoreline overlooking the Aegean. The experience was pure theatre — chefs slicing tuna sashimi with precision, the faint scent of yuzu and sesame drifting through the air. The menu reinterprets Japanese classics with Mediterranean finesse: miso-glazed sea bass layered over a bed of truffle edamame purée, and crispy gyoza filled with lobster and ginger foam. The atmosphere is serene and cinematic, washed in soft amber light and the sound of the sea below.
Lunch at Cucina dei Cugini (included in the all-included package) felt like a sun-drenched afternoon on the Amalfi Coast. The restaurant opens onto a terrace scented with basil and freshly baked focaccia, where chefs laugh over wood-fired pizza doughs and drizzle olive oil from gleaming bottles. I tried the burrata with heritage tomatoes and lemon zest, followed by a playful twist on spaghetti alle vongole — the clams served in a saffron broth, light yet indulgent.
For a more exclusive evening, The Duchess offers one of the resort’s most refined dining experiences. The space glows with candlelight and live music, and each plate is a miniature composition: slow-cooked lamb shoulder with smoked eggplant purée and a whisper of pomegranate glaze, or seared scallops with cauliflower cream and caviar pearls. Here, dinner feels like a private performance.
At Kâfi, the air hums with the scent of cumin, roasted peppers, and charred bread. Inspired by the seven regions of Anatolia, the menu celebrates modern Turkish gastronomy — from tender lamb cooked in clay pots to grilled aubergines topped with yogurt and sumac. It’s warm, soulful, and deeply rooted in place.
Margaritani, meanwhile, is the resort’s cheerful Greek taverna — a Mediterranean breeze with vibrant mezze spreads, chilled rosé, and the murmur of laughter from nearby tables.
Yet it was Clementine Patisserie that stole my heart. Each morning, its marble counters glisten with éclairs, pistachio mille-feuille, and feather-light lemon meringue tarts. The baristas remember your favorite order — mine, an iced lavender latte — and there’s always a sense of gentle indulgence in the air, like a Parisian café translated to the Turkish coast.
Evenings often ended at The Alchemy Bar, where mixologists double as storytellers. They guide you through bespoke cocktails — rosemary-infused gin tonics, smoked old fashioneds served under glass domes — each one timed to the rhythm of the waves outside. It’s less a bar, more an experience of alchemy and mood.
Kids Zone
For those traveling with children, XO Cape Arnna is equally attentive. The kids’ area is a wonderland of activities where young guests can be entertained all day long. From creative workshops to playful challenges, children can safely enjoy themselves while parents relax, knowing that every detail has been thoughtfully planned. The Kids’ Corner and dedicated rooms offer extraordinary activities that spark curiosity, movement, and fun, making it a perfect destination for families seeking a balance of relaxation and adventure.
Adults-only Zone
For adults seeking tranquility, the resort offers The Club, an adults-only area featuring exclusive accommodations and a serene pool. Staying here felt like a private sanctuary — quiet, elegant, and perfectly attuned to those who want to unwind without interruption. The adults-only pool, terrace lounges, and refined ambiance create a haven for those looking to relax in complete calm, while still being steps away from the resort’s full range of facilities.
Wellness
The wellness and fitness offerings are impressive. The gym is expansive and fully equipped, ideal for early morning workouts, while a separate Pilates studio provided a tranquil space for stretching and mindful movement. I joined several group classes during my stay — from pole dance and belly dance to aerial yoga — all included at no additional charge. The resort also offers a water park with slides and trampolines, perfect for families, while water sports such as jetski or diving are available for a supplement. Whether I wanted to push my body or simply float in a pool, there was something to satisfy every mood.
The Rooms
Accommodations at XO Cape Arnna are thoughtfully tailored. The Resort area caters to families, with spacious rooms, swim-up suites, and terraces overlooking lush gardens or sparkling pools. The Club, adults-only, offers a refined escape with private terraces, pools, and a serene atmosphere that invites relaxation. My suite in The Club felt like a private sanctuary: soft linens, minimalist yet warm décor, and a terrace overlooking the Aegean, where I could watch the light shift over the sea as the day unfolded. Every corner of the resort, from the rooms to the outdoor areas, reflects a careful design philosophy — modern yet harmoniously blended with nature.
Amenities
The resort’s territory is vast and thoughtfully arranged. Pools of varying sizes, infinity edges, and quiet corners are sprinkled across the property, allowing guests to find both privacy and community. Paths wind through manicured gardens, leading to hidden lounges or open terraces where the sea stretches to the horizon. The architecture strikes a perfect balance between modernity and warmth; natural materials, earthy tones, and airy spaces create an ambiance that is luxurious but never intimidating.
Dining here is truly extraordinary, and for an all-inclusive resort, XO Cape Arnna sets a very high bar. Meals are available around the clock, and each restaurant offers fresh, local ingredients prepared with precision. From grilled seafood to delicate desserts, I found myself lingering over every meal. Sweets were a particular highlight: buttery pastries, pistachio cakes, and creamy mousses that seemed to capture the very essence of indulgence. Evenings often ended with a hand-crafted cocktail in the dedicated bar, the sky above painted in sunset hues, the sound of waves lapping gently against the shore.
What makes XO Cape Arnna stand out is the rare balance it achieves between sophistication and playfulness. There’s elegance without stiffness, luxury without pretension. Some days I spent in the spa, enveloped in essential oils and soft music; others, I joined a trampoline session or a yoga class, laughing with fellow guests. And while I enjoyed the serene adults-only area, I could watch kids having an absolute blast at the dedicated kids’ facilities, knowing every moment was filled with fun and safety. Every moment is optional but designed to delight, offering a rhythm that feels personal and unhurried.
By the end of my stay, it was clear that XO Cape Arnna is more than just a resort — it’s a destination where luxury, nature, and thoughtful design converge. Fethiye, with its hidden coves, rich history, and playful turtles, adds a layer of wonder to the experience. XO Cape Arnna sets a new standard for all-inclusive resorts in Turkey: generous, immersive, and meticulously crafted to create unforgettable memories.
Whether traveling with family, seeking a romantic escape, or simply longing for a retreat that seamlessly combines adventure and relaxation, XO Cape Arnna delivers. And as I watched the last light of day shimmer across the turquoise waters, I knew I had discovered a place I would return to — a sanctuary that perfectly embodies the spirit of Fethiye and the magic of the Turkish Riviera.
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