XO Cape Arnna: The New Crown Jewel of the Turkish Riviera

Pack your best kaftans and consider upgrading that SPF — there’s a new player on the Turkish Riviera, and it’s coming for your sun-drenched, Aperol-fueled dreams. Meet XO Cape Arnna, the debut jewel in the glitzy tiara of the new XO Collection, which officially flung open its impeccably landscaped doors on April 15. It’s part all-inclusive haven, part Bond-villain lair — only instead of world domination, it’s focused on curated cocktails, synchronised pool choreography, and massages involving actual Himalayan salt.

Located just outside Fethiye (aka the Riviera’s charmingly understated cousin to showy Bodrum), this sprawling 100,000sqm wonderland promises to “redefine luxury”. And redefine it they have — by building not one, but two resorts in one: The Club (adults only), and the Resort (bring the kids, the grandparents, the inflatable flamingos—everyone’s welcome). Let’s begin where all proper holidays do: poolside.

With 37 heated and cooled pools — because why should you ever experience the discomfort of water not being your exact preferred temperature — you’ll never be more than a few steps from your next languid float or poolside selfie. Bonus points for the in-pool seating areas, where you can ponder life’s big questions (like, “Is three mojitos too many before lunch?”) from the comfort of a submerged bar stool.

Families rejoice: there’s a private water park, complete with six slides that sound suspiciously like theme park rides (“black hole” and “aquatube,” anyone?). Meanwhile, grown-ups can sneak off to The Club, where private cabanas and sunken hot tubs whisper, “You deserve this.” And let’s talk rooms — 530 of them.

From two-bedroom Grand Family Suites to penthouses with personal plunge pools and saunas (because heaven forbid you share), the design language is all warm beiges, rust reds, and minimalist Mediterranean chic — with just enough stone, wood and backlit mirrors to keep your Instagram glowing.

The food scene? Oh, only 17 restaurants. Yes, seventeen. If you’re the type who feels a buffet is beneath you, allow Seasons by XO Gastro to wine and dine you with Ottoman-inspired fare. Or head to Sun Tzu, where sushi meets the Turkish coast, and sashimi pairs perfectly with sunset views.

For sweets? Dedicated patisseries and ice cream parlors mean you can keep your blood sugar high and your spirits higher. And should you grow restless between meals, fear not: There’s a sailing academy, martial arts classes, Padel Tennis, and even aerial yoga, in case you’ve ever wanted to work on your core while suspended from the ceiling like a Cirque du Soleil understudy.

Wellness warriors will be pleased to know there’s a spa complex that’s practically its own postcode: Turkish hammams, bio saunas, an igloo room, and treatments so elaborate they might just reverse time. When the sun goes down, the resort doesn’t. Expect live performances, theme nights, beach parties, and festivals — because apparently, sleep is optional when you’re this well-fed and pampered.

In short? This is what happens when a luxury resort looks at the concept of “all-inclusive” and says, “Cute. Now watch this.” Whether you’re a couple in need of a curated adults-only escape or a family with children to exhaust, there’s a slice of paradise here with your name on it (likely embroidered into your pool robe).

Final verdict: It’s lavish, it’s sprawling, it’s got more pools than you have swimsuits. XO Cape Arnna doesn’t just mark the spot — it is the spot. Just don’t be surprised if your “long weekend getaway” turns into a recurring summer tradition.

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