I recently took my two toddlers to Turkey for a long weekend, and I'm here to tell you whether it was worth it. First, let's talk about the flight. I know, I know, flying with toddlers sounds like a nightmare, but we managed it. We chose an early flight to Dalaman, which was the cheapest option, and it worked out well. Security was a breeze, and the flight itself wasn't too bad. My four-year-old was fine, but my two-year-old refused to nap, which was a challenge. Thankfully, the flight was full of understanding parents, and we all survived together. The airport in Turkey was a breath of fresh air, with no queues and a clean, breezy atmosphere. We arrived at XO Cape Arnna, our hotel, at 3 pm, just in time to enjoy the splash pad before it closed at 5 pm.
Now, let's talk about the hotel. Choosing a hotel for a short break with toddlers can be tricky. I decided to go all-inclusive, and I'm glad I did. The views and setting were stunning, and there was plenty to do without leaving the resort. The kids loved it; it had everything they could ask for, from chips and ketchup to a beach and a slide. The small waterpark and splash pad exceeded their expectations, and the bigger waterslides were a hit with my husband and me. The hidden Flamingo Beach was our favorite, with its calm, shallow gradient and a tiny slide for the toddlers.
However, I found the kids' club a bit disappointing. It was well-done, but there was very little supervision, and most of the activities were indoors. I even saw a vlogging room, which made me cringe. But, for the adults, XO Cape Arnna delivered. The resort catered to children and adults alike. There was an adults-only area with a pool, bar, and restaurant, a gym, and a spa. The buffet restaurant had a vast offering, but the a la carte restaurants had a more adult vibe. We managed to keep the kids on British time, which helped us cheat the time difference.
In conclusion, I questioned the sanity of traveling to Turkey with toddlers for just three nights, but it was actually ideal. It gave us a mental break and a chance to reset. I tend to get bored at all-inclusive hotels, but this one was perfect for our needs. The kids had a great time, and we managed to relax and enjoy the break. So, if you're considering a short break with toddlers, Turkey might just be the perfect destination.
