I recently took my two toddlers to Turkey for a long weekend, and I'm here to tell you if it was worth it. First, let's talk about the flight. We chose an early flight to Dalaman, which was the cheapest option, and it was a good call. We needed to be there at least 90 minutes prior to boarding, and the security process was a breeze thanks to the new scanners at Gatwick. The flight itself was uneventful, and we made it through with minimal drama. The airport in Turkey was clean and efficient, and we were through with our bags in no time. We arrived at XO Cape Arnna in the afternoon, just in time to enjoy the splash pad before it closed. Now, let's talk about the hotel. I chose an all-inclusive resort with great scenery and plenty to do, so we wouldn't need to leave. This was a wise decision, as the resort had everything my kids wanted, from chips and ketchup to a beach and a slide. The small waterpark and splash pad exceeded their expectations, and we even enjoyed the bigger waterslides for ourselves. The resort also had a hidden away Flamingo Beach, which was perfect for the kids with its calm, shallow gradient and tiny slide. However, I was a bit disappointed with the kids' club. It was well-done, but there was very little supervision, and most of the activities were indoors. I couldn't help but feel that it was a bit depressing. On the other hand, the resort catered to adults as well. There was an adults-only area with a pool, bar, and restaurant, a well-equipped gym, and a lovely 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. The a la carte restaurants didn't open until 7 pm, which was 5 pm in the UK. This meant we could enjoy a late dinner without the kids, and we even managed to get some fruit in them at breakfast. In the end, I'm glad we took the trip. It was ideal for our family, and we had a great time. The resort was perfect for the kids, and we got a much-needed mental break from daily life. Even if it was only for a short while. So, if you're considering a long weekend with toddlers in Turkey, I say go for it. It might just be the perfect escape you need.
