Xanadu Island

The Xanadu Island Hotel is reached via a long causeway bordered by the Aegean Sea and palm trees on either side. The clifftop property is filled with modern white buildings, well-manicured grounds -- including green lawns lined with sea-facing sunbeds -- and a central courtyard housing fancy shops. There are many isolated, peaceful spots around the resort grounds, as well as plenty of social hubs and activities for guests who prefer a more lively vacation -- a necessity as the hotel is fairly remote. Gorgeous views of the water are expansive, though some of the best are from the infinity-edge pools and guest room balconies.

On-site restaurants are well-reviewed, particularly for an all-inclusive resort, and have a similar elegant vibe as the other public spaces. The dining rooms have high ceilings and modern decor, plus there's an a la carte eatery situated on a wooden deck on stilts in the water. Romantic settings such as this and the spa make the Xanadu popular with romancing couples, though families also frequent the hotel. 

The Xanadu Island Hotel is located on the southwest corner of the Bodrum Peninsula, a 13-minute drive from the traditional village of Akyarlar. The Greek island of Kos is visible offshore, and guests can easily take a day trip there. The town of Turgutreis and its marina are under a 20-minute ride, while downtown Bodrum is about 35 minutes away by car. Bodrum Castle and the Museum of Underwater Archeology are a 50-minute drive. There is a supermarket just outside the resort entrance, but otherwise there are few local shops in the area. Bodrum-Milas Airport is a 50-minute drive from the resort, but heavy traffic can make it up to a two-hour trip.

The Xanadu Island Hotel is made up of suites and private villas ranging from one to six bedrooms. All of the spacious rooms have a luxe yet breezy vibe and plenty of special features that set this hotel apart. Bedrooms are furnished with twin or king beds outfitted with swirl-patterned bed runners, and some have romantic canopies overhead. Cozy living areas have flat-screen TVs and wooden furniture with lots of geometric prints in neutral, blue, or green colors. Some suites have full-size dressing rooms, and most have walk-in closets. Bathrooms are big and indulgent, featuring pretty mosaic tiling and marble, modern fixtures, and a range of toiletries. They include showers with rainfall showerheads and big separate soaking tubs. 

All of the suites and villas have furnished balconies or patios and sea views, though not all have sunset views -- guests report that Block 11 is the best building to watch the sunset. The top floor rooms are quieter and have the best vistas. Note that a band plays by the main pool most evenings, so light sleepers may want to ask for rooms far from the bar area. Standard amenities include interactive flat-screen TVs, minibars that are restocked daily, in-room safes, bathrobes, and slippers. The Romance Suite features a circular bed and a spa tub, while the Premium Villa has a private pool. Connecting suites are also available upon request.

The hotel is built around two huge infinity pools with sea views, plus there's a separate children’s pool with a pirate waterslide. There are plenty of sunbeds, each with its own adjustable canopy for shade. The private beach is also lined with loungers, and there is a designated swimming area with lifeguards, as well as a water-sports center with Jet Skis, kayaks, banana boats, water skiing, and a dive center, all of which cost extra. Stairs also lead down to two private coves, each with a deck and sunbeds. A large indoor pool and spa tub are also available for guests who want to get out of the sun (or during inclement weather). 

Other wellness facilities include a large fitness center stocked with a variety of cardio and weight-training equipment, as well as free weights, plus there are clay tennis courts and a soccer pitch. The Shang-Du Spa and Wellness Center offers a full menu of massages, Ayurvedic treatments, body wraps and scrubs, facials, manicures, and pedicures.

Aside from the children's pool, families with young ones are catered to with a kids' club that offers games, arts and crafts, and a big outdoor playground. Evening entertainment includes live music, quiz nights, and a variety of shows. Additional on-site amenities include state-of-the-art meeting and conference facilities, plus free Wi-Fi. 

The Xanadu Island Hotel features four restaurants (one seasonal) and seven bars under its all-inclusive umbrella, as well as ice cream stations throughout the property. The main restaurant, Silk Road, serves hot and cold buffets with a wide variety of options, including a kids' buffet as well as child-size dining tables. The a la carte options include a Greek and Italian eatery, plus a fish-centric restaurant that's located on a wooden deck by the water and open seasonally. Guests should note that children under 7 are not allowed in the a la carte dining rooms. 

A pool bar serving sandwiches, pizza, and salads at lunch (with poolside waiter service), as well as afternoon crepes and waffles is also available. There are six other bars on-site, including a sports bar, a beach bar, a disco, and indoor and outdoor lounges, as well as a bar in the hotel’s bowling alley (ages 10 and up only).