The White Lotus, one of the biggest hits in recent memory, has been living rent-free in our heads ever since its dramatic satire first graced our screens during the pandemic in 2021, making us all daydream about a luxurious getaway that would likely break the bank. The latest season of the Emmy-winning series has dropped a juicy new filming destination that will have travellers drooling for the delicious dysfunction to come – Thailand.
In collaboration with HBO, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has spotlighted Bangkok, Phuket, and Ko Samui as prime filming locations, showcasing four local actors: Dom Hetrakul, Maethi-Tayme Thapthimthong, and Patravadi Mejudhon, Thailand’s legendary actress, as well as, wait for it, Lalisa of Blackpink.
Though the filming locations have been somewhat confirmed by various ‘witnesses,’ creating a buzz within the hospitality industry, we present The White Lotus-inspired stays in the MICHELIN Guide style that could easily make you feel like you’re prancing on the screen in Mike White’s famous show.
Shall we be a wealthy tech entrepreneur, an aspiring singer, a no-nonsense hotel manager, a scheming yacht-owning expat, or a Peppa Pig-lookalike heiress desperately seeking love?
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
As The White Lotus continues its exploration of opulence and intrigue, it’s fitting that its third season will also grace the picturesque Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. This Thai island sanctuary epitomises paradise, blending fantasy with reality. Perched on a lush hillside above a white-sand beach, each room offers sea breezes, ocean views, and beach access. Guests can snorkel vibrant reefs, enjoy rainforest spa treatments, and relax in villas with private infinity pools. Just imagine basking in the warm sun on its pristine shoreline with an ice-cold cocktail in your hand—just like Daphne Sullivan would.Book on MICHELIN Guide →
InterContinental Phuket Resort
As the third instalment of the show will take place in Asia and focus on ‘death and Eastern religion and spirituality,’ as reported by Us Weekly, we find it fitting to transport you to ‘heaven’ in a tropical paradise: the InterContinental Phuket Resort. Located on Kamala Beach, this resort embodies a distinctly Thai vision of paradise with its striking, temple-like central pavilion. The pavilion features an extravagant Thai spa and Hom, their modern cuisine restaurant renowned for bold fermentation concepts like SCOBY and fermented buffalo brain tartare—a new favourite spot to be seen by food-loving local celebrities. It’s the ideal spot to dine and perhaps spot the next big company CFO, just as Rachel Patton might for her next clickbaity profile article.Book on MICHELIN Guide →
Anantara Lawana Resort and Spa
Though the film confirmed Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas as a location, its sister property, Anantara Lawana Resort and Spa, offers an exceptional getaway close to the action while maintaining a Robinson Crusoe vibe. Just north of Ko Samui's bustling Chaweng Beach, this tropical haven provides a tranquil, secluded atmosphere with easy access to vibrant island life. The resort features private and shared plunge pools, semi-outdoor bathrooms, and contemporary yet classic décor with four-poster beds and fine woodwork. Anantara excels in sophisticated beach escapes, luxurious spas, and dining, offering Samui without the crowds. Imagine a digital detox retreat where you swim in your private pool before dining at a treetop restaurant with a glorious sunset view, or take a longtail boat ride with local fishermen—just as Quinn Mossbacher might have done.Book on MICHELIN Guide →
Banyan Tree Samui
Another excellent option for a secluded destination in Ko Samui, especially if you're yearning for the island’s quieter days, is the Banyan Tree Samui. Once known for its serene beaches, the island has become a nightlife hotspot, but this resort offers a peaceful retreat from the crowds. Set on a private inlet, the hotel features stylish villas with private pools and stunning views. The spa offers immersive hydrotherapy sessions (Belinda, are you there?). If you’re interested in exploring local religious culture, as Mike White might this season, the resort also offers ‘Tak Bat,’ a Thai tradition involving the offering of food to monks early in the morning, providing an opportunity to make merit, and reduce greed and selfishness. – Definitely something Tanya McQuoid could benefit from (if she reprises the iconic role, that is).Moreover, what could be better than an ending scene that brings life full circle at the breezy, tropical Samui International Airport? This gateway to paradise sets the stage for an island adventure with its bamboo pavilions, thatched roofs, and open-air spaces. The lush gardens and vibrant tropical landscaping hint at the secrets the island holds. It's the perfect backdrop for a story straight out of The White Lotus, where every rustle of palm leaves could herald an unexpected twist, setting the scene for an unforgettable island getaway.
Book on MICHELIN Guide →
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