Thailand – White Lotus Style
A White Lotus-Inspired Trip to Thailand
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I can admit it: I watch White Lotus with one tab on MAX and one tab on Booking.com. The popular, internet-breaking, eat-the-rich comedy from MAX does what all satires of rich people do: make you despise them … while simultaneously making you want to live their lives. This is a central concept in White Lotus, a murder mystery thriller in its third season that finds rich people at their most aspirational: on vacation.
Season 3 of the critically acclaimed show promised even higher stakes and an exciting cast, including Black Pink’s Lisa, Jason Isaacs, Michelle Monaghan, Leslie Bibb, Walton Goggins, Aimee Lou Wood, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Carrie Coon, and the return of Natasha Rothwell and Jon Gries. They were compelled to serve us this all-star cast to make up for us losing Jennifer Coolidge at the end of Season 2.
Season 3 aired on February 16, 2025, and has been dropping episode by episode every Sunday ever since. It’s serving up juicy gossip, deliciously detestable characters, and more than ample travel inspo. My hotel bucket list has never been longer. In the March 23rd Episode, Parker Posey — who stars as the lorazepam-addicted Southern belle wife Victoria Ratliff — hit the nail on the head with the line: “I just don’t think, at this age, I’m meant to live an uncomfortable life. I just don’t have the will.”
And while I can’t relate to her lifestyle, I appreciate her love for comfort and style — and I aspire to live her life and have her vacations. The closest I’ll get: taking a White Lotus-Inspired retreat to a wellness resort.
The White Lotus Effect
It follows a fresh cast each season as they live their lavish lives while on vacations around the world at fictional White Lotus Resorts. From Maui to Sicily, and now Season 3 in Thailand, the show is driving tons of tourist inspo. And, turns out, it’s inspired real-life travel, too. Based on the real Four Seasons Hotel, the chain has been seeing a boost in bookings and selling out rooms in each location where the iconic show filmed its seasons.
With murders continuing at this storied string of luxury resorts, you’d think the guests would stop going. But that doesn’t stop us from chasing their level of relaxation — by following in their travel footsteps and getting a glimpse of their lives (hopefully without the chaos, emotional reckonings, and, you know, murders).
According to Expedia, the first two seasons of The White Lotus drove a 300% increase in travel demand to Hawaii and Sicily within 90 days of airing. This year, CNBC reported a 60% increase in social-media conversations about Thailand travel after the series’ season premiere on February 16. Social media analytics company Sprout Social noted nearly 1,385,000 mentions of The White Lotus and Thailand, with 99% positive sentiment.
So pack your bags besties, we’re heading to Thailand!
The Ultimate White Lotus Thailand Guide: Where to Stay, Play, and Be Well
It was only a matter of time before The White Lotus took its absurdly wealthy, deeply unhinged guests to Thailand. With its pristine beaches, mystical temples, and enough luxury resorts to make Tanya McQuoid weep (RIP a queen), the country is an equally enchanting and ominous choice for HBO’s satirical fever dream — hence the constant panning to the monkeys.
But in reality, Thailand is far more than one luxury resort. It’s a fascinating country filled with bustling city hubs and gorgeous islands with beaches I’d like to sink into. The White Lotus is filmed on Koh Samui, Thailand’s second largest island, but it takes its characters across Bangkok and on boats to other islands — so there’s more than enough for you to get your inspo from.
Whether you’re looking for a decadent resort or a spiritually ambiguous, self-discovery journey with tons of yoga and a week full of massage treatments (phone bag optional!), here’s your essential guide to Thailand’s most White Lotus-worthy destinations:
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui: For the White Lotus Aesthetic
The crown jewel of The White Lotus Season 3, The Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, is the actual filming location of this season. So if you want a reservation, you better book far in advance — everyone on the planet is eyeing those rooms, right now. And for good reason. The grounds make the most of the island’s natural beauty, a lush, coconut tree-laden island where reality feels far-far away. It’s the picturesque, secluded paradise of infinity pools, beachfront villas, and impeccable service that’s so unreal it’s gotta be on TV. Some features not shown on the show? Guests can train in Muay Thai at the resort’s boxing ring (if yoga and gossiping aren’t your preferred way to unleash your repressed emotions). You can explore the bright blue water on paddle boards, kayaks, and even motorized water sports equipment. If you’re anything like Piper, be sure to plan a mindful visit to the Samui International Meditation Center.
Anantara Bophut Koh SamuI: For the White Lotus Experience
Another filming location, this resort brings traditional Thai elegance with a side of beachfront bliss. While most of the show is shot at The Four Seasons, the second unit shoots prominent scenes at two Anantara hotels. And although this luxury hotel chain started in Thailand, Anantara has since expanded. But with scale, they haven’t compromised on design. Each hotel is unique and offers its own luxuries. Anantara just launched the “Lotus Awakening Escape” package, which includes stays at two of the resorts and a slate of White Lotus activities. If you buy the package, you take part in thrilling activities for characters like: Chelsea-coded Lotus folding class, a Piper-inpsired guided prayer at the resort’s Spirit House and visits to the Big Buddha and Wat Plai Laem temples, and a Belinda-like “Lotus Indulgence” spa experience for two — which comes with a lotus foot ritual, body massage with white lotus oil, and lotus petal tea with lotus seed — heavenly!
The Irene Luxury Beach Resort Koh Lipe
Unlike the blonde brigade — who take their chances venturing out of the hotel for a wild night partying with the locals — some travelers stay in a resort and not talk to anyone — which also means shutting off your phone and committing to serenity and the unplugged lifestyle. If that’s you, head to The Irene Resort in Koh Lipe. If Koh Lipe isn’t already on your radar, it should be. Small but spectacular, this island is the epitome of laid-back. It’s popular for older travelers seeking a quieter trip without the partying — which is probably closer to what Victoria Ratliffe wants.
Koh Phi Phi Le:
The island of Koh Phi Phi Leh, particularly Maya Bay, gained international fame as the filming location for the 2000 movie The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. So, it’s been beloved by film and TV travelers for a quarter of a century — and counting. Yes, it’s just as stunning in real life. And yes, you should absolutely visit — just be smart about it. Maya Bay is often overrun with tourists during the day, but sunset tours offer a more cinematic — and less chaotic — vibe. Also, it’s only available to visit during the day, and all visitors must leave by sunset. So there are no hotels — shocking! But the neighboring island boasts the magnificent Zeavola Resort, a luxury experience that blends local traditions and sustainability with aspirational travel. Nestled amidst the lush jungles of Phi Phi Don, it has the charm of a bygone Thai village, redefining luxury with an authentic and eco-conscious escape.
