Pack your bags. HBO’s The White Lotus is back, and, like in past seasons, the picturesque destination is just as integral to the story as the guests who check in.
After previously immersing viewers in the luxurious landscapes of Hawaii and Sicily, the new season takes creator Mike White’s signature drama, satire, and inevitable mystery to Thailand. But where exactly was The White Lotus filmed this time around? Here’s what to know before the juicy show returns.
Where is The White Lotus season 3 set?
The primary filming location was the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, a five-star paradise on the the island’s northeastern coast. Known for its private villas, pristine beaches, and scenic views of the Gulf of Thailand, the resort provides a fitting backdrop for the show’s signature mix of extravagance and brewing drama.
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Much like its predecessors — the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea in season one and San Domenico Palace, Taormina in season two — this location is anticipated to become a major travel hotspot following the show’s release.
Can I stay at the hotel?
If past seasons are any indication, Thailand could see a significant increase in tourism following the show’s premiere. According to the travel agency Fora, there has already been a 312% spike in bookings this January compared to the same period last year. When season two aired, its filming location — the San Domenico Palace in Sicily — experienced a 300% increase in searches, Expedia reported.
'I don’t think anybody anticipated just what a splash the show was going to make,' Ben Shank, general manager of season one’s Four Seasons Maui, told ELLE US. The hotel saw a 386% increase in availability checks following the show’s debut.
For those looking to book their own White Lotus-inspired getaway, timing matters. According to Hotels.com, the best rates at the Four Seasons Koh Samui fall between May and early June, starting at $1,056 (£840) per night. Prices peak at $8,031 (£6,400) per night in early March, shortly after the season premiere, before dropping to $1,802 (£1, 430) per night at the end of the month.
Jasjit Assi, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui’s general manager, shared some advice with ELLE US for potential visitors: 'Book now. Secure your room, or you might miss the window.'
Were any other locations used for filming?
While Koh Samui serves as the primary setting, the show’s cast and crew also filmed in other locations in Phuket and Bangkok, including the Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, according to the BBC.
Beyond the breathtaking setting, The White Lotus season three is set to explore 'a satirical and funny look at death and Eastern religion and spirituality,' White said in an HBO interview following last season’s dramatic finale. This thematic shift, combined with the show’s signature social commentary, will unfold against the stunning Thai coastline, delivering a feast for the eyes while exploring deeper cultural and philosophical themes.
What was it like filming in Thailand?
This season’s cast members have spoken about their unique experiences on set. Aimee Lou Wood told Yahoo UK that the shoot 'felt like The Truman Show' and a 'social experiment' at times. She added that living and working in a hotel while filming blurred the lines between reality and fiction. 'You become a White Lotus guest, you actually do,' she said.
Returning star Natasha Rothwell also opened up about the frequent relocations during shooting, explaining, 'The first season, we stayed in one location, and this time we moved around a tonne. So it was a lot of moving, unpacking, shooting a bunch of stuff, packing up, moving to a different location, and doing it all over again. But the familial, "we’re in it together" feeling prevailed.'
In an interview with Town & Country, Carrie Coon revealed that filming abroad initially posed a challenge for her, but her husband encouraged her to take on the opportunity. 'Knowing that it was going to be in Thailand was an obstacle,' she admitted. 'But it was my husband who said, "We will make this work." This is one of those must-do jobs that come along every now and then.' She also shared a cherished behind-the-scenes moment, saying, 'Some nights you’d have 25 of us on beach blankets watching the sunset.'
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Moriel is the editorial and social media assistant at ELLE.com, covering celebrity, culture, and fashion. She previously wrote for The Daily Front Row. When she's off work, you can find her with her nose in a book, taking a dance class, or online shopping.
