From Hawaii to Sicily, and now to Thailand, the hit HBO dramatic series The White Lotus has captivated viewers and inspired travelers with its double appeal of intrigue in luxury hotels and their location in exotic destinations. Season 3 shines a spotlight on the Thai destinations of Koh Samui, Phuket and Bangkok as the exotic backdrops the intrigues of this dark-comedy, hit TV mystery.
Fiction can merge with travel reality for The White Lotus fans. You can stay for real in any of the multiple Thai hotels that stood in on the screen as The White Lotus Thailand on the country’s second-largest island of Koh Samui in Season 3.
In the series, the fictional The White Lotus is portrayed as the world’s finest hotel and spa resort chain. Any of these real-life hotels and resorts might deserve that title themselves - we’ll let you decide!
The Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
For the third time in three seasons, a Four Seasons property has had a starring role in The White Lotus. This time, it’s the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, in a secluded corner the island where Season 3 is set.
The Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui is the primary setting for scenes of the series, which features the multi-level hilltop villas, infinity pools, main swimming pool, bar and cabanas at the beach, decadent tropical outdoor terraces and landscapes overlooking the sea, gym with views, restaurants and more.
The resort’s CoCoRum Bar poolside lounge (pictured, above) in the series is, much like in real life, overflowing with artisanal cocktails in a luxuriant atmosphere. In honor of the launch of Season 3, the CocoRum Bar has been transformed temporarily into The White Lotus Bar. The takeover involves customized cocktails and hosted a launch screening party.
Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort
Unlike Seasons 1 and 2, not all the scenes of The White Lotus Season 3 were filmed at a single resort. Three resorts of the Asian luxury Anantara brand are also featured.
Also located on Koh Samui, on a peaceful stretch of private beach, Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort’s stunning treehouse-style Singing Bird Lounge was the location to film The White Lotus bar scenes. The extraordinary venue is set among the branches of a 120 year-old tree with panoramic ocean views. It’s inspired by Koh Samui’s uniquely local famous bird-singing contests, a tradition that still draws thousands of spectators. Real-life guests sip handcrafted cocktails at sunset as the melodies of Samui’s avian performers create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Pool at Anantara Bophut Koh Samui
Anantara Bophut Koh Samui
Sister Anantara property, Bophut Koh Samui, one of the island’s most iconic resorts, also served as the series’ Thai-style hotel lobby, security station, lush, tree-lined entrance, and the resort’s jewelry store.
Anantara Mai Khao Phuket
Yet a third Anantara resort – this one on the island of Phuket – is a stand in for The White Lotus Thailand locations. Anantara Mai Khao Phuket was used for the Wellness Sanctuary, spa, and returning character spa staff member Belinda’s room.
Two Bedroom Family Pool Villa at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket
Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Bangkok
There’s another iconic Thai hotel whose extraordinary settings contribute to the phenomenal eye candy of The White Lotus Thailand.
For nearly 150 years, the first luxury hotel in Thailand has defined sumptuous and graceful living on the banks of the capital’s Chao Phraya River. It also brought the first hotel bar and first hotel spa to the country, and paving the way for The White Lotus popular culture fame, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Bangkok played host to literary luminaries Joseph Conrad, John le Carre, Noel Coward, Somerset Maugham and even romance novelist Barbara Cartland.
The hotel’s signature lobby (pictured, above), with giant hand-forged brass bells festooned with nearly 2500 pieces of Bohemian crystal, stands in as The White Lotus’ breathtaking lobby.
Reel to Real: Taking Your Own The White Lotus Tropical Escape
Inspired by The White Lotus? To celebrate Thailand’s starring role in the series, the Tourism Authority of Thailand launched this dedicated microsite, offering an immersive virtual journey through the breathtaking destinations and experiences featured on screen—Koh Samui, Phuket, and Bangkok.
START YOUR TRIP!
Images courtesy of their respective hotels/ resorts. Top image: Lily Ponds at Anantara Bophut Koh Samui
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