Where Were the Filming Locations for ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3?
In its initial two seasons, “The White Lotus” showcased some breathtaking locations worldwide, treating audiences to stunning natural beauty, opulent resorts, and rich cultural experiences.
With the upcoming Season 3, set to debut on HBO on Feb. 16, viewers can expect an elevated experience featuring Thailand.
“Thailand is a fantastic destination,” says John Rees, owner of J5 Travel, a luxury travel agency.
“It offers a unique culture that is easy to navigate; people are welcoming and typically speak English. Thai cuisine is beloved by many, making it one of the most affordable luxury destinations globally,” Rees shares with TODAY.com.
Here’s what you need to know about the filming locations for Season 3 and future seasons.
Where in Thailand was ‘The White Lotus’ filmed?
Continuing its tradition, “White Lotus” primarily filmed at Four Seasons properties.
The main filming location for Season 3 is the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, with additional sites including Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort, and Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort.
The filming also took place in the vibrant cities of Phuket and Bangkok, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Where were the previous seasons filmed?
Season 1
Location: Hawaii
Main hotel: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Destination details: The first season was filmed in 2020, coinciding with strict COVID-19 protocols, resulting in the cast being quarantined at the hotel throughout the shoot. As they shared in interviews, most of the storytelling occurred within or in close proximity to the hotel, showcasing offices, dining areas, the lobby, spa, pools, and bars. The hotel rooms were creatively themed to reflect character narratives, with Hawaiian-inspired names like The Pineapple, Hibiscus, and Tradewinds Suites.
Season 2
Location: Sicily, Italy
Main hotel: Four Seasons San Domenico Palace in Taormina
Destination details: This Four Seasons property was originally a 14th-century Sicilian convent, according to its website. It offers 108 rooms, a spa, picturesque courtyards, gardens, and dining options by the pool. It is also well-known for its outdoor infinity pool, which received significant attention during the season.
What is the ‘White Lotus’ effect?
Despite the series’ narratives filled with intrigue and scandal, the allure of the featured locations has transformed them into must-visit destinations for fans, who have flocked to Hawaii and Italy after each season’s conclusion.
Ben Shank, the general manager of Four Seasons Resort Maui, remarked to The Guardian in 2021 about the notable interest spike following “The White Lotus.”
“Its popularity has taken off unexpectedly. We’ve received an overwhelming number of inquiries,” Shank noted.
Rees asserts that the “White Lotus effect” is indeed “very real.”
“However, when people see the pricing, there’s often some hesitation. These are extraordinary destinations,” he adds.
