it isAs well as a fresh troupe of outrageous guests, if there’s one thing that every new series of The White Lotus delivered, it was jaw-dropping settings. In previous seasons we’ve been transported to Maui, Hawaii and Taormina, Sicily — and the latest episodes had Thailand as their backdrop.
For the majority of series 3, Four Seasons Koh Samui in the northwest of the island serves as the real-world location. Though for the first time, other hotels have also been used to make up the series’ mise-en-scène in Bangkok.
Thailand is already a favourite destination for its tropical climes, standout cuisine and turquoise waters, but no doubt it is set for a boom this year with those looking to jump on the set-jetting bandwagon. One of 2024’s biggest travel trends, it’s inspired copycat trips to everywhere from the Amalfi Coast to Corfu and, err Barry, in Wales, as people took inspiration from shows spanning the Talented Mr Ripley to The Durrells and Gavin & Stacey.
But if it’s The White Lotus life (minus the drama) you have your sights set on, here are the real locations, plus the chic alternatives nearby in Koh Samui and on Thailand's mainland.
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
Fear not if you want to really live out the most authentic White Lotus fantasy with a stay at its main stomping ground - the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui still has availability this year. It has 70 villas and apparently number 9 is the residence to secure, as it features in several scenes, with a multi-level layout, four bedrooms and not one, but two infinity pools. fourseasons.com
Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort
Belinda (Natasha Rothwell) the spa manager was a favourite of the series one and now season three, and this time she had a Thai backdrop for her exceptional skills. Anantara’s Koh Samui outpost and its distinctive lotus ponds and floating walkways provided the real-world location for her treatments.
Non-guests can book into Anantara for a treatment, including an Elemis facial or reflexology. Plus, the hotel is even offering a White Lotus-themed five-night immersion programme in Thai spirituality and culture (from £355). anantara.com
Villa Jacinta, Koh Samui
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If exclusive hire is more your style, then Villa Jacinta is the place to check into — and it was used during the filming of the third season, an insider tells us. It served as real-life luxe accommodation for the cast and crew.
The villa can accommodate up to eight guests across four bedrooms, and well as sleek design, it offers panoramic views across the Gulf of Thailand. It also comes with 24-hour service and security for that A-list treatment. From £1,599 per night. onefinestay.com
Cape Fahn, Koh Samui
Cape Fahn might not feature on the show, but its 24 spacious villas with private infinity pools are just a short boat ride away from Choeng Mon Beach, on their own private island.
There are two restaurants to choose from and a chic spa for an invigorating Thai massage. It’s the perfect place to stay if you want to dip into the action by day but retreat from the crowds for seclusion and untouched sands by night. mrandmrssmith.com
Vikasa, Koh Samui
A travel insider tells us that the yoga teacher who featured in series three is the real-life founder of this stunning getaway on the south east coast of Koh Samui. Niki and her team run fully immersive wellness and yoga programmes, or you can stay simply to soak in the jaw-dropping location from its range of accommodation options to suit all budgets — from eco-friendly bamboo bungalows to full-sized rooms. vikasa.com
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
Thailand’s bustling capital Bangkok also gets The White Lotus treatment — with Mandarin Oriental’s popular outpost, along the Phraya River getting airtime. The hotel dates back to 1876, and according to insiders, the suites and lobby both feature in the new series, as does the Bamboo Bar of this grand dame. mandarinoriental.com
