Where is the shambolic troupe of misfits traipsing to now? The White Lotus is back, and this time, the dysfunctional elite are heading to the sun-soaked shores of Koh Samui, Thailand, where paradise meets peril in the most picture-perfect way. While they are still at Four Seasons—the lavish hotel chain that serves as more than just a backdrop, subtly ghostwriting the narrative of indulgence. All of this unfolds with Director Mike White’s signature, piquantly Rabelaisian flair and offers sharp social commentary on the darker underbelly of luxury tourism. 

“For many of our guests, especially the pop culture enthusiasts and travel trendsetters, The White Lotus serves as the perfect inspiration,” says Marc Speichert, Executive VP and Chief Commercial Officer of Four Seasons. “After showcasing the beauty of Maui and then our breathtaking Taormina property, we are excited to celebrate Koh Samui in the third season of this beloved show.”

Why The Four Seasons? The Luxury of Unease

With water as a constant, ever-evolving motif, The White Lotus swells with the emotional undercurrents of its characters—calm on the surface, but turbulent underneath. The show’s partnership with Four Seasons is no mere serendipity; it’s a deliberate choice to showcase luxury in its most dystopian incarnation, offering a stark backdrop to the slippery, insidious forces at play. 

As Pia Barlow, Executive Vice President of HBO and Max, notes, “The White Lotus has always been about blending authentic beauty and culture with compelling storytelling, which makes our partnership with Four Seasons an ideal fit.” In much the same way, Thailand’s allure has also emerged as a carefully crafted asset, with the rebate program introduced in 2017 to woo foreign productions with a litany of financial incentives. This strategic move has made Koh Samui not just a sought-after filming locale but the latest must-visit destination on The White Lotus traveller’s bucket list.

Also Read: What If The White Lotus Came To India? Here Are Our Dream Locations

Stable in Design, Unlike the Characters 

At the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, the visual language is a fitting counterpoint to the chaos of ‘The White Lotus,’ sharpening the dissonance of its morally conflicted characters. Renowned designer Bill Bensley and his partner Jirachai Rengthong have woven a narrative of sustainability and minimal intervention into every detail. The resort’s architecture harmonises with the lush tropical surroundings, using locally sourced materials like bamboo, reclaimed wood and natural stone to concur fluently with the island’s verdant landscape. From the infinity lap pools that seem to trickle into the sea to the thatched roofs of the villas, the design draws from a beguiling synergy between grandeur and ecological mindfulness.

At Koh Samui, escapism is the ultimate modus operandi. Picture a private retreat with stunning views of the Gulf of Thailand, an infinity pool that appears to spill into the horizon and a personal butler whose credo is to guarantee that you want for nothing. Here, the thrill-seeker in you can indulge in jet skiing at Angthong National Marine Park, feeling the rush of dopamine as you cut through the azure sea. Afterwards, recharge with a transformative sound bath on the beach or sink into an ancient healing ritual at the Secret Garden Spa. 

The White Lotus ripple effect spreads far beyond hotel bookings—it acts as a catalyst, rekindling local economies and fostering cultural exchange. As a legion of fans makes its way to Koh Samui, Phuket and Bangkok, these destinations are transformed forever. The show’s setting illustrates how life and art are interdependent, eclipsing the line between fantasy and reality in the places we visit and the way we experience them.