The White Lotus' movie set could be your next hotel stay in Phuket, Koh Samui or Bangkok in Thailand
We call dibs: Four Seasons Koh Samui is booked out starting the end of February and the whole of March 2024.
Yes, you've read that right. The White Lotus, a satirical drama series from HBO is commencing its Season 3 filming somewhere in Thailand and we have a good feeling it could be at one of your favourite beach destinations. Starring Murray Bartlett, Jennifer Coolidge, Sydney Sweeney and the recently announced cast member, Blackpink's Lisa, the Emmy award-winning drama series follows the lives and exploits of various employees and guests at the fictional White Lotus beach resort, with hilarious and dysfunctional results.
Thailand was chosen as the next movie location after Maui and Sicily as the Thailand government recently announced a 30 per cent rebate in filming incentives, which translates to a whopping US$4.4 million dollars. This was shared by Japanese producer Georgina Pope at the 2023 Tokyo Film Festival, when producers of the drama series were this close to choosing Japan as the next film location.
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), confirmed this news in a press release that the movie sets will be in Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui starting this month. "We are honored to have amazing Thailand featured as the filming location for the highly anticipated upcoming season of 'The White Lotus'," the TAT's Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool shared.
While the first two seasons of the drama series were filmed at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea in Hawaii and Four Seasons San Domenico Palace in Sicily, we think you might catch a glimpse of these stars at these hotels in Thailand in March 2024.
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Confirmed and possible movie locations in Koh Samui, Phuket
1. Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
Sources who spoke to Bloomberg on the condition of anonymity shared that Four Seasons Koh Samui is indeed one of the confirmed movie locations for The White Lotus in Thailand. I quickly took a look at the official website and saw dates starting end of February and the whole of March had been booked out (see photo below). Surely, this is not a coincidence?
The beautiful Four Seasons Koh Samui is top-rated among travellers who love the all-pool villas as they offer infinite views of the Gulf of Thailand and the islands beyond. On top of that, the resort is focused on sustainability and restoration – from the F&B menus curated by culinary experts to the Coral Conservation Project, led by an in-house marine biologist.
Spending one night in Four Seasons Koh Samui would set you back at around S$1.7k depending on the seasons, but the idyllic views, private beach and luxe touch are what you're paying for.
Book a stay here: Booking.com | Agoda | Trip.com
2. Anantara Hua Hin Resort
The Anantara Hua Hin Resort has been the seaside destination of choice for Thai royalty and aristocrats for nearly a century. With just only a few hours' drive south of Bangkok, you'll arrive at the first Anantara in the region, a multi-award-winning resort among Hua Hin hotels, that has inspired dozens more around the globe.
With over 190 rooms and suites, the design of the resort is modelled on a traditional Thai village, with low-rise gabled pavilions set in lush grounds with lotus-filled lagoons. Similar to the other movie locations for The White Lotus, you'll be greeted by a wide stretch of soft golden sands that fronts the resort.
Depending on your luck, you might be able to book a night here as low as S$132 as part of Anantara's discovery rate on their official website in March.
Book your stay here: Booking.com | Agoda | Trip.com
3. Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas
Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas lies on the northern tip of the island of Phuket, a long stretch of golden beach fringed by the lush Sirinath National Park. The luxury beachfront resort offers up to 83 pool villas that are clustered around a lagoon in Southern Thai village style, offering private oases at their Phuket resort. The other 30 pool pavilions are located in the adjacent tropical gardens of Avani+ Mai Khao. The way the villas blend seamlessly into nature is thanks to the brilliant mind of architect and landscape designer Bill Bensley.
Perhaps, we could theorise that the two Bedroom Royal Villa by Jim Thompson here at the Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, could be a possible movie set because of the merging of traditional silk fabrics and elegant Thai artwork with a nautical surrounding feel that is felt around the villa.
Book your stay here: Booking.com | Agoda | Trip.com
Other possible movie locations in Bangkok:
4. Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel
As a fan of the series, I would think that the producers of the series are looking for a modern yet contemporary Bangkok hotel for Season 3. The Anantara Siam Bangkok hotel is a perfect inspiration for that as it is designed with contemporary décor that blends with comfortable, elegant furnishings and distinctive Thai elements, creating a luxuriously serene ambiance.
Just take a look at the gorgeous Grand Ballroom Terrace where I could imagine hotel manager Armond (played by Murray Bartlett) just brisk walking into his office and trying to avoid the many troubles that seek him.
Book your stay here: Booking.com | Agoda | Trip.com
5. Capella Bangkok
In Season 1 and 2, Emmy award-winning actress Jennifer Coolidge who played Tanya in the series, had her scenes shot in The Spa together with Natasha Rothwell, who played Belinda the spa manager. And if anything goes by like the past two seasons, we think there may be more spa scenes by other characters. We look to Capella Bangkok's Auriga, which has seven luxe treatment suites including two couples' suites.
It's truly a luxurious and wellness retreat for rich heiresses and those seeking respite from the city's hectic schedule.
Book your stay here: Booking.com | Agoda | Trip.com
