One of the most eagerly awaited shows of the year has hit screens, but where was it filmed? We round-up all the hotels to star in The White Lotus Series 3
The White Lotus Series 3 was filmed on the Thai islands of Phuket and Koh Samui (image courtesy Warner Bros)
The hugely anticipated third series of HBO’s runaway success The White Lotus returned to our screens this month. The comedy drama, featuring madcap characters, stunning backdrops and plenty of action, is calling Thailand home for this third series.
Series one took us to the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, while for series two, filming headed to the San Domenico Hotel at Taormina, also a Four Seasons Resort, in Sicily.
The action for this third series takes place in Thailand. It’s believed The White Lotus creator Mike White selected Thailand for its spiritual and religious connections.
“The first season kind of highlighted money, then the second season is sex and I think the third season, it would be a satirical and funny look at death and eastern religion and spirituality,” he explained at the end of series two.
Thailand allegedly sealed the deal with a 30% tax rebate, amounting to more than US$4 million in savings.
“We’re pleased to partner with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to execute Mike White’s creative vision and showcase all that the beautiful country of Thailand has to offer, as the next group of guests check in to The White Lotus,” said HBO’s vice president of production, Janet Graham Borba.
Filming took place at various hotels and resorts on the Thai islands of Phuket and Koh Samui, as well as in Bangkok.
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
Mike White in the Author's Lounge at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
The stunning Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok has been officially revealed as the location for scenes set in the capital city. It was the only hotel in Bangkok chosen for filming.
The legendary riverside property opened on the Chao Phraya River in 1876 as The Oriental and was Thailand’s first hotel. It joined the Mandarin Oriental Group in the 1970s as a founding property.
The hotel’s fabled Author’s Lounge provided inspiration for White while its opulent suites welcomed cast and crew.
“When Mike White arrived at the hotel, the first thing he said was, ‘I’m home’,” said general manager Anthony Tyler. “That says everything about the enduring magic of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. For nearly 150 years we have welcomed luminaries, writers like Somerset Maugham, Joseph Conrad and John Le Carre, as well as visionaries from around the world. To now be featured in The White Lotus is truly special and we look forward to welcoming guests to discover this extraordinary destination for themselves.”
The expansive Oriental Suite was used as a setting, while the hotel's Bamboo Bar also makes an appearance. To commemorate the event, the bar has launched a White Lotus cocktail. And the hotel’s stunning lobby, redesigned in 2019 with handcrafted teak, crystal bells and Bodhi leaf motifs, also makes an appearance.
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
The pool, beach and dining areas at Four Seasons Koh Samui enjoy a starring role in The White Lotus
The true star of the show is the glorious Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. Both the pool and beach as well as the CoCoRum Bar at the resort played host to The White Lotus characters in the first episode.
“It’s a privilege and an honour to have our property featured on the HBO Original Series The White Lotus Season three,” said Four Seasons Koh Samui general manager Jasjit Assi.
Overlooking the sparkling Gulf of Thailand, the resort highlights the serene island life of Koh Samui, with pristine sandy beaches bordered by lush tropical greenery and tranquil blue seas.
“Mike White and his team have created something truly special,” commented Marc Speichert, chief commercial officer at Four Seasons. “For many Four Seasons guests, The White Lotus serves as the perfect travel inspiration. After showcasing the beauty of Maui and then our breathtaking Taormina property, we’re excited to celebrate Koh Samui in the third season of this beloved show.”
Four Seasons Koh Samui is the last word in luxury on what is Thailand’s second-largest island. Suite villas perch on the mountainside with infinity pools and spacious terraces, while the Private Residences come with personal residential assistants to take care of your every need.
Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort
The lush resort entrance at The White Lotus was actually Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort (image courtesy Warner Bros)
Located on the shores of Bophut Beach in Koh Samui, Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort was designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley. Multiple locations within the resort are featured in the series, including the signature Thai-style lobby, the security station, the lush, tree-lined resort entrance, the employee parking lot and the library lounge which was transformed into a jewellery store during filming.
Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort
The Singing Bird Lounge at Anantara Lawana featured in episode one
This luxury property sits on a peaceful stretch of beach in Chaweng. The resort’s distinctive Singing Bird Lounge, a treehouse-style bar that sits in the branches of a 120-year-old tree was used in filming and featured in episode one. The lounge’s moniker draws inspiration from the island’s famous bird-singing contests. Lucky guests sip cocktails at sunset, drinking in the panoramic ocean views and serenaded by the melodies of the island’s birds.
Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas
The water features at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas resort play a prominent role (image courtesy Warner Bros)
This tranquil resort is set on the shores of Mai Khao beach in northern Phuket. It's just minutes from the airport but a world away from the island's hustle and bustle. The 183 villas and suites at the beachfront location make for an idyllic backdrop for The White Lotus drama. The resort was used as the setting for the wellness sanctuary, spa and a villa was styled as the room of Belinda Lindsey, a character from the first season who makes a return in the third installment of the show.
Samujana Villas
The villas at Samujana cascade down the hillside to the Gulf of Thailand
The stunning Villa Jacinta at the Samujana estate in Koh Samui’s Cheong Mon region features in Series 3. It’s perched at one of the highest points of the estate with knock-out views over the Gulf of Thailand.
The standout property boasts a sunken seating area, two kitchens, sliding glass walls that open onto the lush scenery and vibrant interior gardens.
Samujana is just ten minutes from Koh Samui airport and offers 23 villas in total, all with infinity pools and private cinemas. Perfect for families, Samujana villas have a minimum of three bedrooms.
Read our review of Samujana here.
Rosewood Phuket
Rosewood Phuket's Ta Khai restaurant was used as the dinner room (image courtesy Warner Bros)
Set on a secluded beach on Phuket’s Emerald Bay, this 43-acre resort includes pavilions and villas with private terrace pools, gardens and outdoor showers. The hotel’s renowned Thai restaurant, Ta Khai, features in The White Lotus, starring as the dinner room. Ta Khai means ‘fishing net’ and IRL the restaurant serves southern Thai dishes with a seasonal menu using locally sourced produce from the resort’s vegetable and herb gardens.
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