When HBO announced that the highly anticipated third season of The White Lotus would be set in Thailand, we couldn't wait to find which luxury hotels the guests would be checking into.
Now it's finally arrived on our screens, we're already blown away by this season's stunning filming locations and can't wait to start planning our own White Lotus-inspired getaways to some of the amazing Thailand resorts featured.
From serene beaches to vibrant city scenes, Thailand’s natural wonders and spiritual culture add a whole new layer to the show’s intrigue and offers the perfect backdrop to its cast of chaotic characters.
Here, we’re diving into the showstopping filming locations of The White Lotus Season 3, so you can see exactly where the drama goes down.
Keep reading to find out:
- Where Was The White Lotus Season 3 Filmed?
- The White Lotus Season 3: Hotels & Resorts
- How Does It Compare to Previous Seasons’ Filming Locations?
- The White Lotus Season 3 FAQs
- Tips for Planning Your White Lotus-inspired Thailand Trip
Where Was The White Lotus Season 3 Filmed?
Koh Samui
In Season 3 of The White Lotus, Thailand's second largest island, Koh Samui, takes centre stage as the primary filming location — and it couldn’t be a better fit!
Located in the Gulf of Thailand, this exquisite island is renowned for its pristine beaches, vibrant nightlife and lush tropical scenery. Its coastline is dotted with some seriously exclusive luxury resorts, and its dense jungle centre is a labyrinth of mystical waterfalls and hidden temples — the ideal destination for travellers with a few secrets of their own.
In typical White Lotus fashion, the extraordinary beauty and tranquillity of Koh Samui provides a contrasting backdrop to the tension brewing between the characters and highlights how ugly things get as the drama unfolds.
So, jet off for another satirical and funny look into the world of the ultra-wealthy guests staying at The White Lotus in Koh Samui, where everything seems just a bit too perfect to be true.
Phuket
Phuket, Thailand’s biggest island, is known for its amazing beaches and is a fantastic base for exploring the dramatic limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay.
Beyond its white-sand beaches, Phuket is also renowned for its colourful towns and bustling markets. In fact, it's a 'must visit' destination for foodies with its thriving street food scene, where you can get a real taste of southern Thailand.
For The White Lotus Season 3, Phuket was one of the key filming locations for the season, bringing the island's luxury private villas and stunning landscapes into the spotlight. Lots of the spa scenes featuring returning character, Belinda, were filmed on the island, and the cast and crew were also spotted shooting scenes in Old Phuket Town, famous for its colourful Sino-Portuguese architecture.
Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand's capital, is a city that never sleeps — literally. It's a truly dynamic destination, effortlessly blending the old and new in the most exciting way imaginable. From its chaotic streets filled with tuk-tuks and street vendors to serene temples like Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Arun, Bangkok engages all your senses.
The majestic Chao Phraya River, which flows through the heart of Bangkok, is perfect for a scenic boat ride, giving you a glimpse of the city’s impressive skyline. And if you're a fan of bold flavours, then you'll already know that the street food scene here is out-of-this-world, with delicious dishes like pad Thai and mango sticky rice waiting around every corner.
The choice of Bangkok as a filming location in the new series is intriguing, given how different it is to Koh Samui. The contrast between the capital's vibrant, gritty streets and the polished, upscale beach resorts of the island will no doubt serve to highlight The White Lotus' signature themes of wealth, power and privilege.
The White Lotus Season 3: Hotels & Resorts
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
- Primary resort setting for Season 3
Nestled on the serene northwestern tip of the island, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui is an ultra-exclusive tropical retreat featuring secluded hillside villas with expansive terraces and private pools, a secret spa garden offering traditional Thai treatments, and a pristine private beach.
It serves as the primary filming location for the season, where we're introduced to some seriously fascinating characters and relationship dynamics. We meet wealthy Southern business family, the Ratliffs, arrive on a reunion getaway with a trio of friends orbiting around the somewhat famous actress, Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan), and check-in with the hilarious, mismatched couple, Rick (Walton Goggins) and Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood).
Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort
- The hotel's reception, security station and jewellery shop were filming locations
Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort is a hidden gem situated on the island's tranquil Bophut Beach. Boasting an exceptional spa designed by award-winning architect, Bill Bensley, and a variety of chic rooms, suites and villas overlooking the lush gardens and the Gulf of Siam — the resort oozes calm.
In The White Lotus Season 3, Anantara Bophut Koh Samui plays a special role in showcasing the quieter, more relaxed side of Koh Samui. While it may not get as much screen time as some of the other luxurious resorts, it provides the perfect setting for some key moments of the season, such as the robbery of the jewellery shop in episode two.
Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas
- Lot of scenes involving the spa manager, Belinda, were filmed here
Set on the serene northwest coast of Phuket, Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas offers an intimate island experience. The resort resembles a southern Thai village, weaving around lily-padded lagoons, which connects the resort's 83 private pool villas.
In the latest season, this tropical oasis is used for what the show calls 'The Wellness Sanctuary', where White Lotus guests are seen working on their wellbeing with spa treatments, yoga sessions, and mindfulness classes. It also appears in a lot of scenes featuring returning character, Belinda, who has travelled to The White Lotus in Thailand to learn more tricks of her trade as a spa manager.
Rosewood Phuket
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The resort's Ta Khai restaurant was used in various dinner scenes
Rosewood Phuket is an escapist's fantasy, tucked away on the 600m Emerald Bay on Phuket’s west coast. The resort comprises just 71 sea-facing, luxury pavilions and villas, all with private pools, and is home to three truly exceptional restaurants.
In fact, the resort's authentic Thai restaurant, Ta Khai, was used in many of the dining scenes on the show. Designed in the style of a rustic Thai village, the venue couldn't be better for creating an intimate ambience for those tense evening meals between guests.
Luxury Thailand Hotels from The White Lotus
How Does It Compare to Previous Seasons’ Filming Locations?
Season 1 Location: Hawaii
Back when the show first burst onto our screens with Season 1 of The White Lotus, viewers were transported to the volcanic islandscapes of Hawaii, where the lush scenery felt like a complete utopia — until the drama kicked in!
Against the backdrop of Hawaii's turquoise waters, golden beaches and the rhythmic crashing of waves, we met unforgettable characters like Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge): a grieving yet self-absorbed woman seeking spiritual healing by indulging in wellness treatments and extravagant spa days.
We also followed newlyweds, Rachel and Shane (Alexandra Daddario and Jake Lacy), who found themselves trapped on a honeymoon gone wrong, as well as the resort's manic manager, Armond (Murray Bartlett), struggling to maintain the illusion of hospitality while dealing with the high expectations of the luxury travellers staying at the resort.
By setting Season 1 in Hawaii, The White Lotus turned paradise on its head. The breathtaking setting lured viewers in, but beneath the beauty lay a deeper, more unsettling reality. The island wasn't just a background — it was the very thing that made the show’s message so powerful and is what cemented it's hit status back in 2021.
Season 1 Hotel: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Set on the sunny south coast of Maui, against the golden curve of Wailea Beach, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is an oceanfront retreat offering plush suites, private cabanas, a showstopping adults-only pool and award-winning dining.
Throughout the series, viewers get a front-row seat to the resort’s most breathtaking features. The grand open-air reception, with its towering pillars and ocean views, serves as the first glimpse of paradise for the guests.
The adults-only Serenity Pool, with its swim-up bar and infinity edge, is where characters like Jennifer Coolidge’s Tanya sip cocktails and unravel their personal dramas. The beachside dining at Ferraro’s and the lush, manicured lawns also make frequent appearances, introducing viewers the resort’s idyllic, escapist quality.
Since it featured in the series, Four Seasons Maui at Wailea has fully embraced its White Lotus fame. Fans of the show can now enjoy special experiences inspired by the show, including ordering themed cocktails and arranging spa treatments reminiscent of those Tanya indulged in.
“Hawaii offers a bucket list adventure with its volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests and colourful beaches. I can’t recommend Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea enough. This world-class retreat take luxury to the next level with authentic Hawaiian experiences and impeccable service that embraces the spirit of ‘aloha’.” – Becky, Travel Specialist
Becky, Travel Specialist
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Season 2 Location: Sicily
If Sicily wasn’t already on your travel bucket list, The White Lotus Season 2 probably changed that. The hit HBO series swapped Hawaii’s tropical vibes for Sicily’s old-world charm, using the island’s beauty to set the stage for another round of wealth, privilege, and scandal.
The show takes viewers on a tour of Sicily’s most enchanting spots, from the iconic Greek Theatre of Taormina to the golden-hued streets of Noto, known for its striking Baroque architecture. There’s also Palermo, where the characters get a taste of Sicily’s chaotic, high-energy side, and Cefalù, with its rocky beaches and sparkling blue waters.
This time, Sicily provided the perfect backdrop for the show's themes of desire and betrayal. We met the dysfunctional Di Grasso family on their multigenerational trip to connect with their Italian roots, witnessed the crumbling romance of Ethan and Harper, and followed Tanya on her doomed quest for a fairytale ending.
Whether you watched the second season of The White Lotus for the drama or just to admire the scenery, one thing’s for sure: Sicily stole the show!
Discover where the best beaches are in Sicily with our travel guide on the best beaches in Italy.
Season 2 Hotel: San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel
San Domenico Palace, A Four Seasons Hotel, is one of Sicily’s most storied luxury hotels. Perched on a cliffside in the charming town of Taormina, it offers sweeping views of the Ionian Sea, Mount Etna and the ancient Greek Theatre.
It started as a 14th-century Dominican monastery, and while it’s been transformed into one of Sicily’s most glamorous stays, you can still feel echoes of the past in its grand archways, frescoed ceilings, and peaceful courtyards. But don't let the building's religious beginnings fool you — this extraordinary hotel is all about indulgence with its breathtaking infinity pool overlooking the sea and Michelin-starred dining.
Of course, San Domenico Palace became even more famous after starring as The White Lotus resort in Season 2. Fans of the show will instantly recognise the dramatic terraces, opulent suites, and postcard-perfect coastline that set the stage for all the scandal, seduction, and betrayals.
Whether you’re reliving your favourite scenes or just soaking in the Sicilian sunshine, it’s easy to see why this exquisite property was chosen for the role.
"For those, like myself, who simply can't get enough of Italy's rich culture, Sicily is a 'must visit' destination. Located just on the tip of Italy's famous 'boot', this enchanting island is a mix of diverse heritages and unique terrains." — Alice, Europe Product Manager.
Alice, Europe Product Manager
Top Luxury Sicily Holidays
The White Lotus Season 3 FAQs
Can you visit The White Lotus Season 3 filming locations?
Absolutely! You can visit all of the stunning destinations featured in The White Lotus Season 3, which are set in the gorgeous islands of Phuket and Koh Samui, as well as in the lively capital of Bangkok.
Koh Samui offers a tropical utopia experience with its unspoilt beaches and palm tree-lined coast, while Phuket — especially areas like Mai Khao and Emerald Bay — offers an irresistible combination of peaceful beaches, upscale resorts, and amazing food.
And then there’s Bangkok, the bustling heart of Thailand. While it wasn’t featured as much on screen, it’s still an essential part of the experience, with its vibrant streets, rich culture, and incredible food scene.
When is the best time to visit The White Lotus Season 3 locations in Thailand?
- Koh Samui: December to early August
- Phuket: November to May
- Bangkok: November to May
Can you stay at The White Lotus Season 3 hotels?
Yes! You can stay at hotels from the latest season of The White Lotus, as these luxury resorts are real and open to guests.
However, it's best to start planning your visit now if you want to check-in to the properties featured on the show, as interest usually spikes following the release of a new season.
Tips for Planning Your White Lotus-inspired Thailand Trip
Combine luxury hotels with cultural experiences
Of course, a big part of the allure of The White Lotus is watching the characters indulging in all-out luxury at glamorous resorts. But, on your own trip, don't forget to balance it out with a few local experiences — like exploring Bangkok's bustling street food markets or visiting ancient temples — to dive into Thailand's rich culture.
Arrange an amazing spa experience
To really make it White Lotus-worthy, consider booking some fabulous spa treatments to unwind in style, just like the characters do between their intense dramas. Whether it's a signature Thai massage or a private yoga session by a lily-padded lagoon — why not incorporate the season's theme of wellness into your experience?
Book your Thailand adventure in advance
After the show’s success, the resorts featured in Season 3 are set to become super popular, so booking early is your best bet if you want to stay at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort, Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas or Rosewood Phuket.
Consider using a Travel Specialist
If you want to plan the ultimate White Lotus-inspired trip to Thailand, using a Travel Specialist can make all the difference. They'll handle all the little details, from arranging private airport transfers to booking the best sunset dinner spots before they fill up. Plus, they can help you blend high-end resort stays with more authentic experiences, like private temple tours, local food tastings or hidden beach excursions.
Most importantly, if anything goes sideways — such as flight delays, last-minute changes or any other unexpected issues — you’ll have someone in your corner to smooth things out.
Top Tailormade Tours to Thailand
Ready to book your White Lotus-inspired holiday?
Why not speak to one of our dedicated Travel Specialists? They've been to all the White Lotus filming locations featured in this travel guide and have all the first-hand knowledge you need to help you create the ultimate White Lotus itinerary in Thailand, Sicily or Hawaii.
Get inspired with our full collection of Tailormade Tours or browse our handpicked selection of luxury hotels and resorts.
