31. Set-Jetting: Visiting "The White Lotus" Locations

Television has replaced the glossy travel brochure. In a trend dubbed “set-jetting,” travelers are increasingly booking vacations based on their favorite streaming series. No show has driven this phenomenon quite like HBO’s The White Lotus. From the beaches of Hawaii to the cliffs of Sicily, and soon the islands of Thailand, fans are flocking to experience the real-life luxury behind the drama.

The Rise of Set-Jetting

Expedia Group formally identified “set-jetting” as a top travel trend in 2023, noting that two-thirds of global travelers have considered booking trips to destinations after seeing them in movies or TV shows. The White Lotus serves as the perfect catalyst for this. The show acts as a season-long commercial for high-end resorts, creating an immediate spike in tourism for the filming locations.

When Season 2 aired, web searches for Sicily skyrocketed by over 50%. The appeal is obvious. The show features tangible locations you can actually visit, provided you have the budget or the planning skills to get there.

Season 1: The Hawaiian Escape (Maui)

The inaugural season introduced viewers to the friction between wealthy guests and hotel staff, all set against a golden Hawaiian backdrop.

The Real Hotel: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

The fictional White Lotus resort is actually the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. Located on the southwest coast of Maui, this property is the definition of open-air luxury.

  • The Pineapple Suite: In the show, the character Shane Patton creates a fuss about not getting the “Pineapple Suite.” In reality, this is the Lokelani Presidential Suite. It features a private garden and three bedrooms, typically costing over $20,000 per night.
  • The Pool: The adults-only Serenity Pool, famous for the scene where characters Mossbacher and Patton have an awkward conversation, offers panoramic views of the Pacific and the West Maui Mountains.

Beyond the Resort

While the show felt claustrophobic by keeping characters largely on the property, you should explore the island.

  • Wailea Beach: This is the direct beach access for the hotel. It is perfect for snorkeling and spotting sea turtles.
  • Outrigger Canoeing: Just like the characters attempted (with varying degrees of success), the resort offers guided outrigger canoe experiences that explore the cultural history of Maui.

Season 2: The Sicilian Dream (Taormina)

Season 2 traded the tropical humidity of Hawaii for the old-world glamour of Italy. The visual impact of this season was massive, putting the town of Taormina at the top of travel lists worldwide.

The Real Hotel: San Domenico Palace, Taormina

The primary setting is the San Domenico Palace, A Four Seasons Hotel. This historic structure was originally a Dominican convent founded in 1374 and was converted into a hotel in 1896.

  • The Vibe: Unlike the modern Hawaiian resort, this property is dripping with history. It features ancient cloisters, religious art, and statues that emphasize the show’s themes of sex and death.
  • The Infinity Pool: The cliffside infinity pool offers a direct view of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. This is where characters Portia and Jack connected, and where Daphne famously lounged.
  • Dining: The hotel is home to Principe Cerami, a Michelin-starred restaurant. You can replicate the characters’ dining experiences here, though reservations are required months in advance during peak season.

Set-Jetting Around Sicily

Season 2 ventured outside the hotel more frequently. Dedicated fans can visit these specific spots:

  • Noto: In episode three, Daphne and Harper take a day trip to Noto. They visit the Planeta Buonivini Estate for wine tasting. They also stay at a stunning villa, which is actually Villa Elena, a 17th-century monastery restored by interior designer Jacques Garcia.
  • CefalĂą: While the hotel is in Taormina, the beach scenes were actually filmed in CefalĂą, specifically at the Lido di CefalĂą. The producers preferred this sandy beach over the pebbled beaches of Taormina.
  • Palermo: The group visits the Teatro Massimo opera house. Later, Quentin’s magnificent villa is actually Villa Tasca, a neoclassical estate in Palermo that is available for private rental on Airbnb.

Season 3: The Upcoming Thai Adventure

Production for Season 3 has moved to Thailand. While the season has not aired yet, HBO and the Tourism Authority of Thailand have confirmed filming locations. Savvy travelers are already booking these spots before the “White Lotus Effect” drives prices up.

Confirmed Locations

  • Koh Samui: This island in the Gulf of Thailand is known for its palm-fringed beaches and luxury resorts. It is widely reported that the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui will serve as the main setting. The resort is tucked away on a private hillside with villas that feature private infinity pools.
  • Phuket: Filming also took place at the Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas. This property creates a different atmosphere with pool villas set around a lagoon, adjacent to Sirinath National Park.
  • Bangkok: The urban chaos and history of Bangkok will play a role. The cast has been spotted filming near the Chao Phraya River, suggesting scenes at iconic hotels like the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok.

Practical Tips for White Lotus Travel

Visiting these locations requires strategy. The popularity of the show has made availability scarce and prices steep.

  1. Shoulder Season is Key: Sicily in July and August is incredibly hot and crowded. To get the San Domenico Palace experience without the chaos, aim for late April or late October. The weather is mild, and availability is better.
  2. Visit for a Drink: If the $2,000+ nightly rate at the Four Seasons is out of reach, book a table at the hotel bar or restaurant. In Maui, you can grab a cocktail at the Lobby Lounge to soak in the view. In Taormina, the Bar & Chiostro offers the same atmosphere as the show without the room bill.
  3. Book Early: For Season 3 locations in Thailand, book now. Once the trailers drop, interest in Koh Samui and the specific resorts featured will likely double.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is “The White Lotus” a real hotel chain? No, The White Lotus is a fictional brand created for the show. However, the production films almost exclusively at Four Seasons properties. Season 1 was Four Seasons Maui, Season 2 was Four Seasons Taormina, and Season 3 is heavily linked to Four Seasons Koh Samui.

Can you rent the exact rooms used in the show? Yes. In Maui, you can book the Lokelani Presidential Suite (The Pineapple Suite). In Sicily, the Royal Suite at San Domenico Palace is available for booking, though it comes with a five-figure nightly price tag.

When is the best time to visit the Season 3 locations in Thailand? The best time to visit Koh Samui and Phuket is between November and February. This is the cool, dry season. March through May is very hot, and the rainy season runs from June to October.

Did the show film entirely on location? mostly, yes. The showrunners prioritize realism. However, some interior scenes (like specific bedroom shots) or composite locations (like using a beach in CefalĂą for a hotel in Taormina) are used to create the perfect visual narrative.