Emmy Award-winning black comedy The White Lotus is known for a lot of things. The show’s all-star cast, for one, breathes life into a range of layered characters that are as easy to root for in one scene as they are to hate in the very next. Criss-crossing themes of class, race and gender are thinly veiled by a particularly dark and satirical brand of comedy that sets The White Lotus apart from other Hollywood attempts at social commentary. Jennifer Coolidge’s naïve but charming Tanya McQuoid (who met her untimely demise in the last season—or did she?) led the actor’s veritable resurgence in Hollywood, thanks to the character’s larger than life personality and literal embodiment of what The White Lotus ultimately pokes fun at.
In short, there is much to recommend the show by—not least of all the wanderlust the stunning locations it’s staged in offer. While the first season took us to sun-drenched Hawaii (where Sydney Sweeney’s Olivia Mossbacher and Brittany O’Grady’s Paula served us serious beach hair-inspo), the second moved all the way to Sicily, where romantic Italian architecture and views of the Ionian Sea were off set only by catty exchanges between Aubrey Plaza’s Harper and her newly-rich tech entrepreneur husband, Ethan.
Now, as the third season of the show lands for the first time in Asia, producers would have been hard-pressed to pick a better country to film in than Thailand, one of the world’s unofficial resort capitals. With a bevy of stellar luxury hotels and beach resorts situated along the stunning islands and gulfs of Koh Samui and Phuket, there are over a dozen properties in Thailand that would fit the bill and more. Ahead of the next season of The White Lotus, we round up the most glamorous beach resorts in the country for hosting a new band of rich, out-of-touch vacationers in suitable style.
1 / 6
Amanpuri
Nestled on the pristine shores of Phuket is one of the most iconic resorts in the world. Amanpuri—the very first Aman born in 1988—exudes the same tranquil allure that beckons to the restless souls of The White Lotus cast. Surrounded by lush greenery, guests can enjoy uninterrupted views of the glittering Andaman Sea in utmost seclusion—which might be especially useful if they happen to be getting up to accidental murder. The resort boasts 40 Thai-style pavilions and villas, each meticulously crafted with authentic touches of local design. Meanwhile, the private beach and sparkling swimming pool provide perfect settings for leisurely strolls or sun-soaked afternoons.
2 / 6
Conrad Koh Samui
Off the south-western tip of Koh Samui is majestic hillside, home to Conrad Koh Samui—a serene oasis offering magnificent views of a sunset that stretches endlessly across the horizon, providing the perfect backdrop for the arrival of a whole new crop of White Lotus guests. Each private villa seated along the resort’s tiered landscape transforms into a quietly luxurious escape, complete with an infinity pool of its own. Not to mention the pristine promenade on the resort’s beachfront which leads straight into a dreamy boardwalk overlooking the azure sea. A romantic dinner here might have given Harper and Ethan another shot at their marriage—or so we think.
3 / 6
Chiva-Som
As the perfect location for class satire, Chiva Som would become a White Lotus character in and of itself. The award-winning resort is incredibly serious about wellness, going so far as to ban the use of cellphones or electronic devices in any of its common spaces. Each guest’s first stop is a consultation with a health and wellness advisor, who administers a blood pressure check and draws up a custom itinerary for their stay—which must be followed to the hour. The food, while incredibly fresh, is served in controlled portions and devoid of excess salt, oil or sugar. Have a hankering for dessert? Forget about it, you can have fruit instead. For the self-indulgent characters that tend to find themselves at The White Lotus, this loss of control on their holiday might just be a push too far, even if it is for their own good.
4 / 6
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
The picture-perfect Four Seasons Koh Samui undoubtedly joins the list, since previous iterations of The White Lotus have been filmed in the luxury group’s other properties. But there are plenty of other reasons why this particular resort might be a starry hopeful all on its own. Lush, verdant greenery surrounds each outdoor villa, shrouding guests not only in beautiful nature but also in an unprecedented degree of privacy—a uniquely peaceful setting for the cast of The White Lotus to engage in some spiritual re-finding. Salacious rendezvous and sudden manslaughter, we hope not.
5 / 6
Anantara Mai Khao Phuket
Taking its place along Phuket’s longest beach, Anantara Mai Khao springs to mind when we imagine haunting self-reflections from the troubled cast of The White Lotus—crashing down alongside the cacophony of waves. This resort located on the northern tip of the island features 83 lavish pool villas—clustered around a lily-padded lagoon. Privacy is key here, as tropical gardens fill the spaces between the individual rooms. Sunset drinking amidst treetops? A picturesque scene is assured at the bar. For hearty or salacious conversations over a good spread, head to the main restaurant, La Sala—where rattan chairs and potted palms lend a colonial charm to breakfast time.
6 / 6
Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Positioned on Phulay Bay in Krabi, this Ritz Carlton Reserve happens to be a veteran in the TV game. Formerly the location of the film The Hangover Part II, the resort has maintained the good looks and serene atmosphere that earned it its first role. The villas, with their sleek and modern design, offer a perfect blend of contemporary style and natural beauty. Each villa boasts its own private pool, where you can take a refreshing dip while basking in the stunning views of the surrounding jungle. With a bold colour scheme rendering it uniquely cinematic, this resort is one where we can see oblivious guests letting their hair down right as disaster strikes.
