There’s a certain seduction in the way HBO’s hit series The White Lotus paints its destinations – a dreamscape of shimmering waters, lush greenery and lavish lodgings, all while maintaining an underlying sense of exclusivity. The drama – and there’s plenty of it – unfolds against backdrops so idyllic you’re quick to forget the chaotic nature of the show. The latest season, the third, is set on Thailand’s Koh Samui island. Interestingly, much of the plot, which uses the plush surroundings, exotic wildlife and Thai culture to further the narrative, was conjured by series director and mastermind Mike White during a medically induced hallucination.
White was initially hesitant to shoot in Thailand, but while being treated at a Thai hospital for severe bronchitis, inspiration struck. The White Lotus producer David Bernad told The Hollywood Reporter, “I saw Mike the next morning, and he told me what he’d hallucinated. That’s basically what we shot.”’
The White Lotus Effect: Turning Destinations Into Designer Tourism
Thanks to the virality (“Piper, noooo,” anyone?) and initial success of this season, Koh Samui is poised to become a bustling hub for luxury tourism. It’s called The White Lotus effect, the travel boom that unfolds after each hotly anticipated season and transforms locales into zeitgeist designer destinations.
The first season, which launched in 2021, used Maui’s winding coastline and the Four Seasons Resort Maui hotel to set the scene. Four Seasons has said that led to a 425 per cent uptick in website visits and a 386 per cent increase in availability checks. Season 2, which starred the formidable Jennifer Coolidge, saw audiences flocking to Sicily in pursuit of an eccentric la dolce vita lifestyle, and the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace Taormina was reportedly booked out for six months post-airing. Season 3 has already inspired another tourism boom, with a 65 per cent spike in searches for Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. Unlike previously, season 3 was shot at an array of hotels – as many as seven. The Four Seasons Koh Samui, priced from $3000 a night, was the official hotel of the series. But a large portion was also shot at the Anantara chain destinations: Lawana Koh Samui Resort, Mai Khao Phuket Villas, and Bophut Koh Samui Resort.
Behind the Scenes at the Real Resorts
The Anantara resorts were a perfect White Lotus fit, with the Phuket Villas, for example, boasting a lotus-filled central lagoon that snaked between the feathery gardens, spas, recreational centres and 5-star rooms. The lagoon, an alluring mossy green, played a pivotal part in setting the tone for this season. Without giving too much away, the opening scene saw one of the characters submerged in the lagoon after frantically fleeing the stark sound of gunshots amid ghastly shrieks. The lagoon is patrolled by some (seemingly) friendly monitor lizards, one of which managed to nab a White Lotus cameo of their own.
Mai Khao Phuket Villas resort has 83 private villas cocooned by tropical gardens and the aforementioned lagoon. Luxuriously spacious and secluded, these sanctuaries feature their own private pool, deck and outdoor bathtub – heaven! The villas played home for the returning character of Belinda, and were also featured in some of the spa montages. Taking inspiration from this season, the resort’s restaurant has released a designer dining adventure named the Lotus Experience that takes place in a bespoke beach set up. The stretch of pristine beach overlooks the Andaman Sea and is particularly dreamy at sunset. The evening is centred on a menu that heroes the lotus flower, celebrating its versatility, unique flavour and influence in Thai cuisine. The tom kha lotus, a creamy coconut milk soup that includes lotus root, kaffir lime leaves, fresh lemongrass and tender chicken, is a sumptuous stand-out. Equally deserving of a mention is the sang kaya med bua dessert, a sweet coconut custard infused with lotus seeds and steamed lotus flower.
Living the Lotus Life: Spa Rituals, Cocktails and Culture
While you’re there, mosey into the hotel’s acclaimed Bua Bar. Its premium cocktail offerings range from richly sweet to deliciously bitter and tangy, with grandeur presentation across the board. The Whisper of Lotus is a must-try, featuring a smoke bubble dome that, once popped, lifts the ice cube upwards in a swan-like movement. It’s the culmination of science, art and Thailand’s knack for dramatic flair, all in beverage format. A stone’s throw away on the other side of Phuket, you will find the newly opened Layan Life by Anantara.
Perched between cascading mountains of forest trees, the impressive three-storey oasis with its floor-to-ceiling glass walls offers a comprehensive wellness experience that integrates traditional Thai healing practices with modern medical advancements. Bespoke consultations and tailored treatments are prescribed with their four key pillars in mind: longevity medicine, traditional Thai medicine, complementary medicine, and lifestyle medicine. The space is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities like vitality pools, saunas and fitness studios (there are many). A variety of treatments incorporate local traditions and techniques; for instance, the Pao Ya Heated Herbal Therapy uses heat and herbs to support digestion and reduce fluid retention. High-powered technical treatments such as cryotherapy, hypobaric oxygen therapy, and colonic hydrotherapy are also available. It’s the holistic, diagnostics-backed approach to wellness that equips guests with a new lease on life.
Arriving at Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort, things will appear familiar to White Lotus fans. The tree-lined entrance will take you past a security station (thankfully manned), around the employee parking lot (where Jason Isaacs’ character may have partaken in one too many frantic phone calls) and to the famous three-monkey statue.
Stepping out, we’re greeted by staff member Sandy, affectionately known as the Lotus Queen, who ushers us through the familiar lobby and into a welcome space. As we’re handed a butterfly pea tea, a Thai tradition to welcome guests, we’re told the room we’re standing in had been transformed during filming into a jewellery store (where a certain robbery took place). “It’s incredible how they transformed these rooms: the crew brought full sets of furniture, vases, pillows,” says Thomas, the hotel manager. “They let us keep some of the pillows actually.” Thomas enthuses about the filming experience.
“We hit the jackpot. Mike [White] and the team displayed such attention to detail and care about portraying the Thai community and culture – it was incredible to witness.” Quizzed on similarities between the characters and real-life patrons, he’s quick to dispel a few. “We don’t have any LWWs [losers without wives, an archetype referenced in the show]. But for the most part [the characters] are not so different to the guest we see walk through. I’ve definitely met a few Patrick Schwarzeneggers – that does happen. The hotel staff are a lot more sane in real life, though.”
As we explore the grounds, it’s hard not to be impressed by the impeccable landscaping and garden, designed by the renowned Bill Bensley. With closer attention, you’ll notice a great many playful sandstone monkey statuettes and intricate gilded Buddhas throughout. “This was a conscious choice,” says Thomas. “We wanted to celebrate southern Thai heritage and its rich culture. We want it to be an authentic experience of true Thai hospitality on the island.”
Staying at the lush oasis, days can be spent drifting between infinity pools and golden shores, with the hotel set against the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Thailand. If pit-stopping at the spa (also featured in the series), the signature Lotus Indulgence Experience is the gold-standard of what a massage should be, and its concoction of lotus oil and herbal remedies gently massaged into the skin will take you to pure bliss.
As day turns to night, the Singing Bird Lounge at Anantara Lawana is the place to be. Mounted high (the view is incredible) and surrounded by jungle-like flora, the bar that appeared on screen early in the season is full of charismatic ambience. Along with its wide variety of signature cocktails, it’s unveiled a range of White Lotus inspired drinks. A twist on the spicy margarita, the tequila-based The Mook blends orange and cranberry in a nod to the White Lotus staffer. A quick meander will take you to Tree Tops Signature Dining for a gourmet experience in which locally sourced and sustainable ingredients are transformed into elegant dishes that honour the Thai cuisine (over eight incredibly delicious courses). There’s a distinct level of care taken with each dish, each room, each moment of your stay. In fact, this level of care permeates every facet of the Anantara White Lotus experience. It’s the perfect intersection of nature, hospitality and luxury – minus the drama.
For more information on Anantara Hotels & Resorts or to book to The Lotus Awakening Escape package, please visit www.anantara.com
What To Pack
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The perfect tropical holiday accessory, featuring a freshwater pearl and coral motif drop.
La Roche-Posey Cicaplast Baume B5+ is perfect for soothing dry, irritated skin. Its hydrating formula can help relieve rough patches, redness, and irritation, while its nourishing texture can supports skin recovery.
The Clover hat offers a timeless design, handcrafted from raffia crochet for a chic, medium-brimmed look.
