Following the airing of “The White Lotus” series’ second season in October 2022, which was set in Sicily, industry data revealed a remarkable surge in travel interest, proving once again the impact of popular media on travel destinations. Virtuoso, in fact, reported an astounding 424 percent increase in bookings to the Italian island.
Of note: The Tourism Authority of Thailand’s New York Office launched an official microsite for “The White Lotus” Season 3, which coincided with the show’s world premiere in Los Angeles. This digital platform offers an immersive preview of the upcoming season’s Thai settings, including Koh Samui, Phuket and Bangkok. The site serves as a virtual gateway to Thailand, allowing travel advisors and their clients to explore the destinations featured in the show.
For more information, visit thewhitelotus.thailandinsider.com.
Sicily Still Feeling That “The White Lotus Effect”
“The White Lotus” sparked a huge rise in interest in Sicilian holidays, exemplifying the ever-growing “set jetting” phenomenon. Following the airing of the show’s second season in 2022, Italian travel specialist Citalia reported a 100 percent increase in bookings for Sicily from 2022 to 2023. And, thanks to the new airing, there has been a +5000 percent rise in online searches for “where was The White Lotus season 2 filmed” and “Sicily holidays” over the past month.
Key locations featured in the series have become focal points for travelers. Taormina, a clifftop town overlooking the Ionian Sea, has the Insta-ready Greco-Roman amphitheater and Corso Umberto featured in the show. Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has also seen increased attention due to its appearance in a memorable scene. Cefalu Beach, where iconic beach scenes were filmed, is a picturesque setting for clients seeking that “White Lotus experience.”
For more information, visit citalia.com.
“White Lotus” Inspo in Anguilla
Zemi Beach House in Anguilla can be a prime recommendation for clients seeking a third-season “White Lotus”-inspired experience. This property offers a unique selling point with its 308-year-old Thai House Spa, originally constructed in Chiang Mai and relocated to Anguilla in the 1970s. The spa features five treatment suites and Anguilla’s only Hammam. It also has a converted historic rice barn, now serving as a juice bar, adding to its authentic appeal. Expert Asian therapists provide customizable treatments, offering an immersive wellness experience that rivals the fictional White Lotus resorts. This tropical setting allows your clients to indulge in luxury—sans the dramatic plot twists of the show.
For more information, visit zemibeach.com.
Marriott’s Phuket Beach Club
Marriott’s Phuket Beach Club hit the Thai setting nail on the head. This Marriott Vacation Club property offers a luxurious experience that mirrors the fictional White Lotus hotels, complete with a symbolic lotus pond and motifs throughout the resort.
The beachfront location provides easy access to Thailand’s exotic shores, a key selling point for clients seeking that “White Lotus” ambiance. Spacious villas feature separate living areas, fully equipped kitchens and private balconies, catering to guests desiring an upscale, private retreat. The resort’s four outdoor pools and spa-like bathrooms in each villa offer ample relaxation opportunities. Of note are the Andaman Sea sunsets—the only drama in the house—positioning this resort as a serene alternative for those inspired by the series.
For more information, visit marriott.com.
Trisara, Phuket, Thailand
Trisara in Phuket offers the ideal “White Lotus” setting. This private pool villa resort is located in a 14-hectare nature preserve and has 64 ocean-facing accommodations. The villas and residences, ranging from two to nine bedrooms, mirror the show’s luxurious backdrop with infinity pools and expansive decks. The resort blends traditional Thai architecture and modern luxury, which will appeal to your most discerning clients. The personalized service, including private chefs and butlers, will remind them of the attentive staff portrayed in “The White Lotus.” For culinary enthusiasts, there’s PRU, Phuket’s only Michelin-starred restaurant (it’s also a community-to-fork eatery), and the resort’s five new dining concepts. The JARA Spa and private beach are additional selling points.
For more information, visit trisara.com.
Kamalaya Koh Samui, Koh Samui, Thailand
For “White Lotus” fans intrigued by the show’s wellness themes, Kamalaya Koh Samui is the wellness sanctuary they’ve been looking for, and it’s located on the same island where the show was filmed. This place embodies the series’ focus on self-discovery. Clients will love that the resort integrates Eastern healing traditions with Western medical research, mirroring the show’s exploration of holistic well-being. The sanctuary offers 17 customized wellness programs, including stress management and detoxification. The resort’s name, meaning “Lotus Realm” in Sanskrit, provides an interesting tie-in to the show’s themes. Of note: There is a multidisciplinary team of health practitioners, and the founders are quite involved in the guest experience, offering a level of personalized care that “White Lotus” enthusiasts might expect.
For more information, visit kamalaya.com.
White Lotus Style—For Less
EF Ultimate Break’s latest offering—the Ultimate Thailand: White Lotus Edition tour—is a 22-day, 7-city adventure catering to Gen Z and Millennial travelers seeking to experience Thailand’s highlights as featured in the popular TV series.
Priced from $3,499, this tour provides a budget-friendly—and just as fun—alternative to the luxury depicted on screen. The itinerary covers Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Pha Ngan, with accommodations at well-rated properties like ASAI Bangkok Chinatown and Cosi Samui Chaweng Beach.
Key experiences include visiting an ethical elephant sanctuary, enjoying a traditional Kantoke meal in Chiang Mai and snorkeling in Koh Tao. Your clients will also explore local markets, ancient temples and pristine beaches.
Of note: EF Ultimate Break is updating the itinerary as new episodes air, marking “White Lotus” specific experiences with a lotus icon (🪷).
For more information, visit efultimatebreak.com.
Luxury Wellness With a “White Lotus” Flair
Dramatic fjords in Norway, the sunlit coast of the Adriatic, vineyards in the heart of Argentina—these might seem far from the Thai aesthetic, but when the offering is luxurious, and the getaway includes wellness rituals and bespoke spa treatments, it’s right on the money and worthy of the cinematic screen.
Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik, Croatia
The Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik for a Croatian escape reminiscent of the show’s Sicilian setting. This five-star property overlooks Miramare Bay and offers 91 rooms and suites that provide a sophisticated retreat after exploring Dubrovnik’s historic streets. The luxury spa is a highlight for clients seeking relaxation, and the private beach is perfect for those craving seaside seclusion. The property’s cliffside location offers panoramic Adriatic views of dramatic coastal settings. Recommend the Vapor restaurant for fine dining with a view, and suggest the Spice Lounge for cocktails overlooking the sea. It’s an intimate setting that aligns with the exclusive atmosphere portrayed in “The White Lotus.”
For more information, visit adriaticluxuryhotels.com.
Up Norway
Clients inspired by “The White Lotus” but seeking a nature-centric experience can look to Up Norway’s curated wellness journeys. This option takes them through Norway’s remote landscapes, offering a Scandinavian twist on luxury travel. The unique accommodations are memorable, ranging from cozy cabins to boutique hotels, each selected to immerse guests in the natural surroundings. The focus is on traditional Nordic wellness practices, including sauna rituals and cold plunges, which align with the show’s emphasis on transformative experiences. The itinerary’s blend of outdoor activities and local cuisine balances adventure and indulgence. Of note: Up Norway’s personalized trip planning allows for tailored experiences catering to individual wellness goals.
For more information, visit upnorway.com.
SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites
SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites is Argentina’s answer to “White Lotus” luxury, with a focus on wine and wellness. This boutique property, owned by renowned winemaker Susana Balbo and her daughter, offers just seven spa suites, each featuring private wellness facilities. The in-room saunas, steam rooms and massage tables as key selling points for clients seeking integrated wellness experiences. The wine-infused spa treatments provide a unique twist on traditional wellness offerings. The hyper-personalized service mirrors the attentive staff portrayed in the show, and the property’s location in Argentina’s wine country adds an element of cultural immersion. This is a great option for clients who appreciate intimate settings, culinary experiences and innovative wellness in a cinematic setting.
For more information, visit susanabalboahotels.com.
Grand Velas Resorts
For “White Lotus” fans seeking all-inclusive luxury with a wellness focus, recommend Grand Velas Resorts in Mexico. For example, the signature Water Ceremony at SE Spa is available at all properties and is parallel to the show’s extravagant wellness scenes. At Grand Velas Los Cabos, clients can dine in a Michelin-starred restaurant to complement wellness offerings. Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers a jungle setting and Mayan-inspired treatments. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit stands out with its balance of wellness and adventure activities. Across all properties, you can book clients on the Digital Detox program, replacing screen time with eco-friendly and family-engaging activities. Of note are the the upcoming Wellnessing Getaways in June, featuring specialized itineraries focusing on gastronomy, sleep optimization and holistic workshops.
For more information, visit grandvelas.com.
More “White Lotus”-Inspired Escapes
“White Lotus fans travel,” said Rob DelliBovi of RDB Hospitality in a press statement. “They put destinations and properties on the map. We’re already seeing a surge of interest in Thailand, especially the Four Seasons where the new season was filmed. Expect higher rates and occupancy at similar ultra-luxury properties worldwide.”
Here are a few more series-inspired escapes to recommend:
Casa Carolina, Cartagena, Colombia
Casa Carolina, in Cartagena’s historic center, has 15 suites, providing an exclusive experience reminiscent of the show’s intimate settings. The property features lush courtyards and private pools, ideal for clients seeking a discreet retreat with cultural immersion. The hotel’s colonial-inspired architecture is a highlight, as is its prime location for exploring Cartagena’s rich history.
For more information, visit casacarolinahotel.com.
The Reserve at Savoy Palace, Madeira, Portugal
For clients desiring “White Lotus” levels of luxury, The Reserve in Madeira delivers. This exclusive hideaway within the larger resort offers cinematic arrival experiences, including VIP airport escorts and Rolls Royce transfers. The dedicated Guest Experience Personal Assistant service and the exclusive 16th-floor rooftop amenities are a huge plus. The Atlantic Ocean views and discreet atmosphere align perfectly with the show’s aesthetic.
For more information, visit savoysignature.com.
Alexander Hotel, Mexico City, Mexico
The Alexander Hotel is Mexico City’s answer to “White Lotus” luxury. With only 26 suites, this high-rise sanctuary caters to clients seeking exclusivity in an urban setting. The private restaurant, Mexico’s first Caviar Bar and the spa are key selling points. The hotel’s sleek design and high-society ambiance make it an ideal choice for clients wanting to experience luxury amid the energy of Mexico City, and its location makes it central to many of the city’s top attractions.
For more information, visit alexanderhotel.mx.
Vista Encantada Spa Resort & Residences, Los Cabos, Mexico
For “White Lotus” fans seeking dramatic landscapes, Vista Encantada in Los Cabos offers a stunning option with its cliffside location and panoramic ocean views. With just 36 suites, each featuring private plunge pools and butler service, it provides the exclusivity seen in the show, and the Milagro Wellness Spa and the rooftop Mestizo del Mar restaurant are standout amenities. Recommend a rooftop sunset cocktail at Atico with toes in the pool.
For more information, visit vistaencantadaresort.com.
