The White Lotus has captivated audiences not just with its biting social satire and compelling storytelling but also with its breathtaking filming locations. From the luxurious beach resorts of Hawaii in Season 1 to the stunning Sicilian villas in Season 2, the series’ settings have become characters in their own right. Now, with Season 3 set in Thailand, fans are eager to explore the idyllic Southeast Asian paradise that will serve as the next backdrop for the show.
In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the filming locations of The White Lotus, showcasing the gorgeous resorts, historic landmarks, and natural beauty of Sicily, Hawaii, and Thailand. If you’re a traveler or a fan looking to recreate the show’s luxurious experiences, this list is your ultimate must-visit destination guide.
Outline
Where Was The White Lotus Filmed? A Look at Its Iconic Locations
Where Was The White Lotus Filmed? A Look at Its Iconic Locations
Season 1 Filming Locations: The Hawaiian Paradise
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Molokini Crater & Wailea Beach
Season 2 Filming Locations: The Glamorous Sicilian Backdrop
San Domenico Palace, Taormina
Villa Tasca, Palermo
Isola Bella & Cefalù
Noto’s Baroque Beauty
Season 3 Filming Locations: Exploring Thailand’s Tropical Luxury
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
Phuket’s Anantara Mai Khao Villas
Bangkok’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel
What Makes The White Lotus Filming Locations So Captivating?
How to Visit These Locations and Recreate the Experience
Final Thoughts: The Beauty and Intrigue of The White Lotus Settings
1. Where Was The White Lotus Filmed? A Look at Its Iconic Locations
Each season of The White Lotus has transported viewers to a different exotic destination, transforming some of the world’s most luxurious five-star resorts into the fictional White Lotus hotel. The show’s creator, Mike White, carefully selects locations that provide both a stunning visual backdrop and a setting rich in social and cultural contrast.
A Quick Overview of The White Lotus Filming Locations by Season
Season 1: Hawaii – Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Season 2: Sicily – San Domenico Palace, Taormina
Season 3: Thailand – Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui & Phuket’s Luxury Villas
Now, let’s explore the stunning locations from each season in detail.
2. Season 1 Filming Locations: The Hawaiian Paradise
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
The fictional White Lotus resort in Season 1 was filmed at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, a luxurious beachfront retreat on Wailea Beach. This Hawaiian paradise offers:
Infinity pools with breathtaking views of the turquoise waters
Lush rainforests and waterfalls nearby, perfect for exploration
Marine life experiences, including sea turtles and snorkeling at Molokini Crater
Molokini Crater & Wailea Beach
Several outdoor scenes were filmed at Wailea Beach, known for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters. The nearby Molokini Crater, a popular snorkeling and diving site, also made an appearance, showcasing the natural beauty of Hawaii’s marine ecosystem.
3. Season 2 Filming Locations: The Glamorous Sicilian Backdrop
San Domenico Palace, Taormina
In Season 2, the fictional White Lotus resort was set at the San Domenico Palace in Taormina, Sicily. This historic five-star hotel, part of Four Seasons Hotels, is famous for:
Stunning views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna
Lavish suites and an infinity pool that served as the backdrop for many iconic scenes
Rich cultural heritage, with its origins dating back to a 14th-century monastery
Villa Tasca, Palermo
Some of the most opulent scenes from Season 2 were filmed at Villa Tasca, a Sicilian villa in Palermo. This lavish estate is known for:
Frescoed ceilings and grand fountains
A romantic infinity pool surrounded by lush gardens
Old-world Sicilian charm blended with extravagant luxury
Isola Bella & Cefalù
Several outdoor sequences were filmed at Isola Bella, a small island near Taormina, and Cefalù, a picturesque coastal town. These locations added breathtaking views and a sense of timeless beauty to the show.
Noto’s Baroque Beauty
The baroque town of Noto also featured in Season 2, with its ornate architecture and gilded temples serving as a stunning backdrop for various scenes.
4. Season 3 Filming Locations: Exploring Thailand’s Tropical Luxury
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
For Season 3, the fictional White Lotus resort moves to Thailand, with the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui as the main filming location. This Thai island retreat offers:
Secluded beach villas with private infinity pools
Breathtaking views of the Gulf of Thailand
A perfect setting for indulgence and relaxation
Phuket’s Anantara Mai Khao Villas
Another filming location for Season 3 is Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, a luxury resort featuring:
Overwater villas with private pools
A pristine beachfront setting in Phuket
A tranquil ambiance, perfect for the series’ dramatic moments
Bangkok’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Some urban scenes were filmed at Bangkok’s Mandarin Oriental, an iconic five-star hotel known for its gilded temples, street food culture, and bustling energy.
5. What Makes The White Lotus Filming Locations So Captivating?
The series’ settings are more than just tourist attractions—they are carefully chosen to reflect the characters’ indulgence, privilege, and internal conflicts. From the social satire of luxury resorts to the breathtaking views of exotic destinations, The White Lotus creates a rich visual and thematic experience.
6. How to Visit These Locations and Recreate the Experience
Stay at the real-life resorts used in the show, such as Four Seasons Resort Maui, San Domenico Palace, or Four Seasons Koh Samui
Visit key filming spots like Isola Bella, Wailea Beach, or Phuket’s Anantara Mai Khao Villas
Immerse in the local culture, exploring Sicilian, Hawaiian, and Thai attractions
7. Final Thoughts: The Beauty and Intrigue of The White Lotus Settings
The White Lotus has showcased stunning destinations from Hawaii to Sicily and Thailand
The resorts and villas featured in the series are luxurious, exclusive, and visually striking
These must-visit destinations offer a chance to immerse in the show’s world while experiencing breathtaking locations in real life
Whether you’re a traveler, a fan of the show, or simply someone who loves beautiful places, these White Lotus filming locations are worth adding to your bucket list.
