Coastline Taormina / Photo Credit Solomonn Levi
The White Lotus Vacation Inspiration
After watching the most recent series of The White Lotus, I was wondering about recreating these glamourous getaways in real life. Without the drama of course. The White Lotus Vacation trend of course is not new. It kicked off as soon as Season 1 aired, the series began its run filming in Hawaii. Following seasons in Italy and Thailand have now been aired on HBO. They already have another season in the pipeline for next year.
So here’s a look at making your own The White Lotus vacation and walking along the same beaches as Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Isaacs and Parker Posey.
Wailea Coastal Walk, Maui, Hawaii/ Photo credit Forest + Kim Starr
The White Lotus Season One
Filmed in Hawaii on Maui, starring my personal favourite character Tanya McQuoid, Jennifer Coolidge. The main setting was the Four Seasons Resort Maui in Wailea. To get there, the closest airport is Kahului (probably best to fly direct from LAX, 5h 40 mins)
What to expect in Wailea
As the season shows, the beaches and water sports are stunning, Snorkelling, kayaking, sailing and swimming are the most popular activities on a Hawaii holiday.
Great seafood, traditional dance performances and a relaxed island vibe.
Streets of Palmero, Italy/Photo credit Who’s Denilo?
The White Lotus Season Two
Filmed in Taormina Southern Italy, The main setting was the stunning San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel. The White Lotus Vacation frenzy really had an impact on Taormina and Palermo over the past few summers. To get there the closest airport is Catania.
This season is easily my favourite of the White Lotus. Jennifer Coolidge wearing Dolce & Gabbana, the beautiful Italian settings and architecture… Beaches at Cefalu and Palermo also featured amongst the filming locations
If you visit this part of Southern Italy. You can book on Get your Guide the Taormina White Lotus Tour to see filming locations. Or take this Viator Private Taormina White Lotus experience with boat trip included.
Where was The White Lotus Season Three filmed
The third and current series was set in Thailand. Released in early 2025, the main setting is at the Four Seasons Resort in Koh Samui. Costing around $1250 per night for your stay, depending on the season, its a special destination for honeymooners or a milestone vacation.
The Four Seasons company have clearly embraced the buzz surrounding the hit series. They currently offer a themed Afternoon Tea in FS Bangkok, Singapore and the Four Seasons Park Lane in London, so you don’t actually have to travel so far to hook into to the flavours of season 3.
Other S3 locations are around the pristine Chaweng Beach. A setting for luxury lodges with idyllic locations for an exotic vacation getaway. This Thai getaway similar to S1 is about stunning beaches and water sports. However you can visit ancient temples or venture into the jungle to see the exotic wildlife too.
photo credit. Fabio Achilli
When visiting Thailand, the local food is a big part of your vacation there. Expect to taste delicious local seafood, lots of Pad Thai noodles, Tom yum soup or Fried rice dish Khao phad. You can even book a cooking class to find out how to prepare local dishes yourself.
The White Lotus Season Four
The hit season will be filming Season 4. Production is underway in early 2026. The Cote d´Azur is the location and the resort is the first one that doesn´t belong to the Four Seasons brand. Château de la Messardière in Saint Tropez is the location for the latest instalment of this smash hit series. Can´t wait for this French Riviera series to air! (potentially Early 2027)
Resources to help you plan your Movie Like Getaway:
