Part of the magic of live-action film and television is being able to see real-life locations transform into magical on-screen settings. Visiting these filming locations is often available after the filming, allowing viewers to feel like they are inside that piece of media. The show “The White Lotus” happens to be a very popular series that fans love to visit the filming location for. With a highly anticipated new season in the works, everyone is waiting to see exactly where the “The White Lotus” season 3 filming location is going to be.
Both seasons of the show take place in the various destinations of the fabulous fictional hotel, The White Lotus. The actual hotels the show was shot at were locations of The Four Seasons hotels in Maui, Hawaii for the first season and Sicily for the second. Both of these locations experienced a rise in booking after the respective seasons, leaving fans excited to see where the next “White Lotus” film location will be.
For those unfamiliar with the show, “The White Lotus” is a satirical drama series created by Mike White. The show explores the lives of the guests and staff at a luxury resort over the course of a week. The series unfolds as a social commentary, tackling issues such as wealth disparity, cultural appropriation, and the consequences of unchecked privilege, all within the idyllic backdrop of a seemingly paradisiacal vacation destination.
Where Is the White Lotus Season 3 Location?
It has been rumored that the “The White Lotus” season 3 location was going to be set in Asia, particularly Thailand, as of last year. Now, as of early 2024, that location has been confirmed by HBO and production has begun. As for specific locations in the beautiful southeast Asian country, AFAR reported, “Filming will take place in the capital city of Bangkok and on the islands of Phuket and Ko Samui, as announced in statements released this week by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and HBO.”
The country is already one of the most popular tourist destinations but is expecting an even bigger boom in tourists following the release of the next season. This increase in travel occurred for both the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea from season one and San Domenico Palace, Taormina, a Four Seasons Hotel from season two.
Janet Graham Borba, executive vice president (EVP) of production for HBO and Max wrote in a statement, “We are pleased to partner with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to execute Mike’s creative vision and showcase all that the beautiful country of Thailand has to offer, as the next group of guests check in to the White Lotus.”
Is the White Lotus Season 3 Location Going To Be Another Four Seasons Location?
As previously mentioned, both seasons of “The White Lotus” took place at the fictional hotel of the same name, but the hotel was actually a property of the Four Seasons. HBO or TAT have not confirmed whether the White Lotus season 3 location will be at another Four Seasons hotel, but the chances are high, given the last seasons.
There are currently four locations of the Four Seasons in Thailand: these include Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, and Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. According to CNN, there is a lot of speculation that the Koh Samui location will serve as the White Lotus Thailand location as this Four Seasons hotel is not available to book until the end of March.
The Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
At the heart of ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 lies the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, which stars as the fictional White Lotus Koh Samui. Perched on the isolated northwestern headland of Koh Samui island, this deluxe resort offers a 180-degree view of the Gulf of Thailand that’s sure to take your breath away. The resort’s 70 villas, scattered across 42 acres, boast dark hardwood floors, steeply pitched palm-thatched roofs, and long overhanging eaves inspired by traditional Southern Thai architecture.
Guests (and the show’s characters) enjoy the sight of emerald islets in Ang Thong National Marine Park and even catch a glimpse of Koh Pha-ngan, famous for its Full Moon Party. According to Fodor’s Travel, during the 57-day filming period in February and March 2024, the resort was closed to regular guests, with the cast and crew occupying the one- and two-bedroom villas. Some lead actors even stayed in the larger privately owned “residences,” which viewers can actually book when the owners are away.
Anantara Bophut And Anantara Lawana
While the Four Seasons takes center stage, two other Koh Samui resorts play supporting roles in creating the White Lotus universe. The Anantara Bophut and Anantara Lawana, located on the island’s north coast, lend their unique charms to the series. The Anantara Bophut, with its majestic entry driveway flanked by lotus ponds, caught the eye of the ‘White Lotus’ crew.
Its library and parts of the spa feature in the show, adding to the sense of luxury and indulgence that the series is known for. Meanwhile, Anantara Lawana’s Singing Bird Lounge and Tree Tops restaurant were irresistible to the filmmakers. The restaurant’s eight private treehouses, poking through the canopy of a 120-year-old tree, offer a unique dining experience that’s sure to play a part in the unfolding drama.
Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas
In a twist, the show’s production moved 200 miles away to Phuket for two months in early April 2024. The Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, located near Phuket’s longest beach, became another key filming location. This resort’s proximity to Mai Khao Beach, a protected nesting place for leatherback and green turtles, adds an element of natural wonder to the show’s setting. Rumors also swirl about scenes shot at the isolated Banana Beach, accessible only by speedboat, promising some off-the-beaten-path excitement for our characters.
What To Expect From The White Lotus Season 3
Following the finale of the second season, White said regarding season 3 of “The White Lotus,” “The first season kind of highlighted money, and then the second season is sex… I think the third season would be maybe a satirical and funny look at death and Eastern religion and spirituality. It feels like it could be a rich tapestry to do another round at White Lotus.”
With a new season exploring new themes and new characters comes a new cast. Fans will likely only see one returning character, spa manager Belinda played by Natasha Rothwell, according to TV Guide. Other confirmed cast members include Jason Isaacs, Michelle Monaghan, Parker Posey, Leslie Bibb, Dom Hetrakul, Tayme Thapthimthong, and most recently, Lisa from superstar K-pop group BLACKPINK for her TV debut.
The ‘White Lotus’ Effect
As with previous seasons set in Hawaii and Sicily, the spotlight on these Thai locations is expected to boost tourism significantly. Hotel managers anticipate a surge in interest, particularly for Koh Samui, which the more popular Phuket has often overshadowed. As we eagerly await the premiere of ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 on February 16, 2025, one thing is sure: the stunning Thai locations will be as much a star of the show as the A-list cast and razor-sharp writing.
