The speculation is finally over. After months of travel experts trying to guess where the third season of HBO’s smash hit series The White Lotus will be filmed, Variety has learned that the answer is Thailand. This probably isn’t much of a surprise, given the fact that we knew the show’s creator, Mike White, was eyeing Asia and there are only so many settings that could handle this kind of production, especially in terms of finding accommodations for the cast and crew.
Some people were certain that White would choose the Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, so much so that Japan has already been heating up as the “place to be,” albeit not nearly as hot as Taormina and other parts of Sicily, where the second season was filmed. (Of course, I should also point out that the first season’s filming location, the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, is always a crowd favorite.)
White previously suggested the next season “would be maybe a satirical and funny look at death and Eastern religion and spirituality,” and he has reportedly been recently scouting locations in Thailand. Given his preference for Four Seasons properties—and who could blame him—he has four to choose from in the Land of Smiles, so let’s do our own scouting and pick the most attractive and luxurious accommodations from each.
Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River
If White and Co. want a stylish, sophisticated setting with Bangkok’s phenomenal art scene as the backdrop, this is the place. Exploring the capital city by river is a must for any first-time visitors, as it is also known as the “Venice of the East.” Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River can organize two-hour longtail boat tours, offering guests the best views imaginable, up to and including a stop at Wat Arun. That’s just one of many immersive cultural tours available, in addition to visits to the Grand Palace and Ayutthaya, among other locations.
Of the various rooms and suites, guests will clamor for those offering river views, but the most fabulous of them all is the Riverfront Penthouse. With room for as many as nine guests, this three-bedroom Presidential Suite will feel like its own property, allowing visitors to spend an entire day simply appreciating the cityscape from the terrace or private pool.
Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai
If you’re visiting Thailand for the city life, art, history, and culture, Bangkok is a great choice. However, if your goal is otherworldly wellness and relaxation, it’s time to book a pavilion or multi-bedroom residence at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai. This property hosts private retreats that spoil guests with a personal live-in attendant, while providing myriad amenities and activities that will make each family or group feel like the only people at the resort.
Encouraging guests to “live life in a balance,” the resort’s various experts host experiences for the rejuvenation and renewal of the mind, body, and soul. Yoga, restorative healing, clean eating, holistic well-being—there’s a class or activity for whatever travelers are seeking. It’s a shame Tanya McQuoid won’t be around to experience it. (Or will she?!?!)
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
When the setting calls for beautiful beaches, a stunning infinity pool, and rooms that are as luxurious as they are authentic in décor, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui is the ideal filming location. In fact, if I was a betting man, this would be my pick, but let’s just daydream until White decides. And dreaming is an easy task when you look at the marvelous multi-bedroom residence villas with their private pools and butlers, as well as all the space an extended family—or TV series cast—could ever want.
Nature lovers and adventurous souls will also fall head over heels for Koh Samui and the neighboring areas thanks to the thrilling experiences offered by this resort. For starters, even novice divers have probably heard of Sail Rock, one of the most beautiful diving spots in the world, and guests can take private excursions to explore. A private yacht, “Minor Affair,” is also available for excursions to Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and Angthong Marine National Park.
Four Seasons Tented Camp, Golden Triangle
This is certainly the most creative choice, as the resort’s luxurious tents are a world apart from the majestic suites at San Domenico Palace. It is also probably the most far-fetched, but it would be an undoubtedly fascinating setting.
Surrounded by lush forestry and not far from the borders of Myanmar and Laos, this is possibly one of the most incredible glamping experiences in the world, as guests of the Four Seasons Tented Camp can get up close with rescued elephants, fish with locals, or explore the culture and temples of Chiang Rai. Or, for those travelers who want every aspect of a vacation to be exclusive, the resort’s concierge team will bend over backwards to fulfill almost any dreams—within reason, of course.
As for the tents, there are three styles to choose from: Deluxe, Superior River-View, and Superior. Each sleeps up to three guests, and while children are welcome, they must be at least 10 years old. The Explorer’s Lodge is also an excellent choice for a family, as it sleeps up to six guests and boasts a private infinity pool. It would be hard to stir up drama in such an unbelievable location, but we’re sure the writers could come up with something.
