To maintain a surprise-free experience, this article focuses solely on the locations featured in the first episode of the third season of The White Lotus. Nestled in Thailand, The White Lotus harbors more mysteries than meets the eye. While fans can physically visit the breathtaking fictional hotel where this season unfolds, they may need to journey from one locale to another, perhaps even catching a flight from breakfast to dinner.
In a departure from the previous seasons shot at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea in Hawaii and San Domenico Palace in Taormina, Sicily, the Thailand installment merges four distinct hotels into a seamless backdrop, as revealed by the show’s executive producer David Bernad in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. The Four Seasons Koh Samui, Anantara Bophut Koh Samui, Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, and Rosewood Phuket collectively form The White Lotus Thailand.
While two luxury properties stand on Koh Samui, an island off Thailand’s east coast, the other two rest about 200 miles away on the west coast’s Koh Phuket, situated in the Andaman Sea. Bernad shares, “When we scouted Thailand, we looked at Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, and Chiang Mai. We didn’t explore Koh Samui because Mike was adamant about not filming there.” The show’s creator, Mike White, harbors negative memories of the island from his past experiences on the Amazing Race. After learning of an exceptional Four Seasons property on Koh Samui, the team dispatched a scout to assess its suitability.
Despite the idyllic setting of cliffside villas overlooking the sea, certain script requirements necessitated additional shooting locales. To address these needs, the filmmakers sought out equally opulent spots in the vicinity. For instance, scenes requiring specific visual elements were filmed at the Anantara Phuket spa, while the dining sequences seamlessly blend the breakfast ambiance of Four Seasons Koh Samui with the evening allure of Rosewood Phuket.
Navigating various real-life settings, the production team meticulously curated each space to authentically bring The White Lotus to life on screen.
Filmed at the Anantara Mai Khao, a significantly larger location, the resort situated at the northern tip of Phuket provided ample space to house the cast, crew, and equipment required for the production. The opening scene of the third season, featuring Belinda’s son Zion played by Nicholas Duvernay in a therapy session with Amrita, was also filmed at Mai Khao. According to Bernad, the scene required Zion to jump into the water, a feature not available at the Four Seasons where they initially scouted. Consequently, they had to search for a suitable location that met the script’s requirements. Although viewers may expect to see staff members standing on a sandbar waving in welcome at one of the luxury resorts depicted in the show, the actual sandbar is not located at any of these properties but rather on a secluded strip of land off one of the smaller islands north of Phuket.
Bernad and White’s decision to film in Thailand stemmed from practical considerations such as the tropical climate required for the series and the film-friendly environment, including tax incentives. Their initial search in the region eventually led them to Thailand, a choice they made without much enthusiasm initially, expecting to explore other countries. However, their experience in Thailand was transformative, with Bernad expressing deep affection for the country, its people, and culture. The warmth and hospitality they encountered as they traveled through Thailand left a lasting impression on them, leading them to develop a genuine love for the destination.
As the series progresses, additional locations will be unveiled in each new episode of The White Lotus, airing Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story.
