If you’re feeling inspired by the luxury of The White Lotus and want to find a hotel just like it (minus the melodrama), we’ve found a few gems in Thailand that are just the ticket.
The hotly anticipated third season of The White Lotus is about to land on our screens. While we don’t yet know what’s in store for our problematic protagonists, we’re expecting lots of scandal, more of Mike White’s satirical dark humour, and scene-stealing backdrops of the luxurious titular hotel and its surrounds.
One thing we do know is that the latest series takes us to Thailand, with filming taking place in Koh Samui, Phuket and Bangkok. We also know that people flocked to Sicilian palazzos like The White Lotus following the sensational second series, and we’re in no doubt that the dreamy, exotic Thai setting will have the same allure. Those in the know should bag a room at one of these White Lotus lookalikes before everyone else catches on…
1 The Siam, Bangkok
The series kicks off in Bangkok, Thailand’s pulsing capital. The city is an enthralling fusion of modern metropolitan life and centuries of tradition. Trendy rooftop bars where the glitterati convene rise above streets shared by sacred Buddhist temples and humble food vendors. It’s fast-paced, fun and unpredictable – just like our favourite show.
This may not be where the fictitious hotel is filmed, but we think The Siam, in the heart of Bangkok, can easily rival The White Lotus in terms of style, space and grandeur. It’s a haven of calm in a frenetic city, with sumptuous suites, wellness programs and a superb spa. What it lacks in island setting it makes up for in riverside views, which you can admire from the Insta-worthy lap pool and the terrace built over the water.
If you can pull yourself out of this cossetting cocoon, you can hop on a boat at the jetty which will whisk you over to the temple complexes that line the river, like the immaculate Grand Palace. Mill about here for a while, drinking in the architecture and spiritual atmosphere (the latter expected to be the underlying theme of series three), then walk into the heart of the city to find the locations where this season’s White Lotus guests may or may not be getting up to no good. I’ll bet Chinatown makes an appearance, as well as the dazzling lights and raucous bars of Khao San Road.
2 Trisara, Phuket
The show also stars Phuket, the largest island in Thailand. Though Phuket Town is wildly popular with tourists, known for its hedonistic nightlife (which will no doubt entice a few of the characters), there are still plenty of tranquil, unspoilt corners for those who seek the quieter side of the White Lotus lifestyle.
If you’ve got the cash to splash, there’s nowhere more spoiling than Trisara – even The White Lotus pales in comparison. That said, the staff here are significantly less haughty than those in the show. In fact, despite being one of Thailand’s most expensive hotels (an entry level room will set you back over a grand), the service is full of sincere smiles and the atmosphere is welcoming.
Every room here comes with its own pool, some with gorgeous views of the Andaman Sea while others are set in private tropical gardens. The spa and restaurant are destinations in their own right, there’s a pool practically on the beach (which, by the way, is private) and the whole place is shrouded by swaying palms. It’s nothing short of paradise.
Much like The White Lotus, Trisara is a dreamy setting for both romantic breaks and family holidays. Thankfully, the comparison doesn’t extend to the turmoil and tantrums that tend to end a stay at The White Lotus in tears (or a body bag).
3 Silavadee Pool Spa Resort, Koh Samui
The main filming location and home of this season’s The White Lotus is Koh Samui, on the other side of the mainland from Phuket. It’s Thailand’s second largest island after Phuket but about half the size, known for its dense rainforest that runs onto stunning white sand beaches. No wonder it’s attracted those in search of barefoot luxury for decades, with a string of retreats clinging to the mountainous coastline.
If you’re looking for a hotel that looks and feels just like The White Lotus, then Silavadee is the one for you. It has the pools that seem to flow right into the Gulf of Thailand, the hilltop restaurants and bars positioned for the best sunset views, the villas cascading towards the sea, peaking out of the jungle canopy. If it weren’t for the lack of drama and debauchery, you could easily believe it was the real thing.
Beds are laden in pillows while the bathrooms feature cavernous tubs; some rooms have Jacuzzis on their balconies, others have pools that look out to sea. They’re incredibly hard to leave, but the delicious fare and panoramic views at the restaurants and bar will make it a worthwhile effort. Days here pass by in a blissful haze of swimming in the bath-like sea, sunbathing on the private beach, being pummelled and smoothed in the spa, and repeat.
4 Rayavadee, Krabi
Our wildcard option is Krabi. This mainland region is a great choice for that luxe castaway feel with slightly fewer crowds than Koh Samui and Phuket. It wasn’t used as a location in The White Lotus, but we think they missed a trick. The coast is known for imposing limestone cliffs, pristine beaches, a laidback vibe, and one particular hotel that would have provided some memorable TV settings.
Rayavadee occupies a slim stretch of land that’s fringed with beaches on three sides. You’ll arrive by speedboat (is there anything more White Lotus than that?!) and be greeted by a chorus of macaques swinging between palm trees, welcoming you to their little paradise.
Paths snake through the semi-wild grounds, leading to traditionally Thai pavilions and villas. Their circular designs, with domed rooves that resemble the pith helmets of bygone explorers, are some of the most striking we’ve seen. Private pools lie amongst the lush foliage, but you’ll likely be hopping between the beautiful beaches that enclose the resort. Railay is one of Thailand’s most famous, framed by craggy karsts, but all three have sand as soft as talc and irresistibly turquoise seas.
The reefs that surround Rayavadee are bursting with colourful life, ripe for diving and snorkelling. You can also lose yourself in the tropical grounds, watching primates run about in the trees and spotting smaller critters on the forest floor. But this is by no means going back-to-nature: there are 4 restaurants, private butlers, a jungle spa and island-hopping by speedboat. This a haven for nature lovers who want to dip their toe into Crusoe living without scrimping on comfort.
Season 3 of The White Lotus starts at 9pm on the 16th February 2025 on Sky Atlantic and Now TV, with a new episode every week.