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By Ellie CobbFeatures Correspondent
Fabio Lovino/HBONew information about filming locations for the final season of the Emmy-winning series will whet travelers’ appetites for the dysfunctional drama that is sure to follow.
One of the most successful shows in recent years, the sharp dark comedy-drama. The white lotushas been on everyone’s minds since the first season came out in 2021.
Fans have been eagerly awaiting the final season of the caustic series that enjoys making fun of rich and entitled Western travelers, and although the third season won’t premiere until 2025 (delayed from 2024 due to the actors and writers’ decision) . strikes), new information about filming locations will whet fans’ appetite for the dysfunctional drama that is sure to follow.
The first season of the Emmy-winning series examined wealth and colonialism in Hawaii, while the second season in Sicily positioned money and sex as its main themes. Rumors have long circulated that White Lotus 3 will be filmed in Asia, and director Mike White hinted at the end of the second season that the next will focus on “death and eastern religion and spirituality”.
The show was originally interested in filming in Japan, but in March 2023 it was reported that Thailand had been chosen. This was due in part to millions of dollars in filming incentives, according to Japanese producer Georgina Pope. said at the 2023 Tokyo Film Festival – meaning a $4.4 million rebate on a $35 million project.
The decision was recently confirmed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), which revealed that new episodes of the dark comedy are scheduled to begin filming in Bangkok, Phuket and Ko Samui starting this month. “We are honored to have incredible Thailand as the filming location for the highly anticipated next season of ‘The White Lotus,'” TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said in a press release.
anantaraThe impact of the show on each destination has been phenomenal. The first season, which was filmed in the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea in Hawaii, caused a 425% year-over-year increase in web traffic for the property. The second season fueled interest in Sicily, with the Italian island and its ancient resort town of Taormina. seeing an increase in inquiries and bookings. The Four Seasons Cliff San Domenico Palace – where much of the season’s tangled story took place – It was booked for months.
Nicknamed “The white lotus effect“, this phenomenon of travelers flocking to the locations of their favorite TV shows and movies is sure to carry over into season three and define Thailand’s travel and tourism trends in the coming months and years.
While Thailand has now been officially confirmed as the filming location, the exact location of The White Lotus, the series’ fictional chain of exclusive resorts that serves as the perfect backdrop for the whims of its privileged guests, remains a matter of speculation. .
The first two seasons were filmed exclusively at the Four Seasons resorts, and the most anticipated season was for the third season to take place at one of the luxury hotel chain’s properties in Thailand. While this has not been officially confirmed for contractual reasons, Bloomberg has reported That seasonal tree will be partially filmed in the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui (All sources for the article spoke on condition of anonymity.)
Interestingly, according to Bloomberg, episodes of the series will also be filmed in Phuket in Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, as well as in an as yet unnamed hotel in Bangkok. This is the first time the program will be developed across multiple properties. BBC Travel contacted both Anantara and Four Seasons for confirmation; Anantara declined to comment on the claims, while a spokesperson for Four Seasons Resorts Thailand responded: “While we have been eagerly following seasons one and two of The White Lotus, we have no information to share about the filming locations of the third season”.
anantaraThe Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui is not an unexpected choice: the five-star hotel’s private beach, large infinity pool and variety of private pool villas set in the tropical landscape will certainly suit well-heeled vacationers who enjoy luxury. . And Ko Samui’s stunning sunsets and beautiful beaches will provide the perfect backdrop for any drama that unfolds.
Anantara is a more interesting selection. This luxury hotel brand opened its first resort in Hua Hin, Thailand, in 2001 and now has more than 43 hotels and resorts in 24 countries across Asia, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East, Africa and Europe. While Anantara is very popular in Asia, the brand is less well-known in the US and UK, although the white lotus effect means that will likely change soon.
Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas are an inspired venue for the show. This luxurious beachfront resort offers an oceanfront infinity pool, a spa center, and multiple dining options, including omakase Japanese cuisine at Tree house, which is built around an ancient banyan tree. In the true spirit of the White Lotus, reflexology hand massages and rose quartz facial gua sha are offered, as well as healing with Himalayan sound baths and sunset yoga. It’s low-key luxury at its finest and we’re eager to see what Smith would do with the set if he actually does film there.
Advice
If you can’t afford Anantara’s price, just across the street from Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas is its sister brand. Avani Mai Khao Phuketoffering a range of more affordable rooms and suites.
The complex itself is secluded and private, with villas Located around a water lily covered lagoon next to Phuket’s longest beach. As you stroll along bamboo-shaded paths and through tropical gardens designed by Bill Bensley, the paths open to views of elegant gates, behind which are luxurious villas with private pools, outdoor showers, swim-in bathrooms and wine cellars. personal. In the bathrooms there is a terrazzo bathtub with capacity for two people.
Designed in the style of a southern Thai village, the jewel in the crown is the Jim Thomson’s Villaa 389 square meter giant just steps from the beach that is inspired by the legend of Jim Thompson, ancestor of the Thai silk industry.
As for the yet-unnamed Bangkok hotel, Bloomberg reports that it will be “a more authentically Thai-looking property (than the as-yet-unnamed Four Seasons).”
Whichever hotel it is, one thing is certain: Thailand will soon experience the white lotus effect. With filming starting this month, travelers who want to experience these luxury islands and resorts before the hordes arrive will need to book as soon as possible.
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