The White Lotus is a popular HBO series that combines black comedy with drama. The story revolves around the lives of guests and staff at a fictional luxury resort called The White Lotus. As each day passes, the dark secrets of the seemingly perfect guests and the friendly staff begin to surface, and there is certainly more than meets the eye. The show is known for its deep dive into social issues, human behavior, and hidden dysfunctions.
Originally, The White Lotus was supposed to be a six-episode limited series. It first aired on July 11, 2021, and quickly became a hit thanks to its unique storytelling, detailed character development, and corresponding filming location. Due to its success, HBO decided to turn it into an anthology series. The second season was released on October 30, 2022, and the third season is planned for 2025.
The White Lotus filming locations explored
Season 1: Filming Locations in Hawaii
The first season of The White Lotus is set in a stunning Hawaiian resort, highlighting the interactions of wealthy guests who come to enjoy a luxurious holiday. However, the hidden truths and dark secrets start to affect both the guests and the resort staff.
Filming at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Hawaii
The first season was filmed at the Four Seasons Resort Maui in Hawaii. This resort is known for its beautiful beach views and tropical atmosphere. It features 380 guest rooms, three restaurants, three swimming pools, a luxury spa, and an art museum.
The production designer, Laura Fox, redesigned some rooms for the show. The Palm Suite, where Shane (Jake Lacy) and Rachel (Alexandra Daddario) stayed, is the Elite Oceanfront Suite. This room was redesigned with vintage green colors, velvet, and unique lighting for the show.
The Pineapple Suite scenes were filmed in the Lokelani Presidential Suite. This spacious suite has three bedrooms and was decorated with yellow, green, and brown colors. Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge) stayed in the Hibiscus Suite, which is the Oceanfront Prime Suite. The Mossbacher family’s Tradewinds Suite scenes were filmed in the Maile Three-Bedroom Presidential Suite.
The beach scenes were shot at Wailea, close to the resort. Most pool scenes were filmed at the Serenity Pool, while the scuba diving lesson with Quinn and his father was filmed at the Fountain Pool.
Season 2: San Domenico Palace, Taormina, Sicily
Season 2 moved to Sicily, Italy, and the main location was the San Domenico Palace in Taormina. This Four Seasons property was once a 14th-century convent with breathtaking views of Sicily's east coast, the Ionian Sea, and Mount Etna. The hotel is known for its old architecture and Michelin-star dining.
The San Domenico Palace has 111 rooms and suites, some with private pools and terraces. The picturesque gardens and infinity pool were used in several scenes. Four Seasons bought the hotel in 2020 and renovated it extensively. Despite the changes, it still maintains its historical charm.
Castello degli Schiavi, Fiumefreddo
This historic villa was used for a scene with the Di Grasso family. The villa has a 1700s theme with Baroque architecture. It is also famous for its appearance in The Godfather movies.
Noto
The crew also filmed in Noto, a town known for its 18th-century architecture. Harper (Aubrey Plaza) and Daphne (Meghann Fahy) took a day trip here. They explored the limestone piazza, Palazzo Ducezio, and the cathedral on Corso Vittorio Emanuele.
Cefalu
Another scenic town, Cefalu, was chosen for some scenes. The town is known for its medieval streets and beautiful beaches. The opening scene, featuring Daphne talking to tourists, was filmed here instead of Spiaggia di Isola Bella.
Palermo
The capital city of Sicily, Palermo, was also a filming spot. Famous for its historic center and Piazza Marina, the city provided many great locations. Shopping scenes with Daphne and Cameron (Theo James) were filmed here. Portia and Jack also wandered through Palermo's old streets.
Season 3: Four Seasons Koh Samui and Anantara Mai Khao Villas, Thailand
Season 3 is set in Thailand. Filming took place at two luxurious resorts. One of them was the Four Seasons Koh Samui, located on a private peninsula. This resort has private hillside villas, each with its own pool. The setting is tropical, with views of the Gulf of Thailand.
The other location was Anantara Mai Khao Villas in Phuket. The villas here are designed in a traditional Thai style. They are surrounded by a beautiful lagoon, a national park, and a golden beach. The natural beauty of these locations added a fresh, new look to the series.
