What It’s Really Like To Stay At One Of The White Lotus Hotels In Thailand

As things in Season 3 of The White Lotus start heating up, one writer reflects on her time staying at one of the key filming locations in Thailand.

By CLEMENTINA JACKSON

Published: March 26, 2025

This Is What It’s Really Like To Stay At One Of The IRL White Lotus Hotels In Thailand — Photo: Courtesy of Anantara

The characters of hit TV show The White Lotus might not have the best taste in romantic partners, friends, or extracurricular activities, but one thing that cannot be faulted is their taste in hotels. Murders and scandal aside, their chosen holiday destinations are invariably idyllic and luxurious. In Season 1, it was Hawaii’s Four Seasons Resort Maui; Season 2 saw the guests descend on the stunning San Domenico Palace in Taormina, Sicily, while the current season is set between multiple hotels in Thailand.

The main backdrop for Season 3 might be the Four Seasons Resort on the island of Koh Samui, but Mike White is known for his fastidious attention to detail—and so to achieve the exact vibe, aesthetic and scenery he wanted, he chose to film in a number of glitzy locations. Chief among them? Anantara’s Bophut and Lawana properties on Koh Samui, and Anantara Mai Khao villas in Phuket.

I was fortunate enough to stay in the latter hotel earlier this year, just before the series’ much-anticipated release—and the excitement in the air was palpable. Thailand has been dubbed the must-visit holiday destination of 2025 thanks in large part to the show, with searches and bookings for the Southeast Asian country’s biggest hotspots spiking significantly since the Season 3 location was revealed. Already in January, I was one of a vast number of tourists in town hoping to get a glimpse of The White Lotus lifestyle before the crowds descended, as well as a few hints as to what the new season might entail.

I regret to announce that, for all my not-so-subtle prying, I failed to extract even a peep out of the staff at Anantara Mai Khao Villas. They are every bit as discreet and professional as their on-screen counterparts, if not more so. What I did learn, however, is exactly why Mike White chose this resort as one of the key locations for his show—and what it’s really like to travel White Lotus-style.

Fans may be drawn to the show for its seedy characters, unexpected plot twists, dark, dangerous undertones, and inevitable deathly denouement, but it goes without saying that all of these were decidedly absent during my time at Anantara Mai Khao Villas. Indeed, my experience was precisely what The White Lotus’ characters would have sought when booking their stay: A resort set within a staggeringly beautiful location, entirely detached from life’s stresses, that offers the height of luxury, and is delightfully drama-free.

Set on a pristine stretch of beach in Phuket’s quiet, nature-filled north, Anantara Mai Khao Villas feels a world away from the hectic hustle, bustle and partying for which the island is renowned—and is just as private and secluded as a high-end clientele would hope for. Forget simple rooms: Here, guests reside in villas, complete with their own pool, sun deck, sunken tub, walk-in wardrobe and rustic-chic interiors. Indeed, one of these was the setting for Belinda’s accommodation, albeit with the aforementioned, five-star bells and whistles cleverly hidden.

The reality is more akin to the levels of luxury inhabited by Rick, Chelsea and the Ratliffs—and there is some solace in the thought that if Belinda does meet her untimely end here, it would be a pretty good place to go

Tempting as it may be to while away an entire holiday in one’s villa, however, there is much to draw you beyond its walls. Besides the fact that it is slap-bang in the middle of a nature reserve—and has all the tropical bird species, lush greenery, pristine sands and surrounding National Park to prove it—Anantara’s Mai Khao property boasts one of the most impressive spas in Thailand.

Little wonder it was chosen as The White Lotus’ own wellness sanctuary, with its suitably scenic collection of wooden pavilions and zen-like treatment rooms surrounded by lily-padded lagoons and real-life blooming lotus flowers. The treatments offered here blend traditional Thai expertise with cutting-edge techniques and indulgent products for the ultimate in mind-body renewal and relaxation—no Lorazepam needed.

When they’re not blissing out in the spa, guests congregate around the resort’s large and buzzy pool area, where everything from sun cream and scented hand towels to ice-cold cocktails is whisked between sun beds on silver platters. The people-watching here is next-level and heavily White Lotus-coded: Think well-to-do hippie types, doe-eyed honeymooners, multi-generation families and a smattering of flashy nouveau riche, much like the on-screen gang itself.

And for the fashion-minded, all the designer resortwear, beach bags, big-brand jewellery and luxury watches on show make for an afternoon’s entertainment alone.

For me, however, the jewel in this resort’s crown — that was, disappointingly, nowhere to be seen in the show — was the food. Aside from potential spoilers, Thailand’s cuisine was a big part of my reason for travelling there in the first place, and at Anantara Mai Khao Villas, certainly didn’t disappoint. Days began with the sound of coconuts being hacked down from the trees just outside my villa, to be transformed into the freshest possible morning drink.

The breakfast selection was astounding and comprised all the usual suspects alongside an alluringly fragrant selection of traditional curries, soups, and Thai twists on classics. (I’d recommend sitting out on the deck if you want to spot the resort’s resident monitor lizard—as seen in Episode 1—on its morning patrols.)

For lunch, it was fresh fish cooked on the open-fire barbecue and tasty salads at Sea.Fire.Salt, before settling in for a feast of local specialties (and a fair few Pad Thais) at La Sala restaurant, before heading for nightcaps at the just-opened Bua Bar. The highlight, though, was undoubtedly the resort’s signature ‘Designer Dining’ experience: A private table set up on the beach just in time to catch the sunset, complete with a private waiter, music, flickering candles, and a bespoke menu.

I opted for the lotus-themed option, naturally, and discovered that not only is the flower a symbol of spiritual enlightenment and rebirth in Thailand, but incredibly delicious to eat, too. This got me thinking: Was this the staff’s subtle way of finally providing me with a hint at what the show has in store for this season? Only time will tell…

This article was first seen on ELLE UK.