SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 27, 2025 - While backpackers and shoestring travelers continue to explore the world with guidebooks in hand (or e-books on devices; it’s 2025, after all), there’s a luxurious realm of travel that never fails to fascinate. The new (third) season of The White Lotus, which is set at an opulent resort on the Thai island of Ko Samui, has escalated such curiosity globally. Consider me curious no more! Ladies and gents, I am pleased to report that I did in fact find this season's grandeur and mystique at some of the very resorts on Ko Samui and Phuket where the series was filmed.
I could have visited Thailand’s gorgeous islands, spending sublime days tracking down the best food, lounging on amazing beaches, hiking through forests and touring its temples, DIY-style and on a budget. But I wanted to know if I could unlock the elevated yet still authentically Thai vibe depicted in the show – only without the dark drama and, um, homicide.
The third season’s storyline may still be shrouded in mystery, but one thing’s for certain: the lovely lotus flowers, serene spas and ritzy resorts that grace our screens very much exist in real life. Here’s how I found them, and where.
Getting There: Navigating Thailand's Airports
Getting there: Ko Samui’s airport is owned by Bangkok Airlines, which operates most flights connecting the island with Thailand’s major cities, Phuket, Singapore, Hong Kong and other destinations. More airlines serve Phuket, with direct flights from across Asia, the Middle East and Europe. I stayed one night in Bangkok (after a business-class journey on Cathay Pacific Airways – getting into character, of course) before continuing on to Ko Samui.
If you’re traveling between multiple destinations in Thailand, book your domestic flights as soon as possible. The Ko Samui airport (one of the most adorable I’ve visited) is tiny and can accommodate only so many flights per day.
Where to Stay: Unveiling the "White Lotus" Resorts
Where to stay: While the Four Seasons is the official resort partner of The White Lotus, another hotel brand played a large role in the show’s filming: Thai-born and -bred Anantara Hotels & Resorts. Anantara properties are known for their top-tier spas – which tracks with the reappearance this season of Belinda, the spa manager from the show’s Maui-set first season. Three resorts figure in this new Thailand season: Bophut Koh Samui, Lawana Koh Samui and Mai Khao Phuket Villas. I checked into all three to soak up the full White Lotus experience.
Transportation: Getting Around in Style
Getting around: Traveling in style means private hotel transfers can guide you to and from airports and on excursions beyond resort properties. Or download the Grab app, which is Thailand’s Uber equivalent. For full-on independence, rent a car or motorbike to take to the road yourself.
Packing Essentials: What to Bring for Your Thai Getaway
What to pack: Clothes so thin you can easily ball them up in your hand. Seriously, the humidity levels here don’t mess around. And neither does the sun – so pack plenty of SPF, a swimsuit and a hat (and don’t forget deodorant). If you plan to visit any temples, dress modestly, covering your legs and shoulders. Buy a bottle of mosquito repellent as soon as you arrive.
Anantara's Exclusive "White Lotus" Experience
If you prefer to leave the planning to someone else, Anantara offers its own package to visit all three properties featured in the show. If you’d like to customize your trip or are simply curious about the vibes of each property, keep reading.
Embracing the Luxury and Relaxation
Perhaps the most crucial element of this itinerary is what I’ve left out: everything that comes in between. When you’re on vacation, soaking up sunshine while pool or oceanside is a given – and there’s no better relaxation than at a luxury beach resort.
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