How to have a White Lotus experience in Thailand (from under $200 a night)

Thailand is bracing for an influx of tourists as the new season of The White Lotus launches with the hit show’s setting moving to the island of Koh Samui.

“I believe there was more than a 20 per cent increase in visitors to Hawaii and Sicily, based on Seasons 1 and 2,” Chompu Marusachot, director of the Thailand Tourism Authority’s New York office, told Bloomberg. “I can only hope that the momentum will be the same for Thailand.”

The White Lotus effect may have already begun, with hotels and travel agents already seeing a spike in bookings. In season three, the series uses several different resorts on the island to create the fictional hotel.

If you’re looking for a White Lotus experience of your own, try one of the below resorts, a couple of which actually feature in the series. Others will give you a touch of that exotic feeling without breaking the bank.

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui

The Bill Bensley-designed Four Seasons Koh Samui.

Yes, you will pay handsomely for the privilege of staying at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, but we’d argue that a night in paradise is worth every cent. Star landscape designer Bill Bensley’s architectural style, deft touch and “minimal intervention” ethos is visible throughout the sumptuous property, which features 60 glorious hillside villas and 11 private residence rentals. Bensley says the development was an “environmental triumph” as not a single coconut tree was felled in the process.

The White Lotus creator Mike White chose the resort as a key filming location for season three, captivated no doubt by its made-for-TV interior design, ravishing sea views, swaying trees and private infinity pools. Visitors might feel that they, too, have stepped into a fictional fantasy world.

If an overnight stay is out of the fiscal question, consider a dinner reservation at Koh Thai Kitchen & Bar. Southern Thai cuisine and local seafood is superbly presented by chef de cuisine Sumalee Khunpet.

From $US1300 ($1970) plus taxes a night, inclusive of buffet breakfast for two. See fourseasons.com

Absolute Sanctuary

Stretching out at Absolute Sanctuary.

We can absolutely see Tanya McQuoid lounging by the glam infinity pool at Absolute Sanctuary, an upscale wellness resort in the north-east of Koh Samui. Draped in a kaftan and oversized sunnies, Jennifer Coolidge’s hilariously spoiled character would lap up the sound-bowl healing, Thai massages and salt-room detox, though she might skip the advanced Pilates reformer classes.

This is the Samui escape you need for a wellness reset and excellent spa treatments at reasonable prices. There are just 38 rooms and suites at the resort, nestled on a hill overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. The architecture features Mediterranean design nods, while onsite restaurant The Love Kitchen serves Thai and international dishes made from nourishing wholefoods. No alcohol, no sugar and no red meat, but you’ll feel satiated in mind, body and spirit.

From $250 a night in a sanctuary superior room. See absolutesanctuary.com

Avani+ Samui Resort

Poolside at Avani + Samui.

Private pool villas? Check. Floating breakfast photo opp? Check. Sand-in-the-toes address? Of course.

Situated on the quiet, less-populated southern end of the island, Avani+ Samui Resort’s Phang Ka Bay location can feel almost deserted compared with the busy shopping and nightlife districts. That’s just how loyal repeat visitors of the affordable boutique 58-room resort like it.

At this chic fly-and-flop holiday retreat, guests enjoy authentic Thai dishes (don’t miss the excellent Massaman curry), private beach access, dreamy pools and a craft cocktail program. At Avani Spa, book a deeply relaxing CBD oil massage, then float back to your villa for a snooze.

For those who crave more action, shuttles to Seen Beach Club, jungle trekking, night markets and temple tours can be arranged. Long-tail boat rides to nearby islands depart directly from the resort’s sandy shore.

Rooms from $132 a night. See avanihotels.com

Holiday Inn Resort Samui Bophut Beach

A junior jungle at Holiday Inn.

For resort lovers who now have tots in tow, Holiday Inn Resort Samui Bophut Beach offers 203 large, elegant rooms and cute amenities for junior frequent flyers. At the Very Important Kids check-in desk, children can discuss their mini-bar snack preferences and browse the schedule of resort activities. Alongside healthy fruit and cereal options, the breakfast buffet’s doughnut wall is a clear winner. The children like it, too.

When parents need a time-out from family togetherness, caring Thai nannies are ready to entertain the little ones at the well-equipped Kids’ Club.

There are ample deck chairs and sun umbrellas throughout the lush gardens, making it easy for adults to find a quiet spot to chill. The 68-metre resort swimming pool overlooks the sea, while the Splash Pad water park has a dedicated kids’ pool.

The location couldn’t be more central, across the street from Bophut Beach and within easy walking distance of Fisherman’s Village night market.

Rooms from $163 a night. See ihg.com

Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort

A little luxury at Anantara.

There’s only one place to be as the sun goes down and that’s reclining with a cocktail at Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort’s beach lounge. The hotel’s privileged beachfront location on the northern side of the island means guests enjoy sunrise and sunset views, all the more so with signature cocktail and mocktail selections. It’s also one of three Anantara properties that have been used as a location for season three.

The Samui Island Iced Tea is a chill aperitif before dinner at Guilty, the resort’s signature South American restaurant. Al pastor tostadas, chile relleno and ceviche are a refreshing alternative to the local curry and stir-fries.

Though the spas, shops and restaurants of Fisherman’s Village are close by, the boutique 106-room resort has a tranquil, secluded ambience. For guests who decide not to leave the property at all, there’s a spectacular pool and a full-service spa designed by the architect, Bensley, in which to bliss out.

Rooms from $309 a night. See anantara.com

The White Lotus season three launched on February 16, 2025. In Australia, it’s available to stream on Binge.

The writer was a guest of the hotels.