### Ranking the Stunning Hotels of *The White Lotus*
After a long wait, *The White Lotus* has returned for its third season, and while the drama is captivating, we can’t stop thinking about the breathtaking hotels featured in the series. Each season, the HBO hit showcases a different luxury resort, transforming real-life Four Seasons properties into the fictional *White Lotus* hotels.
While the first two seasons took place in Maui, Hawaii, and Sicily, Italy, the third installment is set on Koh Samui, a tropical island in Thailand. These hotels are undeniably lavish, but how do they compare in terms of design? We asked a few design experts to rank the *White Lotus* hotels from least to most impressive.
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### **3. Four Seasons Maui at Wailea**
*Courtesy of Four Seasons Maui at Wailea*
The first season of *The White Lotus* introduced viewers to the stunning **Four Seasons Maui at Wailea**, a beachfront paradise in Hawaii. Guests can relax in one of the hotel’s 70 poolside cabanas or enjoy the adults-only infinity pool, where the scent of plumeria fills the air. The spa, where Jennifer Coolidge’s character indulged in multiple treatments, is another highlight.
The interiors feature a neutral color palette that aligns with the island’s natural beauty. However, some designers found the decor underwhelming.
“I find that the decor falls flat and feels a bit basic,” says designer **Taniya Nayak**. “I appreciate simplicity to highlight the view, but this design lacks texture and character.”
Designer **Lisa Henderson** agrees, noting that the property feels “more familiar” compared to the other locations. “But still, the scenery is beautiful,” she adds.
For fans of the show, the hotel is offering a *White Lotus*-themed cabana from March 14 to May 16, 2025—perfect for reliving your favorite moments from season one.
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### **2. Four Seasons Koh Samui**
*Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui*
Season three takes place at **Four Seasons Koh Samui**, a secluded paradise in Thailand. The resort’s architecture, featuring warm wood tones, open glass walls, and thatched roofs, immediately impressed designers.
“I love the relaxed feel with the warm colors, open glass walls, and pitched ceilings with grass coverings,” says Nayak. “I already feel like I’m on vacation just looking at these photos.”
The interiors continue the tropical aesthetic with woven textures and natural materials. “The slatted and thatched roofs are gorgeously executed and blend beautifully with the crisp decor,” adds designer **Barrett Oswald**.
Beyond its stunning design, the resort offers immersive experiences like cooking classes, kid-friendly Muay Thai lessons, and an infinity pool with breathtaking views of Thailand’s limestone karst formations.
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### **1. San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel**
*Courtesy of San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel*
Season two of *The White Lotus* was unforgettable, and so was its setting: **San Domenico Palace in Taormina, Sicily**. Housed in a former 14th-century convent, this hotel exudes old-world charm and Italian luxury.
“I love everything about Italy—the scenery, landscape, people, culture, and food,” says Henderson. “Every trip reveals something new to love about this beautiful country.”
The hotel features lush gardens, a world-class spa, and a stunning infinity pool overlooking the Ionian Sea. Many of its 68 rooms and 43 suites boast intricate millwork, Juliet balconies, and marble-clad bathrooms.
“It combines old-world style, classic authenticity, and breathtaking opulence,” Oswald says. “Everything from the frescoes to the light fixtures is unique and statement-making. Add in all the rich, luxe furniture, and we’re officially swooning.”
One downside? The hotel is currently listed as temporarily closed, sparking speculation that another production may be filming there. Regardless, we can’t wait for it to reopen so we can experience its magic firsthand.
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### Which *White Lotus* Hotel Would You Visit?
Each *White Lotus* hotel offers something unique, from the tropical serenity of Koh Samui to the historic elegance of Taormina. If you had the chance, which one would you book a stay at?
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Source: housebeautiful.com