As Carrie Coon’s character checks in at the White Lotus for the first time, she swings open the large French doors, revealing a breathtaking view over the Gulf of Thailand. It’s just the kind of stunning backdrop viewers of The White Lotus season three (currently airing on Max) have come to expect. The Four Seasons Koh Samui serves as the main location for this season, providing an indulgent and luxurious experience, while also retaining elements that playfully remind audiences of the show's intricate plot around wealth, privilege, and the social dynamics between tourists and locals.
This past March, I had the opportunity to explore the Four Seasons Koh Samui firsthand. The resort is nestled on a hillside overlooking a pristine beach, surrounded by lush palm trees and a view that stretches out over the turquoise waters. While the show features monkeys that watch from the trees, the reality is that these creatures are not present on the island. However, the property does include playful monkey statues, crafted by renowned architect Bill Bensley, who designed the resort which opened in 2007.
“Mike White, the creator, chose our resort because he wanted to depict ultrahigh-net-worth individuals traveling in an ultraluxury environment,” said JJ Assi, the resort’s general manager. It's this same clientele that the resort caters to with its suites costing between $2,000 to $15,000 per night, depending on the season, including both 60 one-bedroom villas and 15 multi-bedroom residences.
The experience during my stay was nothing short of luxurious. I was assigned a butler named Jah, whose service was impeccable throughout my visit. She was always just a message away via WhatsApp, offering assistance, cleaning up my suite, and even preparing coffee as soon as I returned from early morning gym sessions. My villa, Residence Nine—a sprawling 12,572-square-foot sanctuary—was filled with elegant Thai design elements and offered views that made every moment feel like I was living a scene from a film.
Upon entry into my suite, I was greeted with a stunning decor scheme that coalesces modern luxury with traditional Thai influences. The residence boasted a large infinity pool that seemed to merge with the ocean. Each room had floor-to-ceiling windows designed to maximize the amazing views surrounding me the entire time I stayed.
“It’s perfect, I have my own pool,” I remember admiring the private amenities that echoed a slice of the luxurious lifestyle portrayed in the show.
The resort’s design follows feng shui principles, creating a harmonious environment that feels both calming and invigorating. After an exhausting flight from New York City, the atmosphere washed away my anxiety. I found comfort in every corner: from the scent of jasmine in the air to the impeccably kept grounds—everything added to a blissful environment.
Wellness is a big part of the Thai experience, and the Four Seasons Koh Samui continues this theme. Guests can partake in yoga sessions, Muay Thai lessons taught by local champions, and various spa treatments available at the resort's luxurious Secret Garden spa, designed to replicate the stunning outdoor setting. I indulged in the Siam Fusion treatment, a hybrid of relaxation and traditional Thai massage.
Dining while at the resort was equally ethereal. The Koh Thai Restaurant offers an extensive breakfast buffet that is a feast for both eyes and stomach. From pad thai done right to other traditional dishes, every morning felt like a culinary adventure. Evenings transformed the resort into vibrant social mingling spots where guests could delve into local seafood and global cuisine at the weekly Fisherman's Night on the beach, unaware of the characters' tumultuous relationships from the show that inspired this experience.
The show’s impact on tourism here is undeniable; around the premiere of season three, the resort website's traffic surged by 596% compared to the previous year. Guests were keen to share in the White Lotus experience, seeking photographs at designated spots and reliving moments as seen on screen. “We can see the bookings are coming up at a much faster pace,” Assi noted, explaining the increasing interest with personalized itineraries to accommodate high-profile guests arriving by private jets.
As I enjoyed the show themed cocktails at the White Lotus Bar—adorned with logos directly from the set—I couldn’t help but feel a sense of immersion into this lavish lifestyle. Guests gossiping by the pool, seemingly living their dream vacation much like the characters on screen, epitomized the surreal allure of these luxurious resorts.
In the end, spending time at the Four Seasons Koh Samui feels like a delicious escape from reality, tapping into the glamorous, yet often harsh, themes displayed in The White Lotus. While the show depicts the paths traveled by its characters toward conflict and realization beneath the opulence, my experience highlighted the beauty and tranquility of true luxury, untouched by drama, nestled far above the pressures of daily life.
