Hotel employees behind the scenes of 'The White Lotus' season 3 share startling production details
Feeling the heat of celebrity drama and paparazzi swarming, the Four Seasons Koh Samui staff have been navigating a new normal since The White Lotus crew rolled into town. Traipsing intruders with bleeding feet and camera-wielding paparazzi choppers buzzing over the pristine shoreline – it's safe to say things have changed drastically for manager JJ Assi and his team.
Flowery islands and breath-taking vistas were the order of the day for The White Lotus creator Mike White, who had a keen eye for something substantial to serve as themock-luxury backdrop for his biting satire on bratty hotel guests. So, he journeyed the length and breadth of posh Indian and northern Thai hotels for an entire year to find just the right spot – then finally stumbled upon the Four Seasons Koh Samui.
With his marketing pitch poised and ready, JJ was taken aback when White stepped through the door, scrutinizing the hotel quietly before declaring, "This is it. This is it." For a seasoned resort manager like JJ, the choice was made – they were in the White Lotus game now.
But what is it like to live in this jungle-meets-opulence haven, complete with swaying palms, exotic plant life, luxurious villas, and decadent dining options? Let's take a closer look and see if this tropical paradise bears any resemblance to the chaotic and over-the-top world Mike White has crafted for the beloved series.
White Lotus fans won't fail to notice the striking similarities of the Four Seasons Koh Samui to the onscreen hotel. Palm trees poke through bedroom windows, and exotic foliage provides a lush backdrop to the resort's expansive villas, each perched on stilts over the crystal-clear blue waters. Mystical, tranquil, and infused with a palpable sense of serenity, the jungle at Four Seasons Koh Samui taps into the show's deeper themes of escapism, decadence, and the quest for the perfect vacation.
When it comes to manicured greenery and the perfect view, the design team hasn't skimped on attention to detail. Layered palms adorn the pathways, and plants are placed strategically at different heights, creating a breathtaking display of color and texture that adds an extra layer of visual enchantment to the resort.
Many have questioned whether the pampering world of the Four Seasons Koh Samui has been lovingly satirized by Mike White in The White Lotus. Fueling the speculation, the show features outrageous requests from high-maintenance guests, clashes between staff, and wildly over-the-top behavior – but JJ insists it's all part of the fun.
According to the resort manager, the creators are clear in labeling the show as satire and have done an excellent job communicating that to viewers. However, the lingering question remains: Is there a grain of truth hidden beneath the fiction's shocking surface? Could there be an element of reality lurking within the hyperbolic characters and ridiculous storylines? Only JJ and his team can say for sure.
As the sun dips below the horizon, and shadows stretch across the resort grounds, the true magic of the island unfolds. Guests can be found lounging by the pool, sipping cocktails, and soaking up the stunning vistas. It's here that the sultry, steamy scenes featuring the show's enticing cast were shot – Aimee Lou Wood, Jennifer Coolidge, and Murray Bartlett to name a few. Temptation is just a stone's throw away.
Dare to step out of your private oasis, and you'll find yourself immersed in a sensory wonderland. Delicate Thai cuisine, an exclusive Italian restaurant, and a Middle Eastern pop-up await you, all just a few short steps from your door. For those seeking a more secluded experience, the private beach offers the perfect hideaway to unwind and take in the beauty of the island.
And while the stunning island of Koh Phangan may seem just a stone's throw away, often labeled as the essence of Thai spirituality, the Four Seasons Koh Samui offers a different kind of escape – one where money, luxury, and relaxation reign supreme.
The filming of The White Lotus season 3 took place in the winter of 2024, with the cast and crew residing at the Four Seasons for a total of two months. In scenes reminiscent of the show, residence three served as Parker Posey and Jason Isaacs's family apartment, and residence nine was transformed into the living quarters of the toxic trio of school friends.
Quite remarkably, the cast was said to revel in the island's atmosphere, often mingling with guests and experiencing the allure of the resort firsthand. Off-duty hours found them taking a break at the resort's critically-acclaimed restaurants and lounging poolside, embracing the laid-back vibes of the tropical paradise.
Though the Four Seasons may seem like a perfect match for the wild cast of The White Lotus, some have questioned whether their boisterous antics could cause any tension between the hotel staff and their equally extravagant clientele. JJ remains philosophical, explaining that the guests who visit the resort are typically seeking an escape from their demanding lives – a sentiment that is echoed in the narrative of The White Lotus itself.
Even though only time will tell how the Four Seasons Koh Samui navigates the increased scrutiny and curiosity surrounding its celebration of The White Lotus, one thing is certain – this tropical paradise has no shortage of charm, luxury, and a hint of intrigue to keep visitors coming back for more.
Is the Four Seasons Koh Samui really like The White Lotus?
Well, some things are perfect. The serene jungle beauty, the delicate layers of exotic plants, the delicious on-site dining options – it's hard not to fall under the spell of this breathtaking resort. But alas, there are a few brief moments of reality to shatter the illusion. The water, while shimmering and inviting beneath the sun, isn't always the perfect swimming spot, with shallow depths and rocky coral making it difficult to enjoy. And while a myriad of daily activities are offered for the adventurous traveler, there's nothing more tempting than a cool drink, a comfy pool chair, and a glimpse into the lives of the indulgent fictional characters who once walked – and lounged – amongst you.
So, as you sink your toes into the sand and sip a refreshing cocktail, could you be the next Jennifer Coolidge basking in the bliss of the Four Seasons Koh Samui? Only time – and a few well-placed financial contributions – will tell.
Explore the real White Lotus haven:
Villas at the Four Seasons Koh Samui start from £1,184 per night for two people; fourseasons.com/kohsamui*
- The Four Seasons Koh Samui, reminiscent of the onscreen hotel from The White Lotus, showcases lush villas perched on stilts over crystal-clear waters, adorned with layers of palms and exotic foliage, offering a jungle-meets-opulence haven that echoes the themes of escapism and decadence found in the series.
- When it comes to lifestyle and entertainment, the Four Seasons Koh Samui offers enthralling experiences such as luxurious dining options, featuring delicate Thai cuisine, an Italian restaurant, and a Middle Eastern pop-up, as well as diversion in home-and-garden settings, with manicured greenery and tranquil views.
- Curious travelers can visit the Four Seasons Koh Samui, once home to The White Lotus cast and crew, embracing the same tropical paradise, exquisite nature, and opulent facilities that have been satirized in the hit show – leaving it up to the visitors to decide if a grain of reality lies beneath the fiction's shocking surface.
