What hotel was White Lotus filmed? Answer is – The HBO series “The White Lotus” used luxury hotels as the primary locations for its two seasons so far.

• Season 1: The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, located on the Hawaiian island of Maui.
• Season 2: The San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel, located in Taormina, Sicily, Italy.

What hotel was White Lotus filmed?

HBO’s critically acclaimed satire, “The White Lotus,” offers a darkly comedic peek into the lives of privileged vacationers and the often-overlooked staff who cater to them.

Created by Mike White, the series masterfully utilizes opulent resort settings as a central element, with each season unfolding within the confines of a different luxury White Lotus property.

The hotels become more than just backdrops; they function as microcosms of social disparity, flawed desires, and the sometimes-tragic consequences of unchecked privilege.

Brief overview of “The White Lotus” series

Across two seasons, “The White Lotus” has delved into themes of class conflict, generational divides, infidelity, toxic relationships, and the relentless pursuit of happiness within the context of breathtaking vacation destinations.

The show invites viewers to both laugh and cringe at the antics of its wealthy, often oblivious guests. Meanwhile, it reveals the simmering tensions and personal struggles of the resort staff, highlighting the stark contrast between the worlds they inhabit.

Season 1 took viewers to a White Lotus resort in Maui, Hawaii. A stellar ensemble cast including Murray Bartlett, Connie Britton, Jennifer Coolidge, and Alexandra Daddario, among others, delivered complex and often unflattering portrayals of their characters.

Season 2 shifted the action to Sicily, Italy, where a new group of well-heeled travelers, played by the likes of Aubrey Plaza, Theo James, and the returning Jennifer Coolidge, brought fresh layers of dysfunction to another stunning White Lotus property.

The Significance of the Hotel Locations

The choice of hotel locations in “The White Lotus” is no accident. These meticulously curated spaces embody the aspirations and anxieties of both the guests and the staff.

The resorts are portrayed as meticulously manicured bubbles of luxury, offering every conceivable indulgence and promising an escape from the realities of everyday life.

At the same time, this superficial paradise serves as a stark reminder of societal inequality. Guests arrive with their emotional baggage and personal dramas, while those who work tirelessly to maintain the facade often harbor their own unfulfilled dreams.

The hotels themselves act as silent observers, their pristine surfaces and opulent amenities reflecting the complexities and contradictions of the human experience.

The shows’ locations become catalysts for the stories that unfold, with the seemingly idyllic settings amplifying the underlying dysfunction and creating dramatic tension.

As travel writer Terry Ward puts it in an interview for Condé Nast Traveler: “The hotels have to be glamorous, yes, but they also need to function as a sort of gilded cage for the characters.”

The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

1. About the Hotel

History and reputation

Nestled on the pristine Wailea Beach in Maui, Hawaii, the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea stands as a cornerstone of luxury hospitality.

Opened in 1990, the resort has consistently garnered acclaim for its exceptional service, world-class amenities, and breathtaking oceanfront setting.

Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards frequently rank it among the top resorts in Hawaii and the world.

Amenities and features

The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea caters to its discerning clientele with a wide array of luxurious offerings, including:

Spacious Rooms and Suites: The resort features 383 rooms, including 75 suites, each designed to provide a comfortable and elegant retreat with private lanais (balconies) offering stunning views.

World-Class Dining: Guests can indulge in a variety of culinary experiences, ranging from the acclaimed Spago Maui by Wolfgang Puck to the more casual poolside fare.

Serenity Pool: This adults-only infinity pool provides a tranquil oasis with cascading waterfalls, luxurious cabanas, and spectacular ocean views.

Championship Golf Courses: Maui is a golfer’s paradise, and the Four Seasons offers access to three renowned courses nearby.

Ocean Activities: The resort embraces its beachfront location, offering water sports such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, and outrigger canoe adventures.

2. Filming at the Four Seasons

Which areas of the resort were used

“The White Lotus” took full advantage of the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea’s picturesque setting. Here are some key areas featured prominently in the show:

The Lobby: The open-air lobby, with its grand staircase and soaring ceilings, sets the tone for the opulent environment guests encounter upon arrival.

The Pools: The resort’s multiple pools, including the adults-only Serenity Pool, became focal points for guest interactions, sunbathing, and dramatic confrontations.

The Beach: Wailea Beach, with its soft sand and crystal-clear waters, served as a backdrop for characters’ contemplative walks and leisurely swims.

The Spa: The scenes portraying the luxurious spa highlight the contrast between the pampering enjoyed by guests and the behind-the-scenes stress of the staff.

Guest Rooms and Suites: The well-appointed rooms, with their tropical decor and stunning vistas, offer glimpses into the private worlds of the characters.

Impact of COVID-19 restrictions

The first season of “The White Lotus” was filmed in late 2020 under strict COVID-19 protocols. The production team essentially quarantined at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea for the duration of filming.

This unique circumstance added a layer of authenticity to the show, as the cast and crew truly inhabited the resort environment, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.

Jessica Kantor Expert Opinion

“The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea provided the ideal setting for ‘The White Lotus.’ Its combination of natural beauty, impeccable service, and expansive grounds created a microcosm that mirrored the show’s exploration of privilege, desire, and the illusions of paradise.” – Jessica Kantor, Travel Editor, AFAR Magazine.

The San Domenico Palace, Taormina

1. About the Hotel

Historical significance (former convent)

The San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel, isn’t just a luxury resort – it’s a piece of living history.

The core of the hotel dates back to a 14th-century Dominican convent. In 1896, a new wing was added, transforming it into a grand hotel that played host to European royalty, artists, and literary figures.

Today, it seamlessly blends its rich heritage with modern amenities and comforts.

Unique architecture and location

Perched on a clifftop overlooking the Ionian Sea, the San Domenico Palace boasts breathtaking views.

The hotel’s architecture reflects its storied past, with grand archways, cloistered courtyards, and antique frescoes adorning its walls.

Its location offers sweeping panoramas, including the iconic Mount Etna, an active volcano, and the ancient Greek Theatre of Taormina.

Reputation and clientele

The San Domenico Palace has a long-standing reputation as one of Europe’s finest hotels.

It attracts a sophisticated international clientele seeking a blend of historical charm, contemporary elegance, and the stunning natural beauty of Sicily.

Celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, and Oscar Wilde are among the luminaries who have graced the hotel’s guestbook over the years.

2. Filming in Sicily

Specific locations within the San Domenico Palace

“The White Lotus” beautifully showcased the San Domenico Palace’s diverse spaces, including:

• Guest Rooms and Suites: The opulent suites, adorned with Italian design touches, provide insights into the characters’ personalities and relationships.
• Restaurants and Bars: The hotel’s elegant dining venues, featuring terraces with sea views, become settings for tense encounters and clandestine meetings.
• Pool and Gardens: The picturesque pool area and the lush, flower-filled gardens offer idyllic backdrops for relaxation that is often interrupted by simmering conflicts.
• Ancient Cloisters: The historic cloisters, echoing the hotel’s monastic past, provide a sense of timeless mystery and serve as locations for quiet reflection or secret conversations.

Additional filming locations in Taormina, Noto, Palermo, and Cefalù

While the San Domenico Palace served as the primary base for Season 2, the production ventured beyond the hotel to capture the essence of Sicily:

• Taormina: The charming town of Taormina, with its ancient Greek Theatre and bustling streets, provided a backdrop for several excursions by the guests.
• Noto: This UNESCO World Heritage-listed town, renowned for its Baroque architecture, was the setting for scenes showcasing Sicilian culture and lifestyle.
• Palermo: The vibrant capital of Sicily offered a glimpse into the island’s urban heart, with its markets and historical landmarks.
• Cefalù: This picturesque coastal town, with its iconic Norman cathedral, provided a charming backdrop for character interactions.

Roberto Rizzo Expert Opinion

“The San Domenico Palace and the surrounding Sicilian towns chosen for ‘The White Lotus’ are not merely stunning locations. They become characters in their own right, reflecting the complexities, passions, and timeless beauty that are woven into the fabric of the show.” – Roberto Rizzo, Sicilian Cultural Historian.

The Role of Location in ‘The White Lotus’

In “The White Lotus,” location transcends mere background scenery. The luxurious resorts and their surroundings become integral to the narrative, serving as catalysts for the characters’ experiences and symbolic reflections of the show’s core themes.

1. Symbolism and Setting

Luxury as a backdrop for social commentary

The meticulously manicured grounds, lavish amenities, and impeccable service of the White Lotus resorts initially create the illusion of paradise.

However, this facade of perfection becomes the stage upon which the guests’ insecurities, anxieties, and social inequalities play out.

The contrast between the guests’ privileged lives and the unseen labor that maintains their comfort highlights the disparities inherent within a system built on catering to the desires of the wealthy.

Contrasts between guests and staff

The physical separation between guest areas and staff quarters further emphasizes the divide between these two worlds.

The guests indulge in leisure and self-absorption, while the staff, often from local communities, grapple with work-related pressures, financial concerns, and the frustrations of catering to demanding and sometimes disrespectful clientele.

These juxtapositions expose the often-invisible power dynamics within the tourism industry.

Paradise with a dark undercurrent

Both Hawaii and Sicily are renowned for their natural beauty and cultural richness. Yet, “The White Lotus” reveals that even the most idyllic settings can harbor underlying tensions.

Local histories, social issues, and the characters’ own personal baggage subtly disrupt the picture-perfect image, adding layers of complexity and sometimes hinting at darker consequences.

2. Tourism and the Filming Locations

Increased interest in the resorts since the show’s debut

“The White Lotus” has undeniably sparked a surge in interest for both the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea and the San Domenico Palace, Taormina.

Travel websites and publications report increased bookings and inquiries, demonstrating the power of television to influence travel choices.

Potential impact on local tourism in Hawaii and Sicily

The show’s popularity could have both positive and negative repercussions on tourism in the regions surrounding the featured resorts. Here’s a breakdown of the possibilities:

Potential Positives:

• Economic Boost: Increased visitor numbers can inject revenue into local economies, supporting businesses and creating jobs.
• Cultural Appreciation: Exposure to Hawaiian and Sicilian culture in the show might inspire visitors to learn more about and respectfully engage with local customs and traditions.

Potential Negatives:

• Overtourism: A sudden influx of tourists can strain local infrastructure, resources, and the environment.
• Displacement and Increased Costs: Popularity could drive up real estate prices and the cost of living, making it more difficult for locals to afford to reside in these areas.
• Cultural Commodification: Increased tourism can sometimes lead to oversimplification or exploitation of local culture for commercial purposes.

Dr. Marina Novelli Expert Opinion

“‘The White Lotus’ offers a double-edged sword for the destinations it portrays. While it can bring increased visibility and economic benefits, it’s crucial for local tourism industries to prioritize sustainable practices. [These should focus on things like:] preserving natural resources, respecting cultural heritage, and ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach local communities in equitable ways.” – Dr. Marina Novelli, Professor of Sustainable Tourism, University of Brighton, UK

FAQs

Can I stay at the White Lotus hotels?

Yes! Both the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea and the San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel are open to the public and welcome guests. However, be prepared for high prices – experiencing the ‘White Lotus’ lifestyle comes at a premium cost.

How much does it cost to stay at the White Lotus hotels?

Prices vary depending on the season, room type, and length of stay. Generally, you can expect to pay upwards of $1,000 per night at either location. During peak seasons or for suites, prices can exceed several thousand dollars per night. It’s worth checking the hotels’ websites for current rates and special packages.

Were any scenes filmed outside of the hotels?

Yes, especially in Season 2. While the San Domenico Palace serves as the central hub, “The White Lotus” ventures beyond the confines of the resort to enhance the sense of place. In Sicily, scenes were filmed in and around Taormina, as well as in the towns of Noto, Palermo, and Cefalù. This serves to showcase the cultural and historical richness of the island.

Are there other shows or movies filmed at these locations?

Yes, both resorts have served as backdrops for other productions throughout their history:

• Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea: Notable examples include the film “Just Go With It” (2011) starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston.
• San Domenico Palace, Taormina: This iconic hotel has a long cinematic history. Classic films like “L’Avventura” (1960) and “The Godfather Part II” (1974) include scenes filmed on its grounds.

Conclusion

The brilliance of “The White Lotus” lies in its exceptional use of location. Far more than extravagant scenery, the resorts become characters themselves, reflecting and amplifying the anxieties, desires, and social complexities at the heart of the show.

The series masterfully reveals that even in the most seemingly immaculate vacation settings, the messiness of human existence always finds a way to seep through the pristine facade.

Whether or not you can afford a stay at one of these luxurious properties, “The White Lotus” provides a fascinating lens through which to consider the dynamics of tourism, privilege, and the enduring quest for a paradise that often proves elusive.