I realize I’m way behind the times here, but I just finished watching both seasons of The White Lotus. Ford and I don’t really watch fiction. We primarily watch non-fiction crime shows — at this point I feel like I know as much about murder as I do about frequent flyer programs.
Continue reading: The White Lotus & Four Seasons: What’s The Connection?
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Four Seasons Maui was filmed during the Covid-19 shutdown (hotel was otherwise closed) and the Four Seasons Taormina was filmed during the winter shutdown from November to March.
There's a lot written about the filming of the first season in Maui. Yes - they took over the whole hotel during covid and all the filming was done there. Google it and you'll find lots of information out there about the filming.
The second season is better, and the opening music in the second season is WAY BETTER as well.
And yes, they took over the entire Four Seasons Taormina for 2-3 months about a year ago for the filming.
@ Bryan -- Awesome, thanks for clarifying that! Let me update the post to reflect that, because I'm sure many others have similar questions, so I can save them some time.
Season 1 was filmed while FS Maui was closed during COVID. There's a very funny interview you can watch/read that Alexandra Daddario gave where she talks about it and how they all had to quarantine for 2 weeks and there were hardly any staff since it was closed, and they felt so badly for the existing staff since they were quite overworked.
Season 2 was filmed during their seasonal closure. It's a new hotel for FS, so it was fantastic exposure for them. In reality, the beach shots are not close to FS, so it's funny to see how they make it look like a seamless stroll from the hotel to the beach.
Supposedly season 3 will be somewhere in Thailand and focus on religion (season 1 - exorbitant wealth, season 2 - sex).
I'm sure FS makes quite a bit of money on it, and it utilizes those closures very well.
My understanding is that the entire conceit of the show was to create a show that could film entirely in a contained location so Covid protocols could be followed during the shutdown. The Four Seasons Maui was shut anyway, so production could take over the hotel.
For season two, they filmed in the off season pretending it was summer. They also venture quite a bit more to sites away from the hotel since Covid protocols weren’t a barrier.
Filming at FS Taormina extended into April 2022, when the hotel was due to be open for the season. While in the low season, some guests had their bookings cancelled and FS ended up comping some customers stays at Belmond due to the buyout of the property.
I think season 2 was better 😉 . So many iconic lines and moments with Jennifer Coolidge. "These are some high-end gays!"
Love the show; I think season 2 was even better than the first. Season 1 is focused on privilege, where season 2 is more about relationships. Rumor has it season 3 will be focused on spirituality and based in Asia (hopefully somewhere less mainstream than Bali or Thailand…).
Absolutely, season 1 is trash after watching season 2. 2 is infinitely better, just wished they played the theme music more in season 2 as they never really used it in s2. Cant wait for s3 and hope they bring back one or two characters to loosely tie into the new season like either Greg or Portia.
thanks for catching up with the rest of us ben! Re your liking the music, it's also being used by various artists/groups at concerts and clubs https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2022/dec/15/such-a-joyous-moment-the-white-lotus-theme-becomes-a-dancefloor-hit-at-clubs-and-festivals
Started with season 2 and then watched Season 1 on Singapore Airlines in the last few weeks. Loooved it and that theme song esp. the uptempo from Season 2 is so catchy.
Yea, season 2 is much better than 1.
Season 2 > Season 1
Will be interesting to see who is the hold over character(s) for s3.
Someone in the DiGrasso family? Or one of the two couples?
Season 2 is definitely better. I'm headed to Maui in 10 days and we are stain in Wailea. I'm staying in the Palms condos right next door to the Four Seasons and definitely planning to go over for a drink. Without White Lotus I may not but it's a must for me now 🙂
Seen Season 1 and loved it! Haven't started Season 2 just yet, but I'm happy to hear people like it!
Season 2 I thought was much more creative and funnier albeit darker. I couldn’t finish season 1.
I would hope for someone in the DiGrasso family or Portia/Greg. The two couples story line has played out not much if anything more they can offer. Portia goes to Greg asking for money or goes to the police so i definitely think that's a story line you can write in for s3.
Clearly I’m in the minority, but I thought S1 was better! But I’ve still got two episodes left to watch of S2, so maybe I’ll change my mind!
The only holdover for Season 3 should be Dominic Di Grasso rekindling his relationship with wife, Laura Dern's voice on the phone.
I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't seen Season 2 by giving my reasons why the others characters shouldn't continue.
"Connie Britton reportedly returning for S3."
Hadn't thought of bringing someone back from s1!
Enjoyed both seasons thoroughly. I don’t think much about Season 1 after the fact. I still think about some of the Season 2 characters.
Season 2!!! Ford booked us at the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace Taormina in summer 2021, right after it opened…. Loved it. Was so excited to hear it was the setting for season 2.
Mike White, writer and producer of White Lotus, also directed and wrote the movie “Brad’s Status” which is one of my favorites. He seems to to have knowledge and understanding of the travel business, as there’s a great scene in Brad’s Status when Brad, played by Ben Stiller, try’s to upgrade himself and his son to first class. Recommend this movie if you enjoy White Lotus.
sadly most domestic four seasons don’t even come close to offering the atmosphere, style or service that even remotely comes close to anything resembling a white lotus. particularly painful is the newish four seasons new orleans, which should win top prize for the “how can this possibly be a four seasons” due its abysmally inadequate management.
They made S1 without knowing that it will be such a big hit. Obviously budget for S2 is much higher, better acting, more scenery off sites, better editing team etc.
So S2 much much better than S1
Love this show! My season 3 setting guesses…Koh Samui, Bali or Kyoto. What do you think?
To each his own, but I couldn't get into this show. Given all the great reviews I was excited to watch, and after several episodes, I stopped watching the first season. Gave it another shot with S2, and stopped watching after a few episodes again.
I don't know... The stakes are so low. In S1, everyone is rich, in reasonably stable relationships, and, okay, they're miserable, but it's the general ennui of bored rich people, not the misery of facing real challenges. I'm not saying rich people's problems can't be the focus of good drama, but these folks just didn't do it for me. What exactly is their great conflict (inner or outer)? What character really changes?
What's more, none of the characters really stood out. None were entirely loathsome, but neither were any of them really sympathetic. I didn't really care what happens to them knowing that after this week at the hotel, they're going to go on with their pampered lives none the better (or worse). Even the teaser that one of them would be leaving in a body bag couldn't get me to slog through the rest of it to find out who it was.
I watched a few of S2 episodes and it was mildly more interesting, but again, I didn't see anything earth shattering about the relationships on display. I realize not every show has to be about saving the universe or jumping from an exploding volcano, but what exactly am I gaining by watching these characters? They're not even entertaining. The best word to describe all of them, despite their riches, their physical beauty, and the spectacular surroundings is... dull. Spending 10 hours of my life watching dull people go about their dull lives dealing with dull non-drama, coming out of it none the wiser, isn't really my idea of entertainment.
Now, if you want non-fiction crime drama, you should watch We Own This City, by David Simon, the creator of The Wire (bar none the best series ever crafted in the history of television (yes, I will fight you on this! 🙂 ). It's about the real-life corruption of the Baltimore City Police force and the struggles of running an effective police force in modern American cities. It is absolutely phenomenal. And far more deserving of your time than a series that epitomizes first world naval gazing.
I am not sure it helps the Four Seasons brand to be associated with this show. While the writing is brilliant and both seasons devine (love Mrs Stifler), I believe the toxic representation of the inner workings of the properties to be concerning. Does a 5 star brand want to be associated with 1 star employees?
I actually liked Season 2 better! Although I thought it was less about the hotel and staff than Season 1. The scenery is spectacular. The show is weird, but I couldn't stop watching.
One reason they did this was the timing so it was not interrupting their normal operations. I don't think as many people know that it was done at the Four Seasons as you think. It's not like there is a huge notice in the credits or a huge point out of it, so I don't think the Four Seasons got as much notice for it as you think. I preferred season two in many ways.
It is my understanding that the deal for season one (FS Maui) was struck with the property owners (MSD) while the hotel was closed, and that FS was less involved in that decision than you might expect (hence redecorating the rooms, etc.). After seeing its success and the press it brought the property, FS helped orchestrate season two.
If you look at rates, FS Taormina is seeing approx. +220% rate growth between last year and this year. Sure, part of that is the newly opened property "stabilizing," but that type of rate growth over a year is virtually unheard of, were it not for the exceptional press this gave it. Same way that Amanigiri saw similar rate growth (north of 200%) once Kanye West tweeted "we need to aman giri [sic] the world."
he sure does, he was a contestant in the Amazing Race. Youtube "Mike White funniest moments amazing race" and youll thank me later, guy is hilarious
I thought Season 1 was better, but season 2 was iconic with Jen Coolidge being back.
Rumour has it S3 will be in Japan or at least somewhere in Asia.
Season 2 is spectacular tv. Probably top 5 for me in past 20 years. For a great review of the show, listen to the Bret Easton Ellis podcast S6E32 ""Sitting thru the End Credits" released Jan 2nd.
I was in Taormina & Sicily for over a week a few years ago. It's a stunning area. We had drinks at the Belmond.
I particularly enjoyed the hotel customer status talk with Tanya in the first episode about being a "Petal"!
Granted, the first one or two episodes of S2 were a bit slow, but by E3 I was hooked. It's way more intriguing than S1.
Loved both seasons. As anyone who has stayed at the Four Seasons Maui will know, the "sunrise" scenes in season 1 were clearly filmed during sunset as the Wailea Beach faces west.
How much of WL contains aspects of creator / writer / showrunner Mike White’s life? Clearly some aspects of the show are based on threads of his own experience. Odd not to see his name mentioned once in this blog post.
I think most people understand that it is fiction and can separate reality from what's depicted on the show. Plus, the show does a good job making both properties appear stunning, although that's not difficult given the locations they chose. As others have mentioned in the comments, rates at these hotels have gone up a lot, particularly the FS Taormina, and I'm not surprised--Taormina is really a stunning place to visit, and I'm glad I went last May because I imagine it's going to be even more popular than it already was.
White Lotus is in the murder/crime/suspense/ thriller genre which doesn't appeal to me. I've never understood the fascination of watching these types of shows but I realize they are immensely popular with certain people. I watched several episodes (under duress from a friend I was staying with) and it confirmed to me that I'm not into this genre.
I went to Maui for the first time a year ago. When I watched season 1 a few months later I immediately recognized the exterior of hotel and the beach in front as the Four Seasons. Regrettably, my actual lodging was more downscale. Although I think I am more of a Foodland Poke and beer kind of girl than $24 cocktail at the hotel bar.
Stayed at the FS Taormina this summer, and is as gorgeous as in the show
Lovely to follow having stayed there. Only one episode left to watch
Four Seasons gets publicity anyways as folks will look up where White Lotus was filmed.
We stayed at this property and absolutely loved everything about it!!!
Much in the way CAST AWAY was a huge risk for FedEx (plane crash) - it was turned down initially by UPS, and DHL for that very reason - I imagine someone at the top echelons of Four Seasons recognised that any publicity in fiction is good publicity - it’s a free marketing campaign for them, especially in this world where now a quick google search will reveal the locations.
Also - just to note - the theme of Season 1 was MONEY, the theme of Season 2 was SEX, and (as per murmurs in the industry), Season 3 will be set in Southeast Asia, and will be about SPIRITUALITY, EASTERN RELIGION, and DEATH. Daphne said in the finale, “Next season, The Maldives?” Although other speculations include Four Season Kyoto, Bali, Thailand, India, Singapore… the list goes on with any place in Asia where Four Seasons has a resort.
Loved bost seasons and in both seasons, the character I found most interesting was the hotel manager.
Through sheer luck, we booked FS Taormina right when rooms were released for 2023; rates were surprisingly reasonable. Within a week, there were nothing but 5000€/night specialty suites left. I think the property underestimated impact the show would have on demand.
Four Seasons would rather make money than lose money for season 1, since filming was during he pandemic. Also, the hotel would keep some staff on board to run things. Consider all the camera, crews, etc. it took to shoot 8 episodes - I'm sure they were on-site for a few months. Sets, catering, extras, etc. Four Seasons was smart when this fell into their lap.
Season 2 is more of a thriller, you get that sense early on that something's not quite right.
Season 1 had it's very intense and funny moments, but overall I found it to be disappointing except for the son who had the best time of anyone. While Jennifer Coolidge is always good, her stint on Season 1 was not my favorite. Season 2 however, was so much better.
The "frenemies" (daughter and best friend) in Season 1 were exhausting and manipulative.
Parents: if you think the kids aren't going to like HI, then don't take them, go yourself and leave them with the grandparents for a week. Give yourself a break both with the wallet and your sanity to get away from them for a while. Season 2, the college age son was good. Yeah, you gotta learn sometimes.
The show was clever, with some funny moments, but it is the same old Hollywood formula: the gays are the wackos or villains, disposable characters that deserve to die in the end. It happened in both seasons! There’s an endless list of shows and films with the same premise. I found an article from 2013 where this was already noticed:
https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/jun/11/gay-characters-hollywood-films
So, yes, more of the same!
The connection is that HBO has a contract with Four Seasons,
That is why the show was filmed at FS locations.
I recall listening to an interview with Mike White, the writer/director, who explained that he was touring several hotel sites in Europe before selecting Sicily. And that Sicily wasn't even expected to be the location until he arrived to the hotel and realized how he could incorporate other locations into the story. I guess he rewrote the entire show once he arrived in Sicily. So I'm not sure he was focussed solely on FS properties for Season 2 or will be for Season 3. I think the setting and storyline has more influence. It may just be a coincidence that both properties have been FS.
Nice review, thank you. I am in Thailand right now, friends here spotted Mike White a few days ago at Four Seasons Ko Samui. Coincidence? Hoping Season 3 will be filled there, a great hotel.
I found it interesting how in season 2 (and as I recall, season 1 as well), that all the characters ate every meal in the hotel restaurant. They even had a car in season 2, and yet still chose to eat on property. It's not like this was the Maldives where they are trapped on an island.
This is not true. First of all - Four Seasons is a management company and they don't own these properties. Michael Dell owns the FS Maui and an Italian company owns the Four Seasons Taormina (as well as the Florence and soon to be Venice locations). They can facilitate the agreements but it's up to individual owners to consent to filming.
Second, as another poster notes, Mike White and the location scouts looked at numerous properties in Europe. They chose FS Taormina in part due to the property itself and in part due to the fact that it was one of the only large luxury properties they found that would allow more principal filming to occur on location. So it's part coincidence that they were both FS properties.
Spirituality and Asia. Hard for the choice to not come down to India, Thailand, or Bali if you ask me. Can't wait for season 3!
The key point is when they filmed. They filmed at not popular times for the hotel to be busy or when the hotel was going under renovation anyway, so it did not get in the way of the hotel's normal activity. I think the general plot and characters/actors had also a role in whether the Four Seasons agreed to it. I also think unless you looked carefully it was not as noticeable as it could have been that it is a Four Seasons.
Four seasons bought a stake in the white lotus franchise or whatever you want to call it. Thus receiving income from the show plus incredible publicity. So you can also assume that season 3 will find place in another four seasons hotel.