Want to take advantage of Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits, including a space available room upgrade, complimentary breakfast, a hotel credit, and more? Contact Ford ([email protected]) for more details. He may even be able to help if you already have a stay booked.
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.
When we just want to unwind and don’t want to think, we also watch 90 Day Fiancé and Love After Lockup (and we’ve started watching MILF Manor, which is… awful, but in an entreating way). TLC stands for The Learning Channel, right? 😉
Anyway, The White Lotus has an intriguing hotel connection, which I wanted to discuss a bit more in this post. Yes, everyone knows that both seasons of The White Lotus are set at Four Seasons properties, but let’s go a bit beyond the surface.
In this post:
The White Lotus was so enjoyable to watch
For those not familiar with The White Lotus, there are two seasons so far. The White Lotus is the name of a fictitious luxury hotel chain, and the show is a social satire of sorts, following ridiculously demanding (and largely miserable) guests while they’re on vacation, while also looking at some of the struggles of staff.
The White Lotus is fun to watch on so many levels:
- As a hotel geek, I just love that this all takes place in two great luxury hotels, and it’s always fun to watch the interaction between guests and staff, even if it is satire
- The travel scenery in both seasons of The White Lotus is gorgeous, in both Hawaii and Sicily
- The plot of the show has so many twists and turns, and you never really know which direction things are headed
- The show is hilarious and easy to watch, with some likable characters, and also some villains
- For better or worse, the show also leaves a lot to the imagination — I don’t want to give anything away, but you almost have more questions than answers after finishing each season
Perhaps what has impressed me most about the show is just how brilliantly the whole thing is thought out. I’d love to look into the mind of the producer, Mike White, because he most have some interesting thoughts. For example, I just finished the second season, and I’ve learned so much about the show since finishing watching it.
What makes this show a work of art is how nothing in the plot is a coincidence. There are clues in the first episode of what’s going to happen in the last episode. Heck, the credits at the beginning of the show have a lot more meaning than first meets the eye.
It’s almost like when you had a literature class in high school, and the teacher would make you analyze different passages, to try to figure out the true meaning. That’s kind of the analysis I’m going through with every aspect of The White Lotus.
Which season of The White Lotus was better?
So, which seasons is better? If you’re just starting to watch, I’d definitely start with the first season, since there’s some connection between characters of the two seasons. There are things I liked about both seasons. When I watched the first season, I thought there was no way the second season could be better. Well, it was better.
For The White Lotus season one, I loved that there was more interaction between staff and guests, so it was really sort of a hotel-centric drama, which was fun. The theme of the season was more about privilege than anything else. I think many people enjoyed watching it, but it’s probably unrelatable to most, and a full-on social satire.
Meanwhile The White Lotus season two is much deeper, and also much more relatable. It focuses on relationships in a way that just about anyone should be able to relate to. There are so many twists and turns, and there’s a lot of depth to the plot (and there’s even more depth if you Google after the fact and realize all the hints that have been dropped along the way).
Am I the only one who is now playing The White Lotus theme songs on repeat?
In what hotels was The White Lotus filmed?
As everyone who has seen the show probably knows by now, the first two seasons of The White Lotus were both filmed at Four Seasons properties:
- The White Lotus season one was filmed at the Four Seasons Maui in Hawaii; this was filmed in late 2020 during the early stages of the pandemic, when the hotel was otherwise closed to guests
- The White Lotus season two was filmed at the Four Seasons Taormina in Sicily; this was filmed in the spring of 2022, before the hotel opened for the season (since it’s a summer seasonal resort)
Having stayed at the Four Seasons Maui, I found the integration to be interesting. While the resort overall is obviously the Four Seasons, the decor featured in the rooms is very different than Four Seasons’ standard style. So specific parts of the hotel (in particular, rooms) were redecorated temporarily for the TV show. Meanwhile most of the public spaces remained unchanged.
I haven’t stayed at the Four Seasons Taormina, though I didn’t get the sense that the decor was changed that much. It must be really special to now stay at this hotel, and be able to experience where so much of the series was filmed.
Rumor has it that season three will be filmed in Asia, most likely in Japan. Since the season will allegedly have more of a spirituality theme, it seems like the Four Seasons Kyoto would be the most likely hotel to film at, assuming the trend of using Four Seasons properties continues.
Season three hasn’t been filmed yet, though, so it’s anyone’s guess how that plays out…
How does Four Seasons fit into The White Lotus?
I find the general collaboration between the show and Four Seasons to be fascinating. While it was probably a significant risk, I think it’s safe to say that this is fantastic publicity for Four Seasons. People are captivated by these resorts, and there are endless stories online about the hotels behind The White Lotus.
I also wonder how the conversations went between the production team and Four Seasons? “Hey, we want to film a TV show where miserable people are vacationing, someone might die, and hotel staff are misbehaving… would your hotel like to be featured?”
Did Four Seasons say yes because the producers were offering enough money, or did Four Seasons buy into the vision for the show, and realize it would be such good publicity? It certainly seems like quite a risk, but it definitely paid off.
I couldn’t help but think back to Crazy Rich Asians, which ended up being one of 2018’s most popular movies. Singapore Airlines isn’t featured in the movie because it allegedly turned down the opportunity, not wanting to be associated with the film. I imagine the airline ended up regretting that, as a generic airplane cabin was used instead.
Bottom line
I just finished watching both seasons of The White Lotus, which I loved more than I can describe in words, even though I don’t usually watch these kinds of shows. This is an entertaining show in general, and even better if you’re a hotel geek.
Both seasons have been filmed at Four Seasons properties, and I find the partnership to be an interesting one. While the Four Seasons name is never mentioned, this is amazing publicity for Four Seasons, as endless people consider traveling to the resorts behind The White Lotus (hopefully with better service, less drama, and a higher survival rate).
I can’t help but wonder about the overall arrangement between Four Seasons and The White Lotus, so if anyone has details or even speculation, I’d love to hear it.
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.
I loved season 2 very unexpected ending. Is there going to be a 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.
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!
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.
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 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...
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.
The connection is that HBO has a contract with Four Seasons,
That is why the show was filmed at FS locations.
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...
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.
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!
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...
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.
So is this just an Americanized version of Hotel Babylon?
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.
Loved bost seasons and in both seasons, the character I found most interesting was the hotel manager.
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.
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.
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!!!
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
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.
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.
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.
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"!
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.
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...
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."
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.
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.
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 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...
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.
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,...
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.
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.
“The gays, they are trying to kill me!”
Jennifer Coolidge is hilarious !
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.
Love this show! My season 3 setting guesses…Koh Samui, Bali or Kyoto. What do you think?
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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 1 is amazing. And season 2 is much better.
dark, darker, darkest ... eek, just could not stop watching.
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!
Season 2 I thought was much more creative and funnier albeit darker. I couldn’t finish season 1.
Seen Season 1 and loved it! Haven't started Season 2 just yet, but I'm happy to hear people like it!
The question is, where does S3 take place? Assume Asia, Bali?
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 :)
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?
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.
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.
Maybe a wedding vow renewal/second honeymoon for Albi’s parents.
Connie Britton reportedly returning for S3.
"Connie Britton reportedly returning for S3."
Hadn't thought of bringing someone back from s1!
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.
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
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…).
Season 2 is much better, with much better characters and better acting
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.
There have been rumors that Season 3 will be at the FS Kyoto.
It's beautiful, would be a great setting
I think season 2 was better ;) . So many iconic lines and moments with Jennifer Coolidge. "These are some high-end gays!"
So funny we all thought Covid protocols actually did something.
That seems…irrelevant?
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.
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.
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...
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.
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/the-white-lotus-the-four-seasons-maui
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.
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.
@ 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 3 - will be at a FS in Asia
They did reference maldives in the final episode (the 2 couples at breakfast)