Headed to a ‘White Lotus’ Destination? Here’s What Miami-Based Travelers Need to Know
Each season of The White Lotus drops its cast into a stunning resort destination, and each time, viewers race to book trips to follow in their footsteps. The wider phenomenon is known as “set jetting” — and for travelers based in South Florida, all three filming locations are within reach from Miami International Airport.
The numbers back up the frenzy. In the 90 days following the launches of the show’s first two seasons, set in Hawaii and Sicily, respectively, “Expedia saw searches for those destinations explode by more than 300% due to the ‘White Lotus’ effect,” per Forbes.
And even before Season 3 premiered, “searches for flights increased for Chiang Mai (up 65% year over year), Phuket (up 45%) and Koh Samui (up 30%), according to data from Expedia,” Forbes also found.
Season 1: Maui, Hawaii
Nearly every scene from the show’s debut was filmed at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. The resort sits on Wailea Beach, where the characters soak up the sun. MIA offers nonstop service to Maui — a draw for South Florida travelers who want to skip layovers.
Best for: Honeymooners, luxury travelers and whale watching (humpbacks migrate November to May)
Budget tip: Stay in nearby Kihei and visit Wailea beaches — they’re public access per Hawaii beach access law
Season 2: Sicily, Italy
Season 2 filmed primarily at the San Domenico Palace in Taormina, a clifftop five-star hotel with views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. Taormina is a hilltop town on Sicily’s east coast, known for its ancient Greek theater and dramatic coastline. Additional scenes were filmed in Noto, Siracusa and Palermo — all worth adding to a Sicily itinerary.
For a double set-jetting moment, visit Castello degli Schiavi, which the White Lotus characters themselves mention as the backdrop of the Italy-based scenes in The Godfather.
Best for: History lovers, food-focused travelers and couples wanting beach towns with serious culture
Best time to visit: May through June or September through October to avoid peak summer crowds and heat
Season 3: Koh Samui, Thailand
The third season is set at the Four Seasons Koh Samui, a remote, jungle-cliffside resort on Thailand’s Gulf coast, with additional scenes filmed in Phuket. Want to catch some Muay Thai? Get tickets for a fight at the Bangla Boxing Stadium, which you’ll recognize from the show. Fans of spa manager Belinda can book a treatment at the real-life setting of her wellness spa at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket.
Best for: Adventure travelers, wellness seekers and couples wanting a mix of beach and culture
Best time to visit: November through April (dry season per Condé Nast Traveler)
Tips for Miami-Based Travelers
Each season is filmed at a Four Seasons resort, but you don’t have to stay at the filming hotel. Nearby alternatives are usually significantly cheaper with access to the same beaches and towns.
Visit during shoulder season to get the scenery without surging post-White Lotus demand. Use a flight price tracker like Google Flights’ price calendar to spot the cheapest travel windows from MIA or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
Each destination rewards slower travel — plan at least five to seven nights to take it all in and enjoy.
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
