Ever since The White Lotus graced our screens with its biting satire, lush visuals, and unforgettable cast of characters, fans (myself included), have been just as obsessed with the show’s exotic locales as its storylines.
From the tropical opulence of Hawaii to the decadence of Sicily and energy of Thailand, the show’s settings are practically characters in their own right.
As we wait for news of future seasons, we can’t help but dream about where in the world the next White Lotus might take place. We’ve broken down some of our top picks for globe-trotting destinations that feel ripe for intrigue, scandal, and a touch of existential dread, all set against breathtaking backdrops.
1. Kyoto, Japan
Picture this: a minimalist luxury ryokan nestled in the forested hills of Arashiyama. Cherry blossoms in the spring, silent tea ceremonies, unforgettable ramen dishes and ancient temples all create an air of peace—perfectly juxtaposed with guests quietly unraveling behind closed shoji screens, where tradition meets hidden tensions.
2. Cape Town, South Africa
Dramatic coastlines, wine estates, and modern art museums offer the ideal playground for a fresh cast of wealthy wanderers. With Table Mountain looming and a complex social fabric beneath the city’s polished surface, Cape Town would provide not just visual splendor, but layers of cultural commentary begging to be unraveled.
3. Buenos Aires, Argentina
A moody boutique hotel in the heart of Palermo Soho. Think rooftop pools, late-night steak dinners and whispered tango lessons. Buenos Aires drips with old world glamour simmering with tension—a perfect recipe for White Lotus chaos.
4. Istanbul, Turkey
Where ancient mosques meet modern bars, conservative customs clash with Western decadence. Istanbul is tailor-made for a story about clashing cultures, blurred lines, and guests chasing enlightenment or perhaps just another spa treatment.
5. Marrakech, Morocco
Colorful souks, opulent riads, rooftop hookahs, and vibrant flavours served in tagines. The sensory overload of Marrakech and its markets could mirror the mayhem of entitled guests looking for “authentic” experiences, potentially finding more than they bargained for.
The brilliance of The White Lotus lies in how it dissects privilege and performance within postcard-perfect destinations. Each location tells a story; not just of the characters, but of the world itself. As we dream of where Mike White and the HBO team might take us next, we can’t help but start dreaming about travel destinations for ourselves.
Where would you love to see the next season of The White Lotus head next? Drop your dream destination in the comments, or even better, go ahead and book that ticket for yourself (dramatic existential crises preferably excluded)!
Sweet dreaming,
Linnea
