The highly anticipated third season of HBO’s “The White Lotus” is set to premiere on Sunday, and fans are expected to flock to the tropical island of Koh Samui in Thailand. The show, which takes place at a different fictional luxury resort each season, has already sparked interest among travelers.
Koh Samui, an 88-square-mile gem in the Gulf of Thailand, has long charmed visitors with its pristine beaches, tranquil waters, and jungle-covered hills. With the new season’s premiere, bookings at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui have jumped 40 percent, and the resort expects demand to increase exponentially.
The show’s impact on tourism is not limited to Koh Samui; other destinations in Thailand are also benefiting from the anticipated influx of visitors. The travel industry has seen a surge in sales to Sicily after Season 2, with bookings at Four Seasons resorts in Hawaii and Sicily increasing by up to 10 times.
To cater to the growing demand for luxury experiences, businesses like American Express are offering special packages, including day passes to exclusive resorts and activities such as private tours and sunset cruises. Local businesses, like Nahm restaurant near Koh Samui’s airport, are also benefiting from the expected tourism boom.
However, not everyone is optimistic about the impact of “The White Lotus” on local communities. Jason Isaacs, one of the stars of Season 3, noted that while Koh Samui is a beautiful and complex place, it also has poverty and deprivation. The influx of tourists may bring economic benefits, but it may also exacerbate existing social issues.
Koh Samui’s residents, like carpenter Tey, are adapting to the changes brought by tourism. While they acknowledge the economic benefits that tourists bring, they also recognize the need for responsible travel practices that respect local cultures and environments. As Tey said, “They can do what they want,” but also expressed a desire to see visitors take an active role in preserving the island’s unique character.
As the tourism industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how destinations like Koh Samui balance economic growth with social responsibility. With its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Koh Samui is poised to become a top destination for luxury travelers.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/12/travel/white-lotus-thailand.html