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4 Seasons’ spokespeople stay, predictably, tight-lipped–which solely retains the gossip going. The collection’ crew of location scouts has reportedly been sighted in resorts from Krabi to Chiang Mai, and whereas none have launched statements that point out a attainable function within the upcoming season, some have inadvertently dropped (attainable) hints. Beneath are a number of contenders, some picked up by way of the grapevine, others spun from pure fantasy and a pinch of wishful pondering.
If something, think about it an itinerary in your personal White Lotus-worthy journey across the Land of Smiles.
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Amanpuri, Phuket
Just a little web sleuthing reveals that Amanpuri, the Phuket seaside resort that rang in a brand new period for ultra-luxe hospitality when it opened in 1988, has blocked reservations for its $900-a-night pavilions and multi-bedroomed villas from June by way of August this 12 months. The upkeep closure in June is an annual affair, however on condition that Mike White himself was spotted at The Surin subsequent door final January, this 12 months’s three-month hiatus appears fishy. Aman’s public relations division declined to remark, nevertheless it’s not exhausting to think about the likes of Tanya McQuoid, performed by Jennifer Coolidge, prancing across the resort’s large, black-tiled swimming pool in a breezy solar gown. And with villas that includes as much as 9 bedrooms every, this hush-hush haven delivers house and privateness in spades.
Rayavadee, Krabi
Likelihood is that you’ve got already seen Rayavadee‘s signature restaurant, as this cave-like eating room with toes-in-the-sand tables below an historical limestone cliff has been featured on journal pages and Instagram feeds the world over. Rumors of the The White Lotus‘ location scouts snooping across the property have swirled round Thailand’s hospitality circles for months (and have been confirmed by Rayavadee’s PR consultant). It is easy to image cinematic magic within the resort’s setting between coconut groves and luxurious jungle: there are swaying palms, pristine seashores, and potential for jaw-dropping aerial pictures of the karst formations jutting out from the azure-hued Andaman Sea on the horizon.
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand’s cacophonous capital, is the start line for many journeys across the nation. And despite the fact that the town welcomed a Scorching Record-worthy Four Seasons in 2021, there’s just one lodge with the panache of The White Lotus’ earlier embodiments. Favored by A-listers since opening greater than a century in the past, the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok is chocolate-box fairly, with lengthy colonnaded corridors, ornate floral preparations, and suites dripping in crystals, porcelains and silk. Breakfast scenes, of which the earlier two seasons featured many, would look sensible on the lodge’s riverfront terrace, the place waitstaff in sharp Thai tailoring zip between tables with champagne bottles and silver platters loaded with tropical fruits. One other attainable clue: when this author checked in for a keep one weekend final April, he noticed Mike White within the lodge’s flower-festooned foyer.
Cape Fahn, Koh Samui
With its booming seaside membership scene and powder-white seashores, Koh Samui is precisely the form of island The White Lotus company would gravitate to. It is dwelling to a few of Thailand’s glitziest resorts, however in the case of spectacular settings, few can maintain a candle to Cape Fahn. Set on a small non-public island simply off Samui’s northeastern coast, this secluded retreat has simply 24 villas hiding in its hilltop jungle. Each, that includes serene interiors with jolts of indigo, opens to a personal infinity pool and has unobstructed views over the Gulf of Thailand. Tanya, relaxation in peace, would have opted for the Fahn Noi villa. Perched by itself separate islet, this non-public hideaway comes with two bedrooms, a wraparound pool, and loads of backyard house for cinematic motion.
Pa Sak Tong, Chiang Rai
If it is house and privateness Cameron and co. are after, Pa Sak Tong in northern Thailand’s Chiang Rai province is simply the ticket. Conceived as the vacation dwelling for a discrete household of European royals, this non-public property opens for buy-outs when the house owners will not be round. Surrounded by rice paddies, fruit orchards and a mountain backdrop, its two multi-bedroomed chalets include splashy artwork collections, non-public swimming pools, mini cinema, health middle and private spa (together with a sizzling tub and steam room), plus a small military of cooks and butlers to cater to each whim. The property’s hidden salas and lotus ponds supply loads of house for intimate duologues, and with Chiang Rai’s proximity to the Golden Triangle, a hotbed of the nation’s notorious opium commerce, weaving in one other corruption-laced storyline is hardly a problem.
Loy Pela, Bangkok
Jennifer Coolidge’s now-legendary yacht scene within the ultimate episode of Season 2 undoubtedly performed a task in her bagging a Golden Globe, so hopes for one more boat-based sequel are excessive—even with out homosexual mafia concerned. A catamaran jaunt across the Andaman Sea or the Gulf of Thailand is the apparent selection, however the Bangkok-based Loy Pela cruise presents an attention-grabbing various. Plying the Chao Phraya River from Bangkok to the traditional capital of Ayutthaya, this four-stateroom jewel field of a ship weaves previous crumbling temple ruins and stately palaces throughout its three-day journeys. On-land excursions embrace tuk-tuk excursions to native markets and stops at temples means off the vacationer path, making it attainable to point out off central Thailand’s wildly various landscapes within the timespan of a single episode. With bottomless booze, dinners by chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn of Michelin-starred Le Du, and a price ticket north of $5300 for the two-night journey, Tanya would definitely approve.