Where was The White Lotus filmed?

In the first season, The White Lotus resort on Maui welcomes affluent guests greeted by manager Armond and his pregnant employee Lani (Jolene Purdy). Newlyweds Shane and Rachel Patton (Alexandra Daddario) arrive for their honeymoon, but Shane's obsession with a booking error eventually causes a strain on their relationship. Tanya McQuoid (Jennifer Coolidge), who recently lost her mother and has traveled to the exotic paradise to scatter her ashes, desperately seeks a massage but finds the spa fully booked. Fortunately, spa manager Belinda Lindsey (Natasha Rothwell) offers an alternative solution - a ceremonial chant. Located on the picturesque island of Maui in Hawaii, The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is a luxurious five-star resort that spans 15 acres of tropical gardens and offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. This resort is an exceptional destination for travelers seeking luxury accommodations in a beautiful tropical setting. With its world-class amenities and unparalleled service, it's no surprise that The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea consistently ranks among the top hotels in Hawaii. The resort is located on magnificent Makena Beach, just a 10-minute drive from Kahului airport. From the airport, take Honoapiilani Highway until you reach Upper Wailea Gate, then follow the signs to the resort’s front entrance. If you want to consider public transportation, a small taxi service operates between Kahului and Wailea, and the local buses are also an option.

In the second season, upon arrival at The White Lotus, a group of guests is met by the resort's ill-tempered manager Valentina (Sabrina Impacciatore). One of the guests, Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge), is accompanied by her assistant Portia (Haley Lu Richardson) on a romantic getaway with her husband Greg Hunt (Jon Gries), but their relationship has begun to falter. Greg is displeased to learn about Portia's presence and demands that she leave. To keep both parties happy, Tanya instructs Portia to remain in her room and out of sight while still being available for her duties. The luxurious setting of the White Lotus scene was filmed at the San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel. This historical hotel was originally built in the 15th century as a monastery and now overlooks the Ionian Sea, providing stunning views of Mount Etna and the Greek theater. In 1896, it was transformed into a luxury hotel, and it has since hosted famous guests like Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Oscar Wilde, and Sophia Loren. Today, San Domenico Palace in Taormina continues to offer top-notch luxury accommodations with breathtaking scenery, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and indulgence. To get there, the best option is by car from Catania Airport (CTA), as it's only a 50-minute drive away. The nearest train station, Giardini-Naxos Station, is roughly fifteen minutes away by car or taxi and can be reached by regional or national Italian trains. Alternatively, many local buses depart regularly from the airport and other nearby towns. Visitors should also keep in mind that the hotel provides a shuttle service at an additional cost that runs six times a day between the airport, railway station, and the hotel reception desk.

In the first episode of the second season, Daphne Sullivan (Meghann Fahy) discovers a body floating in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. While the hotel scenes were filmed at San Domenico Palace, the beach scenes were shot at Cefalù Beach, a renowned destination in Sicily. Located on the northern coast of Sicily, Italy, Cefalù Beach is a picturesque and stunning stretch of coastline. Its crystal-clear waters, soft sand, and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea make it an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation. With its combination of history, culture, and natural beauty, Cefalù Beach has become one of Italy's most popular vacation spots, attracting visitors from all over the world. The beach can be accessed by boats from the nearby port, which are operated regularly as part of a sightseeing tour around the island, or by cars from Palermo, which is an hour's drive away. The drive is an enjoyable one and follows along the SS113 coast road, passing quaint villages and other beaches along the way. By public transport, buses run regularly to Cefalù itself with a stop at the beach.

During a visit to the ancient theater of Taormina, Portia (Haley Lu Richardson) accompanies the Di Grasso family. However, Bert (F. Murray Abraham) continues to engage in inappropriate conversation. As Albie Di Grasso (Adam DiMarco) and Portia dine later, they discuss their romantic preferences. At one point during the evening, Portia disregards her non-disclosure agreement with Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge), divulging salacious facts of the latter's past to Albie. The second episode of the second season transports viewers to the Greek Theatre of Taormina, a historical landmark that dates back to the third century B.C. This venue hosted gladiator games during the Roman Empire and is directly carved into the rocks of Monte Tauro. The theater stands as a tribute to the ingenious achievements of the ancient Greeks, who could build grandiose structures that blended seamlessly with their natural surroundings. It features three distinct sections: the stage, orchestra, and Cavea, all seamlessly integrated into its rocky surroundings. Once you drive into the city center, it's easy to spot the entrance to the Greek Theatre on Corso Umberto. No matter how you get there, it promises a unique experience with a panoramic view that overlooks Mt Etna.

In the third episode of the second season, Albie, his father Dominic (Michael Imperioli), grandfather Bert (F. Murray Abraham), and Portia (Haley Lu Richardson) set off on an adventure to Castello degli Schiavi! Constructed in the 1800s and located about 10 miles south of San Domenico Palace, Castello degli Schiavi has an interesting legend behind its name. The name translates to "Castle of the Slaves." Legend has it that a doctor from Palermo had the heroic feat of rescuing the son of the Prince of Palagonia in the 1700s. In exchange for his services, the Prince gave him some land where he built a castle for himself and his wife Rosalia. Unfortunately, pirates raided and kidnapped them intending to sell them into slavery. But, they were rescued by militants led by Rosalia's lover (in a plot twist similar to that of The White Lotus). After this event, the castle was known as Castello degli Schiavi. Nowadays, Castello degli Schiavi is owned privately but can be explored on tours. In The Godfather, Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) sought solace in this renowned castle. It looks pretty much like what is seen in The Godfather movies, but there isn't an accompanying gift shop or café situated outside of its entrance. To reach Via Badalà, 63 in Fiumefreddo Sicilia CT, Italy, the easiest way is to fly into Catania-Fontanarossa Airport and rent a car at the airport counter. The drive is approximately 58 kilometers and will take around 50 minutes depending on traffic and the route taken. Bus routes connecting close to Fiumefreddo from Catania or Messina can also get you there. Take a taxi from the bus station to complete the final leg of their journey to Via Badalà.

In Palermo, Tanya becomes friends with Quentin (Tom Hollander), a wealthy English gay man. Quentin introduces her to his group of friends and they have a wonderful time together. He tells Tanya about inheriting the grand estate from his father. When Tanya arrives at the villa and sees the opulent interiors, she exclaims, "Oh, my God. You must have spent a fortune on this place." This comment proves to be fateful for the hapless heiress. Jacques Garcia, a French interior designer, is the current owner of Villa Elena. He invested a significant amount of time and money into restoring the estate to its present-day luxurious state. Garcia claims that the 17th-century monastery was constructed on a 12th-century Norman villa, replacing its previous 10th-century Moorish palace. This in turn replaced a fifth-century Roman house atop what may have been an ancient Greek villa dating as far back as three centuries BCE. For those interested in staying at The White Lotus filming location, it's possible to rent it out for your Italian vacation plans. Visitors can fly into Palermo Punta Raisi Airport and arrange for car transport to Villa Elena or take a train or bus from Palermo to Castellammare del Golfo then switch to a local bus or taxi. A trip by car to Villa Elena takes approximately two hours from Palermo, while a train will take closer to four hours with transit times.