The White Lotus Effect: How a TV Show is Shaping Luxury Travel and Real Estate

Have you ever booked a trip because of a TV show? You’re not alone. The White Lotus Effect is real, and it’s turning once-quiet destinations into luxury hotspots overnight.

The TV Show That Changed Travel Forever

When The White Lotus first aired, no one expected it to reshape global tourism. But from the moment season one showcased Hawaii's Four Seasons Resort Maui, high-end travellers were hooked.

Then came season two in Sicily, where the stunning San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel, became the epitome of Italian luxury. Now, with season three set in Thailand, the Four Seasons Koh Samui and Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas are bracing for an influx of bookings.

This is the White Lotus Effect—a phenomenon where affluent travellers flock to TV-famous destinations, boosting tourism, real estate, and luxury hospitality.

The White Lotus Effect and the Rise of Luxury Tourism

Luxury travel is no longer just about five-star hotels. It’s about branded experiences—staying where your favourite characters stayed, dining where they dined, and soaking in the same breathtaking views.

How TV Drives Tourism Growth

• Hawaii’s Boom (Season 1): The Four Seasons Maui saw a 35% surge in bookings after The White Lotus aired.
• Sicily’s Golden Era (Season 2): Luxury travel operator Black Tomato reported that demand for Sicily trips tripled post-finale.
• Thailand’s Turn (Season 3): The Tourism Authority of Thailand predicts a 20% increase in American travellers, despite the lack of direct flights.

This effect isn’t limited to hotels and airlines. High-net-worth travellers aren’t just visiting—they’re investing.

How The White Lotus Effect Impacts Real Estate

Luxury TV tourism doesn’t just fill hotels; it reshapes property markets.

The Rise of Branded Residences

Elite buyers don’t just want to stay at a Four Seasons—they want to own one.

• Branded residences—luxury homes attached to a hotel brand—are skyrocketing in value.
• Post-White Lotus, Four Seasons Private Residences in Hawaii and Sicily saw a rise in interest.
• Developers in Phuket and Koh Samui are now launching high-end beachfront properties to capitalise on the show’s influence.

Where the Wealthy Are Buying Next

After Sicily, real estate investors started eyeing Taormina and surrounding coastal towns. Now, in Thailand, locations like Bang Tao Beach and Mai Khao’s luxury villa market are seeing heightened demand.

Where to Stay: The White Lotus Filming Locations You Can Visit

Want the real White Lotus experience? These hotels have become bucket-list stays for luxury travellers:

Hawaii (Season 1):

• Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea – Beachfront luxury with world-class service.
• Andaz Maui – A sleek, modern alternative for those wanting exclusivity.

Sicily (Season 2):

• San Domenico Palace, Four Seasons – The show’s main setting, perched above the Ionian Sea.
• Villa Tasca, Palermo – Where Harper and Daphne escaped for a decadent weekend.

Thailand (Season 3):

• Four Seasons Koh Samui – Expect an influx of big-spenders booking ocean-view villas.
• Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas – A favourite among travellers wanting ultra-luxurious seclusion.
• Mandarin Oriental Bangkok – Though unofficial, insiders confirm it was used for filming.

Lisa Manobal: The White Lotus Effect and K-Pop’s Influence on Luxury Travel

One of the biggest draws of The White Lotus Season 3 isn’t just the luxurious hotels—it’s Lisa Manobal from Blackpink.

As one of the most famous K-pop idols in the world, Lisa’s involvement is expected to supercharge Thailand’s tourism boom.

Lisa Manobal’s Global Influence

• Luxury Brand Ambassador: Lisa is the face of Celine, Bulgari, and MAC Cosmetics, positioning her as a luxury trendsetter.
• Thai Pride: As a Thai-born superstar, Lisa’s presence in The White Lotus has stirred excitement among local fans and international travellers alike.
• K-Pop Tourism Effect: Fans of Blackpink travel worldwide to visit locations associated with Lisa and the group, from Bangkok’s high-end shopping districts to exclusive island getaways.

How Lisa Manobal is Driving Thailand’s Travel Boom

With Lisa starring in The White Lotus, expect a surge in:

• K-Pop-driven luxury travel – Fans booking exclusive trips inspired by Lisa’s filming locations.
• Luxury hotel bookings – Properties like Four Seasons Koh Samui and Anantara Phuket are seeing increased demand.
• Blackpink tourism packages – Travel agencies are curating Lisa-inspired experiences, from private yacht cruises to VIP shopping tours in Bangkok.

The Future of TV-Inspired Travel

With every new season, The White Lotus continues to shape high-end travel.

More than just a TV show, it has become a cultural and economic force, transforming destinations into luxury hotspots overnight.

Whether you’re planning a trip, investing in real estate, or just dreaming of that White Lotus lifestyle, one thing is certain: the White Lotus Effect is here to stay.