Where Will the Next Season of “The White Lotus” Be Set?
After the finale, have you found yourself asking “Where will the next season of The White Lotus be filmed? The hit HBO series has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences with its sharp satire, lush visuals, and psychologically layered characters. Each season is set at a stunning luxury resort, all under the Four Seasons brand, turning the hotel itself into a silent character that influences the dynamics and drama of the guests. Season 1 was filmed at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea in Hawaii, Season 2 took place at the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace in Sicily, and Season 3 is set in Thailand's Four Seasons Koh Samui.
With that legacy in mind, fans are eagerly asking: Where will the next season of White Lotus be set? Series creator Mike White has already teased that Season 4 will not be set at the beach, sparking speculation that a new, unexpected location could take center stage. Given the show's tradition of filming at iconic Four Seasons properties, let’s explore the most likely contenders—opulent, culturally rich destinations that offer the perfect setting for a new season of mystery, satire, and luxury.
1. Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, Japan
Why Kyoto?
Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital, offers a serene, culturally immersive setting that feels worlds away from the tropical beaches of previous seasons. Known for its historic temples, traditional ryokans, and peaceful Zen gardens, Kyoto provides an atmosphere of introspection, spirituality, and quiet luxury. A season set here would be a departure from the overt opulence of beach resorts, offering a subtler, more introspective type of indulgence that aligns with the series' evolving narrative tone.
Kyoto’s legacy as a center of Japanese art, religion, and imperial history adds a deep cultural layer. Imagine The White Lotus characters navigating their inner turmoil amid the backdrop of cherry blossoms, centuries-old shrines, and the meditative calm of Japanese gardens. The city's rhythm, slower and more deliberate, could offer a compelling contrast to the internal chaos that typically drives the characters.
About the Hotel
The Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto is located in the city's historic Higashiyama district, surrounded by centuries-old temples and gardens. Built around an 800-year-old pond garden called Shakusui-en, the hotel seamlessly merges traditional Japanese architecture with contemporary luxury. Guests enjoy access to a traditional tea house, an award-winning spa, and restaurants that highlight Kyoto's renowned culinary artistry, including kaiseki dining.
This property embodies the idea of luxury through simplicity, where minimalism is not just aesthetic but philosophical. The architecture emphasizes natural light, handcrafted materials, and harmony with nature, making it an ideal stage for a story that dives into themes of identity, guilt, and personal transformation.
Why It Fits The White Lotus Universe
Mike White has expressed interest in exploring Eastern religion and philosophy, and Kyoto's spiritual backdrop could allow for thematic explorations of karma, morality, and existential angst. The contrast between the serene environment and the chaotic inner lives of the characters could mirror the show’s signature style. Moreover, the rituals, customs, and social etiquette of Japanese culture could become plot devices—highlighting cultural missteps, misunderstandings, and the Western gaze in a non-Western setting. For those searching for a unique White Lotus filming location in Japan, Kyoto checks every box.
2. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, Turkey
Why Istanbul?
Istanbul is where East meets West—literally and metaphorically. This ancient city is a living museum, teeming with cultural artifacts from the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. It's a place where the calls to prayer echo through cobblestone streets lined with both modern cafés and ancient ruins. This vibrant, multifaceted city has an air of mystique, history, and transformation. With its blend of European and Asian influences, Istanbul is fertile ground for stories about power, legacy, and cultural identity.
A season set here would introduce audiences to the crossroads of civilizations, where the modern world collides with thousands of years of spiritual, political, and artistic history. This could inspire a narrative steeped in themes of reinvention, legacy, and the psychological effects of living in a space that constantly reminds you of time’s relentless passage.
About the Hotel
The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet is housed in a beautifully preserved neoclassical building that once served as a prison. Located in the heart of the Old City, it’s within walking distance of iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. With its marble courtyards, hand-painted ceilings, and sweeping views from rooftop terraces, the hotel evokes a blend of grandeur and intimacy that makes it ideal for nuanced storytelling.
The hotel’s rich past and elegant restoration offer an evocative atmosphere perfect for The White Lotus's brand of cultural satire. From the rooftop lounge overlooking centuries-old mosques to the subterranean spa inspired by Turkish baths, the setting invites both luxury and reflection.
Why It Fits The White Lotus Universe
Istanbul’s historical gravitas provides a backdrop rich in symbolism. The transformation of a former prison into a luxury hotel echoes the series’ fascination with dualities—freedom and confinement, past and present, privilege and history. The city’s complex identity, shaped by conquests and conversions, provides fertile ground for character arcs involving displacement, entitlement, and the clash of cultures. A season in Istanbul would allow The White Lotus to tackle questions of modern tourism, religious tourism, and cultural appropriation in a meaningful and visually stunning way.
3. Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest, Hungary
Why Budapest?
Budapest is one of Europe’s most architecturally stunning cities. Split by the Danube River into the historic Buda and vibrant Pest districts, the city offers layers of culture, history, and contemporary sophistication. It’s a city of contrasts—thermal spas and underground ruin bars, imperial palaces and communist-era apartment blocks. The tension between old-world elegance and post-Soviet grit makes Budapest a compelling choice for The White Lotus, which thrives on peeling back the polished façade of affluence.
A season set here could explore themes of political memory, generational wealth, and the commodification of Eastern Europe as a playground for Western luxury travelers. Budapest also has a growing reputation as a hub for digital nomads and wealthy expatriates, making it ripe for satire about privilege in unfamiliar terrain.
About the Hotel
The Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest is located on the banks of the Danube River, directly across from the Hungarian Parliament and at the foot of the iconic Chain Bridge. This Art Nouveau masterpiece features ornate ironwork, stained glass, and mosaic tilework, all lovingly restored to reflect its early 20th-century splendor. The interiors are equally opulent, with high ceilings, elegant lounges, and sweeping views of Buda Castle.
From the moment guests step through its massive wrought-iron gates, they’re immersed in a world of luxury that feels timeless yet sharply current. This location could become a character in itself—a symbol of faded aristocracy, revivalist ambitions, and the seductive allure of Old Europe.
Why It Fits The White Lotus Universe
Budapest’s layered identity makes it an ideal setting for drama that unfolds in quiet gestures and whispered secrets. The Gresham Palace’s decadent interiors could be contrasted with the emotional isolation of its guests. With the city’s complex history involving war, revolution, and renewal, the location could foster stories about cultural dislocation, inherited trauma, and the illusion of stability. As a potential White Lotus season 4 location in Europe, Budapest checks both the aesthetic and thematic boxes.
4. Four Seasons Hotel Megève, French Alps
Why the French Alps?
A luxury ski resort might seem like a radical departure from the sun-soaked locales of previous seasons, but it offers a new aesthetic and thematic landscape ripe for exploration. The French Alps represent isolation, prestige, and danger—both environmental and emotional. It’s a setting where guests are literally on top of the world, yet potentially at their most vulnerable.
The snow-covered landscape offers visual contrast to the warm, saturated tones of previous seasons, while the exclusivity of ski culture aligns perfectly with The White Lotus's critique of elitism and entitlement. There’s something inherently theatrical about après-ski lounges, roaring fireplaces, and icy mountain peaks—a stage set for secrets, scandals, and existential dread.
About the Hotel
The Four Seasons Hotel Megève is nestled at the base of Mont d’Arbois, in one of France’s most upscale alpine villages. The resort features ski-in/ski-out access, an expansive spa with outdoor hot tubs overlooking snowy vistas, and gourmet restaurants, including a Michelin-starred option. The design is an elegant blend of traditional chalet charm and modern minimalism, complete with fur throws, panoramic windows, and intimate wine cellars.
This isn’t just a ski lodge—it’s a sanctuary of curated experiences and curated personas. It would serve as an evocative stage for characters grappling with identity, competition, and the pressure to maintain appearances.
Why It Fits The White Lotus Universe
The cold, crisp air of the Alps can serve as a metaphor for emotional distance, repressed desires, and brittle relationships. The isolation and physical demands of skiing could serve as narrative devices, highlighting the fragility of control and the inevitability of descent—literal or figurative. The show could dive into themes of generational wealth, legacy, and the pursuit of fulfillment in an environment built to exclude. A ski resort like Megève offers an entirely new kind of luxury for The White Lotus to deconstruct.
5. Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Tanzania
Why the Serengeti?
A season set in the Serengeti would mark a bold and exciting shift for The White Lotus, moving the show into the heart of Africa’s most iconic wilderness. The vast plains, roaming wildlife, and dramatic sunsets of Tanzania offer a setting unlike any other—raw, majestic, and steeped in primal beauty. This location would push characters out of their comfort zones and into a space where luxury and nature exist side by side, yet in constant tension.
The Serengeti could amplify The White Lotus's themes of privilege and detachment from reality. In an environment teeming with life and survival instincts, the absurdities of high-end travel become even more apparent. A safari lodge might invite commentary on eco-tourism, the commodification of nature, and Western perceptions of Africa. It would be fertile ground for satire on wealth, conservation, and cultural voyeurism.
About the Hotel
The Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti is a luxury oasis in the midst of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, offering five-star accommodations surrounded by one of the world’s most celebrated ecosystems. Guests can observe elephants at the nearby watering hole from the comfort of an infinity pool, enjoy fine dining under the stars, and embark on guided game drives to witness the Big Five in their natural habitat.
The lodge’s design emphasizes sustainability and local craftsmanship, blending seamlessly with the environment while maintaining the elevated experience Four Seasons guests expect. With open-air suites, outdoor showers, and panoramic decks, the lodge immerses guests in nature without compromising on comfort.
Why It Fits The White Lotus Universe
The Serengeti’s wildness stands in stark contrast to the curated, controlled environments of previous seasons. This setting would challenge characters in new ways—confronting mortality, stripping away the distractions of modern life, and forcing introspection. The stark beauty and inherent danger of the savannah could add a thrilling edge to the show’s signature interpersonal drama.
Moreover, the ethical implications of luxury tourism in Africa could be a rich vein for critique. The tension between conservation efforts and indulgent consumption, between cultural appreciation and appropriation, could provide a powerful backdrop for The White Lotus's unique blend of comedy and tragedy.
Final Thoughts: Where Will the White Lotus Go Next?
While the exact location for The White Lotus Season 4 remains under wraps, the clues suggest that the series will continue its tradition of exploring new social and cultural terrain—this time away from sandy beaches. Whether it’s the spiritual serenity of Kyoto, the historic gravitas of Istanbul, the artistic elegance of Budapest, or the icy allure of the French Alps, each of these Four Seasons properties offers the perfect backdrop for Mike White’s brilliant, biting storytelling.
As speculation continues to mount, one thing is certain: wherever The White Lotus goes next, it will be more than just a vacation—it will be a mirror held up to human nature, surrounded by world-class service, Michelin-starred dining, and scenery so breathtaking it almost distracts from the drama. For fans eagerly Googling "Where will the next season of White Lotus be set," these Four Seasons hotels offer compelling, cinematic possibilities.
