Travelling to destinations featured in TV series and movies, AKA ‘Set Jetting’ has been around for decades, however, the rise of streaming services has led to an unprecedented boom in this travel trend.
Imagine lying on the same white sandy beach where your favourite character received shocking news or dining at the restaurant where a romantic confession took place. This is the magic of Set Jetting.
Since its debut, The White Lotus has captivated its audiences with its mix of opulence, scandal and drama. Beyond the dark humour, is an extremely popular TV series which has sparked a newfound fascination with luxury travel that has reshaped the way fans think about their next dream getaway.
Television has long influenced travel trends. When The Travel Guides featured the breathtaking Cook Islands and the shows guests gave it top scores, travel companies, including my own, were inundated with inquiries for not only the same island, but the same resort. Pacific island specialists worked overtime to accommodate the unprecedented demand that followed. Similarly, Emily in Paris fuelled a new wave of Parisian escapes, enticing visitors to experience the romance and charm of the French capital firsthand.
Now, The White Lotus is driving its own surge in luxury travel. The show’s lavish filming locations have become must-visit destinations, beginning at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Hawaii, continuing to Four Seasons San Domenico Palace in Sicily, Italy for season 2. Expedia found that searches for hotels in Hawaii and Italy spiked by more than 300% as the fans of the series planned their next travel destination to be that of their favourite character. With season 3 now airing in Koh Samui, a similar surge in travel interests is predicted to occur.
Alana Sale, Luxury travel manager at Onboard Luxury, spoke to The Modern Muse, stating that ‘now many travellers have ticked Europe off their lists, [we will] expect to see a shift towards ‘closer-to-home’ destinations, like Thailand…. Just like Sicily, the real travel boom for Koh Samui will come after The White Lotus airs and viewers experience its beauty’.
Where to Stay
Season 3 of The White Lotus is set at the breathtaking Four Seasons Resort in Koh Samui, an idyllic retreat where luxury meets tropical paradise. Nestled on a private hillside overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, this oceanfront sanctuary boasts infinity pools, private sun decks, and panoramic sea views that effortlessly capture the essence of indulgence.
Four Seasons Koh Samui Beachfront Infinity Pool
The resort’s Thai inspired villas and residences blend traditional elegance with modern style, featuring handcrafted wooden furnishings, open living spaces, and deep soaking tubs that invite ultimate relaxation. Guests can enjoy five star amenities, including personalised service, exclusive beachfront dining, and a renowned wellness spa, ensuring that every aspect of their stay is seamlessly curated for unparalleled comfort and opulence.
Four Seasons Koh Samui Premier Ocean View Pool Villa
Discovering Koh Samui
Koh Samui is an island paradise in the south of Thailand. The second largest island after Phuket is known for its nightlife, long stretches of stunning sandy beaches and stunning scenery. Koh Samui is often mistaken for a destination with little to do other than lie on a beach, cocktail in hand. Whilst the island offers an ideal luxury ‘flop and drop’ getaway, there are many other activities to keep you occupied.
Image Credit: KohPlanner
Na Muang Waterfall
Na Muang Waterfall is one of the islands highest points and most famous waterfall on Samui. During the rainy season, the water cascades over ethereal purple rocks, landing in a perfect pool at the waterfalls base which is ideal for swimming. Leisurely romantic walks, or more advanced hikes are readily available through the lush jungle, setting Koh Samui apart from many other Thai destinations.
Image Credit: Viator
ATV Adventures
For the adventurers, Ko Samui have ATV safari tours where you get off the beaten track and access secret waterfalls, fruit plantations, temples and viewpoints which can only be reached by foot or all-terrain vehicles.
Image Credit: The Koh Samui Guide
Cultural and Wellness Experiences
Visit ornate temples such as the Big Buddha temple, take authentic Thai cooking classes or indulge in a world class spa experience. Koh Samui offers a well rounded luxury escape, blended with both adventure and rejuvenation.
Image Credit: Samui Villa
Night Markets
Koh Samui’s lively night markets offer a vibrant mix of their local culture, delicious food, as well as souvenirs and shopping. Our favourite includes the Fisherman’s Village Night Market known for its Sizzling skewers of satay, piping hot bowls of Tom Yum soup, sweet mango sticky rice, and freshly squeezed tropical juices alongside trinkets and souvenirs.
When to travel
Alana suggests to ‘book early! Demand will surge after ‘The White Lotus’ airs. Aim for the peak season (December through to August), and try to avoid the wet season (September through to November) and school holidays. Most importantly, plan ahead to secure the best deals available’.
For those who haven’t yet set foot on Koh Samui’s world class beaches, luxury resorts and rich cultural and wellness offerings, now is the time! The White Lotus is poised to drive a new wave of travellers seeking a Set Jetting experience and this island paradise is destined to grow even more in popularity, so get in quick to secure the best of Koh Samui.
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