The sudden surge in demand, according to Thai tourism authorities, is attributed to the hit U.S. TV series The White Lotus, a dark-humour drama with an all-star cast. The third series of the widely acclaimed show was filmed primarily on Koh Samui and premiered on TV screens around the world in February, with its production lauded for tasteful and tantalizing shots of the tropical island and its idyllic landscape and scenery. Although The White Lotus was not filmed at Banyan Tree Samui, fans of the show will doubtless recognize similar panoramic vistas and the verdant rainforest setting.
“I think we can expect a surge in prestige,” said Banyan Tree Samui General Manager Remko Kroesen. “Viewers are falling in love with the idea of Koh Samui and dream about travelling here. This will add to the luxury factor on the island – 5-star resorts, spas and wellness retreats should all see increased interest, and hopefully this wave of visitors will have a newfound appreciation for the island.”
The locations of the first two series of The White Lotus — Maui and Sicily — apparently saw a 300% increase in enquiries and hotel reservations year-on-year, and nobody doubts that the popularity of the series and its focus on local culture have been at the heart of this new “set-jetting” trend.
For its part, Banyan Tree Samui has introduced a range of new initiatives linked to The White Lotus, which Kroesen hopes will sate the thirst of fans as well as pique the interest of guests as yet unfamiliar with the American series.
From the locally-infused welcome amenities guests receive upon arrival at the 5-star resort to the on-site Wellbeing Sanctuary programs with yoga, meditation, fitness and healthy cuisine; reminiscences of The White Lotus abound.
Banyan Tree Spa Samui has this month introduced a “Sense of Lotus” spa package — a 120-minute rejuvenating treatment that begins with a White Lotus Polisher, where fine bead powder from lotus seeds gently exfoliates and renews the skin. The experience continues with a relaxing Sense of Lotus body massage designed to calm the mind and body.
Meanwhile, guests can luxuriate with the latest sundowner, a specially-crafted cocktail aptly named White Lotus – a lip-smacking concoction of vodka, white rum, lychee juice, lime juice, coconut milk and fresh lychee, garnished with dried Damask rose petals.
The resort has its own private speedboat, Sense of the Sea, which guests can hire to recreate their own White Lotus-inspired day trip with an exclusive excursion to the limestone islets of Mu Koh Ang Thong Marine Park, which is featured prominently in the third series, as well as several islands and other attractions among the diverse marine ecosystem and azure waters of the Gulf of Thailand.
Each of the 88 villas at Banyan Tree Samui has an infinity pool and the resort is tiered into the hillside offering spectacular vistas. The 38-acre property is rich in flora and plant life, and its private beach is flanked by coral reefs.
The resort hosts three restaurants including Saffron which was recently listed in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide. The resort also boasts an award-winning spa with Banyan Tree’s signature Rainforest hydrotherapy facility, a fitness centre, a kids’ club, a meetings and events centre, and a library.
