Thursday, August 29, 2024 While I’ve never planned a trip around a TV show, HBO’s The White Lotus might change that. Discover how Anantara Koh Yao Yai offers a hidden paradise away from the crowds. While I’ve never planned a trip around a TV show, HBO’s Th e W hite Lotus might just change that for me.
The announcement that Season Three would be filmed in Phuket, Koh Samui, and Bangkok led to a 50% surge in Thailand searches on Expedia, showcasing the show’s influence on travel trends. Dubbed the “The White Lotus Effect,” this phenomenon highlights the show’s power to transform filming locations into must-visit destinations. For instance, after Season One, the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea saw a staggering 425% increase in web traffic.
Before The White Lotus even announced its Phuket filming location at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, Phuket was already Thailand’s most bustling island. With its top beaches, Kata and Karon, attracting up to 118 tourists per resident, Phuket’s once idyllic charm can feel overshadowed by crowds. Though its tourism roots trace back to the 1970s, the island’s original allure can be elusive — that is, until I discovered Koh Yao Yai, a hidden gem of unspoiled paradise.
Instead of visiting the The White Lotus filming spot, I opted for a 30-minute boat ride to Koh Yao Yai, an island brimming with lush landscapes and welcoming fishing villages. There, I enjoyed the pristine beauty of the Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas.