Banyan Tree Samui, a MICHELIN-listed resort located on a lush hillside overlooking the beautiful, clear waters of the southeastern peninsula of Koh Samui, has introduced several new features to celebrate the growing popularity of the island. This rise in interest is linked to the success of the U.S. TV series The White Lotus, a dark-comedy drama with a star-studded cast. The third season of the show was filmed mostly on Koh Samui and aired globally in February. Its stunning visuals, showcasing the island’s natural beauty, have helped attract attention to the destination. While The White Lotus wasn’t filmed at Banyan Tree Samui, fans of the show will recognize similar sweeping views and lush rainforest surroundings.
The filming locations of the first two seasons of The White Lotus — Maui and Sicily — saw a 300% increase in hotel bookings and inquiries, and the focus on local culture has sparked a new travel trend known as “set-jetting,” where people visit real-world locations featured in TV shows and movies.
In response to the growing popularity of the show, Banyan Tree Samui has launched a series of new offerings inspired by The White Lotus. These include locally-inspired welcome amenities, wellness programs like yoga, meditation, fitness, and healthy dining, all designed to evoke the spirit of the show.
Banyan Tree Spa Samui has introduced the “Sense of Lotus” spa package. This 120-minute treatment begins with a White Lotus Polisher, which uses fine powder from lotus seeds to gently exfoliate and refresh the skin. The experience continues with a calming body massage that helps relax both the mind and body.
For those looking for a refreshing drink, the resort has created the White Lotus cocktail — a mix of vodka, white rum, lychee juice, lime juice, coconut milk, and fresh lychee, garnished with dried Damask rose petals.
Guests can also enjoy an exclusive day trip on the resort’s private speedboat, Sense of the Sea, to visit Mu Koh Ang Thong Marine Park, a stunning location featured in the third season of The White Lotus. The boat tour also explores other islands and marine attractions in the Gulf of Thailand.
Banyan Tree Samui offers 88 villas, each with its own infinity pool. The resort is set on a hillside, providing spectacular views of the surrounding area. The 38-acre property is rich in plant life, and its private beach is protected by coral reefs.
The resort has three restaurants, including Saffron, which was recently listed in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide. It also features an award-winning spa with the brand’s signature Rainforest hydrotherapy facility, a fitness center, a kids’ club, meeting rooms, and a library.
