The $7,290 Cost of Staying at the "White Lotus" Season 3 Hotel

Welcome to Show the Receipts, a series where we ask interesting people to share exactly how much it costs to get shit done. No matter the task, we're tracking every last dollar from start to finish. Up next: staying at a "White Lotus" hotel.

Despite the drama that inevitably ensues onscreen, there's something unmistakably alluring about the setting of every "White Lotus" season. With the cinematically-captured vignettes of scenery, stunning pools, and luxurious rooms (Pineapple Suite or otherwise) — it's easy to forget that these locales aren't just the product of Hollywood magic, they actually take place at real hotels. In fact, each was filmed at different Four Seasons resorts around the globe: first Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, then Four Seasons San Domenico Palace Taormina, and now Four Seasons Koh Samui in Thailand.

But before Mike White even began filming the latest season, Brooklyn-based interior designers Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum (also known as "Brownstone Boys") decided to splurge on their own memorable adventure in Thailand.

"We've always been drawn to destinations that offer a mix of vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and incredible hospitality," the Brownstone Boys tell PS. "We had booked a trip with a dear friend to Japan and we love mixing our trips with adventure but also beach relaxation. So we figured since we traveled all the way across the world, we might as well extend our trip and go to Thailand, too, since it's been on our list for years!"

Like many fans, they had their suspicions that the next season of the White Lotus would take place at Koh Samui. "When we arrived, we knew filming would be there in just a matter of weeks from our trip. Hollywood was in the air!"

Fortunately for the couple, they snagged reservations before prices significantly spiked post-premier of the new season (it's also worth noting that prices fluctuate depending on the time of year). They also balanced splurges (a room with a plunge pool at Koh Samui) with more budget-conscious options to create a real-life experience that might have been even better than the fictional one.

Here's the full breakdown.

Task: Staying at the Four Seasons Koh Samui, featured in season three of "The White Lotus"
Jobs: Home renovators and interior designers
Location: Brooklyn, NY

The Receipts

Airfare: $2,400 for round-trip flights ($1,200 per person)
Transportation: $300
Accommodation: $3,500 ($700 per night)
Food and drink: $500
Boat tour: $240 ($120 per person)
Spa treatments: $350 ($175 per person)
Total: $7,290

How We Did It

PS: What drew you to that destination, and the Four Seasons Koh Samui in particular?
Brownstone Boys: We were looking for an escape that felt both luxurious and connected to nature. Koh Samui checked all the boxes — secluded beaches, lush greenery, and that effortless Thai hospitality. The Four Seasons is known for its over-the-top yet thoughtful design, and we wanted to experience that magic firsthand. Plus, let's be real — getting a little "White Lotus" fantasy in our lives didn't hurt!

PS: What was your impression of the hotel?
BB: Pure paradise. The way the villas are tucked into the hillside makes it feel ultra-private yet still open to the most insane ocean views. From the moment we arrived, we felt completely transported. Waking up to panoramic ocean views, enjoying Thai iced coffee by our private infinity pool, and soaking in the slow, dreamy pace of island life — it was exactly the kind of reset we needed.

The attention to detail is unreal, from the scent of the lemongrass towels they greet you with to the way they remember your coffee order. Plus, they've done a really great job of using local origins in the design of the hotel. We're designers, so we pay close attention to things like that. It was beyond incredible.

PS: Did you have a set budget for the trip?
BB: We knew we wanted to splurge on the experience, but we also balanced it with some budget-conscious choices, like using points for flights and planning ahead for some activities. Koh Samui is the perfect mix of laid-back and luxurious, and we also loved exploring smaller islands and local markets. Plus, we figured Thailand was probably the only place where we would be able to stay at a Four Seasons (while it's more expensive than other hotels in the area, it's much less expensive than Four Seasons in other places — at least, at the time).

So, we saved as much as we possibly could, because we really wanted to stay in paradise. But once we got there, we didn't have to worry about our budget so much, since the dollar really goes a long way.

PS: What was the most surprising cost you incurred while planning the trip?
BB: Probably the cost of transfers and private excursions! While Thailand is generally affordable, luxury experiences can add up fast, and we didn't realize how much we'd want to say "yes" to all of them.

PS: What's one expense that was definitely worth the splurge?
BB: Our private villa with a plunge pool. Waking up and jumping straight into our own infinity pool with an unreal ocean view? Absolutely worth it. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like you're in a dream.

PS: Did you two do any activities you loved while on property? What about any excursions?
BB: On-property, we took full advantage of the spa (Thai massages hit different), had a beachfront seafood dinner that felt straight out of a movie, and even tried a mixology class featuring local ingredients.

One of our favorite moments was a private Muay Thai lesson overlooking the Gulf of Thailand — it was a perfect mix of culture and workout! Also, the food was INCREDIBLE! Off-property, we did a boat tour around Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park — seeing those limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons up close was unforgettable.

PS: Is there anything readers should know before traveling to Thailand?
BB: There is such a rich, beautiful culture, and so many different festivals and events that happen throughout the year. We were visiting during the Loy Krathong, or the "festival of lights," which is an annual celebration in November. So aligning a trip with one of those festivals can really make it a lot more special and unique. The food is also amazing — definitely embrace the street food, it's some of the best you'll ever have. Also, if you have any interest in visiting the temples, it's important to be respectful of the culture and bring clothing that covers your legs and shoulders.

PS: How would you say it's similar or different from the portrayal on "White Lotus"?
BB: Compared to "White Lotus," the resort definitely has that same jaw-dropping beauty, but the vibe is much warmer and less . . . chaotic. No dramatic dinner arguments (that we saw, at least!).

Final Thoughts

While it's certainly pricey to live the real-life "White Lotus" experience, Bordelon and Slocum say that if it's within budget, they'd absolutely recommend the Four Seasons Koh Samui. "If you're looking for the ultimate Thai island escape with next-level service, it's absolutely worth it," they say. In fact, their only regret is not staying in Thailand longer.

That said, if they were to plan the trip again, they might mix in a few more boutique stays to get different vibes across Thailand before ending with the full luxury experience. Because, as they said, the country has so much to offer beyond the major cities (like Bangkok and Phuket), and it's absolutely possible to have a lovely experience on a tighter budget.

"If you're even thinking about going to Thailand — do it," they say. "There's a reason people keep coming back. And if you get the chance to live out your 'White Lotus' fantasy at Four Seasons Koh Samui, just make sure to bring your best linen outfits and avoid any suspicious hotel guests."

Kristine Thomason is a lifestyle writer and editor based in Southern California. Previously, she was the health and fitness director at mindbodygreen, and the fitness and wellness editor at Women's Health. Kristine's work has also appeared in PS, Travel + Leisure, Men's Health, Health, and Refinery29, among others.