Cover Banyan Tree Krabi and more pristine island resorts where romance, mystery and nature converge (Photo: Banyan Tree Krabi)

Dreaming of Thailand? Hit up these pristine island resorts where romance, mystery and nature converge

As fans of the hit dark comedy series The White Lotus look forward to the release of its third season this week, the trailer alone gave us a taste of the drama and intrigue to come—this time set in the beautiful island paradise of Thailand. A good portion of the eight-episode limited series was filmed at The Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui and other gorgeous locations, a testament to the natural beauty and unforgettable hospitality that Thailand is known for.     

Read more: A taste of the unknown: Asia’s next culinary capitals

From winding gardens and serene ponds to spacious balconies overlooking lush jungles and the chipper of monkeys, it’s no wonder that Thailand provided the idyllic backdrop to the show’s latest season, which incorporates elements of spirituality and nature’s mystic charm.

For Malaysians who are dreaming of their own lavish holiday in Thailand, bring the opulence and intrigue of The White Lotus universe to you with a trip to these stunning resorts across Phuket, Phi Phi Island, Krabi and more beautiful destinations.

Zeavola Resort, Koh Phi Phi

Tatler Asia
Above The Pool Villa suites at Zeavola Resort offer 180-views of the rainforest and the sea

It’s no surprise that the cast of this Emmy-winning series spent a great deal of time in Koh Phi Phi, an untouched and secluded paradise that feels like its own private corner of the world.  

Tucked away on the untouched northeast coast of Phi Phi Don, Zeavola Resort is a barefoot luxury sanctuary where rustic Thai charm meets the indulgence of a five-star escape. Accessible only by boat, this secluded hideaway channels the mystique of The White Lotus with its sprawling hillside villas—crafted from teakwood and crowned with thatched roofs—evoking the allure of a lost Thai village. 

Immersed tastefully within its hillside location, Zeavola Spa offers treetop views alongside indulgent spa treatments, as guests savour the Andaman’s crystalline depths. Here, it’s hard not to be in awe of the island’s tranquil rhythm, where luxury is as effortless as the tide.

Anantara Layan Phuket Resort

arrow left arrow left
arrow right arrow right
Photo 1 of 2 Anantara Spa
Photo 2 of 2 Beachfront Layan Pool Villa

Sprawling hillside villas, mist-filled rainforests, lotus ponds and healing massages—Anantara Layan Phuket Resort comes to mind for wellness retreats in Phuket done right. Whether you retreat to a romantic pool villa or a sprawling family residence, luxury unfolds at every turn at this breezy resort that prioritises wellness and sustainability.

Savour a cliffside feast with Andaman Sea views, master the art of Muay Thai, or indulge in an orchid-infused spa ritual amidst serene gardens and ponds. From sunrise yoga to sunset massages, every moment at Anantara Layan is designed for pure, effortless escapism.  

See also: Tatlergram: A look into Tatler friends’ holidays this ski season

Banyan Tree Krabi, Krabi

Tatler Asia
Above Banyan Tree’s Bird’s Eye tables are one of the most photogenic features at this award-winning resort.

Carved into Krabi’s lush hillside with every suite and villa facing the sea, Banyan Tree Krabi is a sanctuary of indulgence where jungle-green mountains embrace the clear waters of the Andaman.

Each pool villa offers a secluded escape, but a highlight of the resort is its Bird’s Nest dining pods, perched high above the coastline with breathtaking marine park views—an exclusive dining experience every luxury traveller should try at least once when in this neck of the woods. From rainforest spa rituals to sunset cocktails at the beach bar, Banyan Tree Krabi promises pure, immersive luxury for the discerning jet-setter.

Don’t miss: How to spend 48 hours in Krabi

Amanpuri, Phuket

Tatler Asia
Above Amanpuri, Phuket
Tatler Asia
Above Amanpuri, Phuket

How easy it is to slip into the persona of a pampered resort guest from The White Lotus when the setting is Amanpuri, a timeless sanctuary of serenity blending Thai tradition with modern luxury on a secluded stretch of Phuket’s west coast.

Hidden within lush coconut groves, its oceanfront villas and hillside pavilions offer private pools, resident Thai chefs, and sweeping Andaman views. Designed after the Buddhist architecture of ancient Ayutthaya, the resort’s Holistic Wellness Centre combines ancient Thai healing with cutting-edge therapies, instantly inviting guests to rebalance mind, body, and spirit. 

Read more: How interior designers behind Aman, Rosewood, Grand Hyatt and other luxury hotels turn guest rooms into romantic spaces

Six Senses Koh Yao Noi

Tatler Asia
Above Six Senses Koh Yao Noi is situated on the edge of an idyllic island in Phang Nga Bay, where a part of the White Lotus third season was filmed

Cradled in lush jungle with panoramic views of Phang Nga Bay’s dramatic limestone karsts, Six Senses Koh Yao Noi is where nature, luxury and drama intertwine.

Its stilted, thatched-roof villas rise like plush treehouses, each with a private pool and breathtaking bay or forest vistas. Whether unwinding at the soul-soothing hillside spa, exploring the island’s conservation projects, or indulging in personalised service from your Guest Experience Maker (GEM), every moment is infused with tranquility. Nature is not just a backdrop here—it’s an immersive, ever-present part of the experience.

Topics

Tania Jayatilaka
Digital Editor, Tatler Malaysia
Tatler Asia

Previously contributing to Esquire Malaysia, Expat Lifestyle and Newsweek, Tania oversees digital stories across Tatler’s key content pillars, also leading the Front & Female platform exploring issues and topics affecting women today.