Filming locations in Koh Samui

Koh Samui, the jungle-backed island in the Gulf of Thailand, hosted the franchise's third season of beautiful bad behaviour, and its anchor resort is the real draw for fans. The Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, a cluster of private pool villas spilling down a hillside above the gulf, served as the principal White Lotus Thailand. It sits on the island's quieter north-west coast, a guest-only property whose villas book up well ahead.

If a stay is beyond the plan, you are not entirely shut out. Non-guests can sometimes arrange a meal at the resort's restaurants by enquiring directly, which lets you take in the setting and those hillside views over the water without a villa key. It is worth a polite email ahead of time to see what is possible during your dates.

Beyond the resort, Samui is an easy, warm-water island made for rounding out a screen trip. The great seated Big Buddha temple, Wat Phra Yai, is a short drive from the north-west coast, and Fisherman's Village in Bophut serves up night-market food and bars when you want some bustle. A ring road of beaches loops the whole island, so getting between the highlights is straightforward.

The island stays warm year-round, which makes it a dependable base whenever you can travel, though the wetter months later in the year can bring heavier rain to this side of the gulf. Rent a scooter or arrange taxis to hop between the temple, the village and the beaches at your own pace, and slot the resort view in alongside the broader island rather than building the whole trip around the gate.