'The White Lotus' in real life: 5 things I learned while staying at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
One thing about me? I’m going to nerd out when I experience a TV or movie filming location in real life. Pop culture tourism, if you will. It’s not about the actors or being a part of a cult following, but rather a fascination with seeing these locations and how similar — or different — they look in reality.
Naturally, when the opportunity arose for me to experience the breathtaking Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, the hotel featured in Season One of "The White Lotus," I knew I couldn’t say no. The iconic beachfront resort wasn’t just the backdrop for the nonstop chaos of the Mike White drama; it was a leading character in the show.
Related: Next stop, Thailand: These Four Seasons hotels are the real main characters of 'The White Lotus'
So, what did I learn about the property itself while nerding out over my favorite star of the hit series? Read on to find out.
You don’t need to prioritize getting the 'best' room or suite
Unlike in the show, I don’t believe that your room choice should define your vacation experience.
Sure, the stunning 7,200-square-foot Lokelani Presidential Suite (known as the Pineapple Suite in the show) with its three bedrooms, private garden and ocean views is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And don’t get me wrong, I loved coming home to my spacious garden-view room with crisp white linens, a marble bathroom and a Nespresso machine.
However, this is one resort where the last thing you’ll want to do is stay in your room, as chic and comfortable as the accommodations are. The property boasts an impressive array of activities, restaurants and lounge spaces that combine traditional Hawaiian culture with elevated tropical experiences, making for an idyllic luxury getaway. In short, the resort is far too beautiful and offers too much to simply stay in your room or suite all day.
The characters' suites are far bigger than shown on TV
We need to talk about the resort's premium suites because the show only gives you a taste of what this Four Seasons offers. One thing I’ll never get over? Actually getting lost in the Lokelani Presidential Suite. The series only shows you one room and a bathroom. In reality, the suite offers so much more. Thanks to its three bedrooms, three full bathrooms, two half baths, multiple closets, several lounge areas and massive outdoor space, I found myself struggling to simply get my bearings. This suite can really be a home away from home in picture-perfect Maui — for a cool $29,000 per night.
Similarly, the show barely scratched the surface of the suite that the Mossbachers stayed in. You definitely won’t have to worry about someone sleeping in the butler’s closet here. In reality, the 4,000-square-foot Maile Presidential Suite can host six adults (or six adults and five children) throughout three bedrooms, a full marble bathroom per bedroom, a guest powder room and a full-size dry sauna in the primary bathroom. This suite option will cost you an average of $31,000 per night.
Lastly, the suite that Mr. Patton was so desperately trying to escape from is truly jaw-dropping. The 2,400-square-foot oceanfront Elite suite includes two bedrooms, a private lanai, an extensive wine bar, a personal assistant, a Peloton bike and so much more. This suite averages $16,500 per night.
You really can learn how to scuba dive in the pool
The Mossbacher men spent much of their vacation getting scuba-certified. As a viewer, I thought that there was no way you could actually do that at the property.
Turns out, it’s a real experience the resort offers. While I didn’t have the time to take the class, I did see a group of guests in the pool with their gear. The experience lasts 2 1/2 hours, will cost you $193 and has a few other requirements you must meet to participate.
The resort isn’t just for couples and families
Don’t get it twisted: While the show centers around families and couples, this is very much a versatile and welcoming resort for all travelers. Riding solo myself, I found the hotel to be extremely safe and welcoming, both in my room and throughout the property. When it came to the restaurants, I never felt lonely because every staff member I encountered made a point to make me feel welcome.
As for the experiences on the property, I didn't feel restricted from any activity or excursion despite being a solo guest. I enjoyed my time both in the adults-only pool and the family pools, and even found other couples and families looking to get to know other guests. I also got the opportunity to try the outrigger canoe experience, which was featured in the show, and enjoyed snorkeling, too. Both activities were intimate, special experiences that took me out on the Maui waters with locals.
The staff made the experience especially memorable
It's worth noting that the staff at Four Seasons Maui at Wailea showed me more kindness and compassion than I have ever experienced at any other resort. I wanted to take the time to talk to each of them and learn about their lives and how we, as visitors, can experience Maui responsibly and respectfully. (The resort even had the option to add a donation to your bill to support the Lahaina recovery from the devastating 2023 fire.)
While my stay was beyond luxurious and rejuvenating, I left Four Seasons Maui at Wailea feeling a deeper sense of gratitude and appreciation for what makes a resort not good, but great: the staff serving as the glue that holds it all together. Just like in "The White Lotus."
Bottom line
Having experienced this Four Seasons property, I can say that it is so much more than a pin on the "White Lotus" map. While it fulfilled every pop-culture-obsessed bone in my body, it’s also a resort experience that I will forever cherish. There’s no denying that experiencing such a high-end hotel comes with a hefty price tag, and for me, with my budget, it’s also a once-in-a-lifetime stay. But if you are a fan of the show and have the ability to visit this resort, I highly recommend it.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.