'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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