As the hit TV series The White Lotus wraps up for another season, our minds are already thinking ahead to season four.
Donβt worry if youβre a few episodes behind, this is a spoiler-free post. Youβll have to watch the final episode for all the answers because you wonβt find them here. Instead, this is a pitch to the showβs creators to bring the next season to the Middle East.
While Thailand delivered stunning rainforests, wellness, and curious wildlife, the Middle East could bring to the anthology series unmatched luxury, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, multifaceted culture and of course, Hollywood-worthy backdrops.
The region would also deliver key show requirements such as a one-of-a-kind resort, sunny days, romantic evenings, poolside conversations and group transportation to the resort via boats, paragliding or high-end buses (desert trips).
So, from Hawaii, Sicily and Thailand to the Middle East, here are five resorts we here at Rihlat Travel News believe to be the perfect settings for The White Lotus season four murder mystery:
Shebara Resort, Saudi Arabiaβs Red Sea
When we picture the Middle Eastern version of The White Lotus resort, we see an eco-friendly, ultra-luxury stay with floating pods right over the ocean.
We picture the Shebara Resort in Saudi Arabiaβs newest tourism development called the Red Sea.
The Shebara was one of 13 international hotels to open around the mega-project area last year, and can be described as a futuristic stay with traditional Arabian flair.
The resort embodies modern luxury accommodation requirements with its commitment to sustainability and an innovative design that sees all 73 villas sitting either over the water or along the beachfront. However, the resort also taps into the old Saudi tradition of Hafawah which involves daily poetry reading and storytelling β perfect for The White Lotus.
Shebara is also located 25km from Saudi Arabiaβs mainland which means itβs only accessible by boat ride (very The White Lotus) or seaplane.
Banyan Tree Alula, Saudi Arabia
While weβre in Saudi Arabia, letβs also consider the Banyan Tree Alulu, βan enchanted sanctuary suspended in time and space,β as described by the resortβs website.
The 5-star desert retreat stands amongst the backdrop of Saudi Arabiaβs Al-Ula β a UNESCO World Heritage Site thatβs often described as the worldβs largest living museum. Al-Ula dates back over 2,000 years and is considered the development site of the Arabic language.
If selected for The White Lotus season four, the showβs new round of wealthy characters would stay in tented villas that blend in with the sweeping desert sands and rugged rock formations (also from the website).
The hotel spreads out across 10,000 square meters of Al-Ulaβs Ashar Valley, providing plenty of seclusion for a murder mystery, and it was named Conde Nast Travelerβs βBest New Wellness Hotels in the Worldβ in 2023, meaning it has plenty of the to-dos on a rich travellerβs list including spa treatments, an infinity-edge rock pool and more.
Six Senses Zighty Bay, Oman
Letβs step out of the desert for a second and into the Six Senses Zighty Bay in Oman, where guests can arrive by 4WD or paragliding (we know which one the cocky, attention-seeking character in S4 will choose)!
Described as the βjewel of Omanβ the Six Senses is located IN the Sultanateβs Musandam Peninsula. Literally, the resort is carved into the Peninsulaβs rugged mountains yet situated directly across from the emerald waters of Omanβs northeast coast.
Characters would stay in a mix of pool or beachside villas that have personal sand gardens, outdoor patios and some even come with private pools. Theyβd also be able to visit nearby towns and historical sites such as Dibba, while also enjoying water-based activities including diving out at Lima Harbour.
If that wasnβt enough to impress the showβs location scouts, the Six Senses also has its own multi-award-winning space, an exclusive Souk (cultural shopping) and cinema.
Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
Murder with a little detour by the pyramids? Well, not quite given that Sharm El Sheikh is about a five-hour drive from Giza, but a day tour to the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World is doable for characters staying at the Four Seasons Resort in season four.
The resort springs to mind not just because of the popular country in which it is located but because it was described by Conde Nast Traveler as being βlike the Garden of Edenβ.
According to the magazine, the resortβs driveway is lined up with 1,800 palm trees which would make an incredible shot as characters arrive for their holidays.
The resort cascades down a hill from the desert to the sea, providing visuals of two contrasting landscapes, and itβs designed with both modern techniques and traditional Arabian dΓ©cor in mind.
Characters on the show could enjoy a camel ride, which is offered by the resort, or steer away from stereotypes by playing some golf, booking a Sharm City Tour, stargazing or visiting Mount Moses and St Catherineβs Monastery.
The resortβs rooms are made up of signature suites including one called βThe Palaceβ which would be perfect for the billionaire character whoβs cheating on her partner.
Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Abu Dhabi
For the last but never the least suggestion weβre returning to the desert for season four at the Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara in Abu Dhabi.
You know Anantara brings the goods in accommodation so it should come as no surprise that this property could offer The White Lotus an ultra-luxurious site for filming with a Moroccan hammam where characters can partake in desert spa rituals early in the season.
Located in the worldβs largest sand desert, Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort is isolated enough for a murder mystery to take place but big enough for the killer to enact their plan with little-to-no witnesses. Characters and viewers would also be able to admire endless dunes throughout the season.
The resort also has an Infinity Pool which would be perfect to cool down the characters, and for something a little different, it has an education farmhouse and cultural centre where sheep, goats and native desert animals are raised.
Another suggestion for the showβs creators, you could even bring in some local UAE stars like Safa from Dubai Bling to star in the season!
