Where the Vogue Team Thinks The White Lotus Season 4 Should Take Place in the Middle East
As speculation swirls around the next destination for HBO's The White Lotus , we couldn't help but imagine what a fourth season set in the Middle East might look like. With its storied landscapes, luxury resorts, and rich layers of culture, the region offers a wealth of potential for Mike White's next satire of the ultra-wealthy. From secret affairs in desert oases to spiritual awakenings gone awry by the sea, the Arab world is ripe for a season full of intrigue, opulence, and underlying dread. We asked the Vogue Arabia team to play location scout and each nominate a dream resort—one that feels tailor-made for the twisted beauty of The White Lotus universe.
Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea, Jordan
Photo: Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea
Leen Al Saadi, Digital Editor: 'Few places feel as spiritually charged—and as symbolically ripe—as the Dead Sea. At the ultra-luxe Kempinski Hotel Ishtar, perched on the edge of the world's lowest point, the silence is almost sacred. But in true White Lotus fashion, it wouldn't stay that way for long. With its sprawling infinity pools, date palm-lined walkways, and dramatic sunsets over still, salt-laden waters, the setting is made for slow-burning tension. Here, a detox retreat could spiral into psychological warfare; a family reunion could unearth buried generational rifts; a honeymoon might unravel under the weight of unspoken truths. The contrast between ancient land and modern decadence is fertile ground for mystery and mayhem. And after all, it's called the Dead Sea—what more could Mike White ask for?'
Hawar Resort by Mantis, Bahrain
Photo: Hawar Resort by Mantis
Hafsa Lodi , Features Editor: 'Picture this: a Maldivian-esque escape, luxurious water villas and all, in the middle of the Middle East. Not on the oft-visited Palm island of Dubai, or up and coming Red Sea project of Saudi, but rather, in the comparatively quiet yet culturally – rich kingdom of Bahrain. Hawar Resort by Mantis opened in January 2025 on Bahrain's Hawar Island, and it is the perfect backdrop for an intimate retreat. Private beaches, overwater villas and a focus on preserving the island's natural ecosystem make this environmentally-conscious resort stand out from others in the region. Rooted in high-standing ethics and principles, Hawar Resort could be just the setting for a show highlighting the opposite – high stakes drama, fickle friendships and dysfunctional relationships. Viewers would surely tune in to see the stunning scenery of Bahrain's Hawar island, and also, to witness the scandals, shocking contrasts and theatrics promised by a season of White Lotus on this pristine island just a boat drive away from central Bahrain.'
Shangri-la Al Husn, Oman
Photo: Shangri-la Al Husn Markus Gortz
Nitya Chablani, Beauty Editor: 'Few properties can compete with the serene beauty of the Shangri-la Al Husn, nestled in the heart of Muscat's dazzling landscape. With its sweeping views, luxe interiors and hypnotically scented hallways, nothing could possibly go wrong for holiday-goers — unless of course, we twisted the scenario into a White Lotus venue. The hotel's beautifully put-together spa is the perfect spot for mid-massage revelations, while the deep blue waters that extend from the Shangri-la's pristine beach were made for romantic excursions — or perhaps a milestone moment with family amid the dolphins. As for the rocky terrains that are staple to Oman's scenery? Think of them as a metaphor for all the drama that could unfold within Oman's most sought after holiday destination.'
Banyan Tree AlUla, Saudi Arabia
Nadine ElChaer , Arabic Director: 'With its otherworldly landscape and unshakable stillness, Banyan Tree AlUla feels like a scene straight out of a beautifully shot drama—perhaps even the next White Lotus . Nestled in Saudi Arabia's enchanting Ashar Valley, this tented desert retreat is more than just a hotel; it's a poetic escape suspended between ancient history and contemporary luxury. Think soaring sandstone cliffs, handcrafted Arabian details, and villas that blend so seamlessly into the earth, they almost disappear. With easy access from Riyadh, Jeddah, and even Dubai, it's the perfect setting for secrets, slow-burn tension, and undeniable cinematic flair.'
The Chedi, El Gouna Egypt
Photo: The Chedi, El Gouna
Lara Akkari , Fashion Features Editor: 'You can imagine it. The lead heroine in a tangled love tryst lifts her sunglasses to squint lazily over the shimmering Red Sea, blissfully unaware of the drama about to unfold–cue suspenseful music and the lingering, slightly unnerving gaze of the brazen, overly attentive concierge. The luxurious stillness of The Chedi in El Gouna, with its desert-inspired gardens, endless blue waters, and crisp white Egyptian cotton (possibly soon blood-stained)–sets the stage for emotional and psychological mayhem just waiting to unfold. The calm is almost too composed, too pristine. Something is bound to unravel. Then comes the contrast: sun-drenched leisure, subtle cultural friction and an undercurrent of delicious unpredictability. Even the wholesome bits like kite surfing, quad biking, admiring the sunset, could go fantastically, cinematically awry. Add in some light-hearted Egyptian satire, and you've got a cultural comedy of errors of the most watchable kind. I'm tuning in.'
Qasr Al Sarab - Desert Resort by Anantara at Liwa, Abu Dhabi
Photo: Qasr Al Sarab - Desert Resort by Anantara at Liwa
Bahaar Peshawaria , Art Production Manager: 'Just think of the drama unraveling against a backdrop of endless dunes, where ultra-luxury pool villas and ornate interiors of Al Qasr Sarab Anantara at Liwa, Abu Dhabi create the illusion of serenity. Here, the golden sun could soften everything—except the truth. Between the sweeping arches, intricate carvings and flickering lanterns, the sand-coloured walls of the resort melt into the landscape, blurring the line between what's real and not. A picture-perfect anniversary or a solo trip meant for reflection could stir up something far less peaceful. Outside, palm trees sway gently in the desert breeze, but inside, quiet conversations and lingering glances could suggest that not everything is as it seems. Even the light here has secrets—casting shadows that seem to have a story of their own. With the silence of the desert and the mirage of perfection, this could just be the show's most intoxicating setting yet. At Qasr Al Sarab, beauty is everywhere—but in true White Lotus style, peace is never guaranteed.'
Hotel Albergo, Beirut, Lebanon
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Dana Sharawneh, Editorial Assistant: "The Bride of the Middle East has long been celebrated for its world-class hospitality, specifically Beirut, its vibrant capital and embodiment of Mediterranean majesty. Perhaps the most unique among its hotels is Albergo, a gorgeous 33-suite Relais & Châteaux property in the Achrafieh district. Of palatial grandeur, the hotel's premises are a match-made-in-heaven with the uninhibited explosiveness of White Lotus -ian drama - be it in its five-star rooms, decadent spa, or spectacular dining destinations. And one can only imagine the magnitude of neuroticism to be unleashed as one exits the hotel's lavish hallways, inspired by Lebanese culture and fuelled by the limitlessness of the seaport city's vast waters and limitless skyline.
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Visitors [can] consider what the relationship between architecture and nature should be.' Saudi Arabia pavilion: Foster + Partners Above A rendering of the Saudi Arabia pavilion (COURTESY OF FOSTER + PARTNERS) London-headquartered firm Foster + Partners, known for its technologically innovative work, is behind the Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025—a design that marries tradition with forward-thinking modularity. 'We took inspiration from the scale of Saudi villages and their inherent response to human comfort. We studied the organisation and proportions of their streets and reinterpreted them in our pavilion design,' says Luke Fox, senior executive partner and head of studio at Foster + Partners. The journey through the pavilion gives visitors the experience of walking through a Saudi village. The pavilion is also a feat of sustainable engineering. 'We had 13 months to construct the pavilion, so we needed to establish a system that was as lightweight, sustainable and easy to build as possible,' says Fox. A standout innovation is the modular façade system—made from lightweight Saudi stone—that can be deconstructed, reassembled or reconfigured for future use. What's more, 'the way it has been designed and manufactured gives it the appearance of permanence'. This isn't Foster + Partners' first foray into Expo architecture; the firm designed the UAE and Qatar Pavilions for Expo 2020 Dubai. Reflecting on those projects, Fox says, 'Expos are a fantastic opportunity for countries to present themselves in the world spotlight.' For Saudi Arabia, the Expo pavilion is also a cultural bridge. 'It is designed to create meaningful connections between the Japanese public and Saudi Arabia's ancient history, recent progress and incredible artists and musicians—engaging all of the senses—and allowing visitors to experience the true spirit of the kingdom.' Singapore pavilion: DP Architects Above The Singapore pavilion (Photo: Finbarr Fallon, courtesy of The Singapore Pavilion, Expos 2025 Osaka) Above The Singapore pavilion (Photo: Finbarr Fallon, courtesy of The Singapore Pavilion, Expos 2025 Osaka) Above The Singapore pavilion (Photo: Finbarr Fallon, courtesy of The Singapore Pavilion, Expos 2025 Osaka) Singapore-based DP Architects' Singapore Pavilion at Expo 2025 presents a vision of the island that's compact yet liveable, highly innovative and sustainable, and deeply rooted in community and place. 'The Singapore Pavilion is a larger-than-life manifestation of 'a little red dot'—a term of endearment that symbolises Singapore's outsized impact and high aspirations,' says Seah Chee Huang, CEO of DP Architects and architecture lead for the Singapore Pavilion at Expo 2025. 'It reflects the city-state's relentless pursuit of innovation, resilience and sustainable solutions.' At the heart of the pavilion is The Dream Sphere, a centrepiece that embodies Singapore's collective hope for a more inclusive and thriving future. Clad in recycled aluminium discs that contain 70 per cent post-consumer waste, the façade draws inspiration from seigaiha , the traditional Japanese wave motif, and alludes to the Japanese practice of hanging wooden plaques inscribed with wishes. 'This symbolises not just the culmination of dreams but also the collective desire to turn these dreams into reality as one united nation,' Seah says. Sustainability is one of the pavilion's guiding principles. The structure integrates water-saving systems, renewable energy and pieces designed for their ease of assembly and disassembly, intended for reuse after the Expo. 'The pavilion showcases how Singapore strives to push boundaries in building a more sustainable and inclusive world,' says Seah.
