Latest news with #WhiteLotusResort
NDTV
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
5 OTT-Inspired Vacation Spots That Are Trending In 2025
From high-drama murder mysteries to glossy romantic escapades and sinister games with sky-high stakes, 2025's biggest OTT (Over-The-Top) hits are not just binge-worthy — they're setting the tone for this year's most in-demand travel experiences. Whether you're in it for the aesthetics, the food, or the plot-driven adrenaline rush, these destinations aren't just backdrops — they're practically characters in their own right. Think beach resorts steeped in spiritual lore, misty hills rich with folklore, and chic city streets that double as fashion runways. Here are five places made iconic by your favourite OTT series this year, and yes, you can actually go there. Here Are 5 Bucket-List Destinations For OTT Fans: 1. Thailand's Koh Samui: The White Lotus Season 3 The White Lotus is back with more chaos, sharper satire, and some serious eye-candy locations. Season 3 is set in Thailand, and while the show filmed in multiple locations, including Bangkok and Phuket, it's Koh Samui that's stealing the spotlight. This island paradise, already known for its laid-back beaches and luxe resorts, plays host to the fictional White Lotus Resort, reportedly filmed at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. The showrunners have doubled down on Thailand's rich spiritual traditions, and it shows — from scenes shot at ancient temples to opulent beachside rituals. Travellers are now gravitating to spiritual wellness retreats and high-end villas with jungle views. Also, seeing a bump? Private Muay Thai sessions, night markets, and longtail boat tours to nearby Ang Thong Marine Park. Pro tip: Book early — post- White Lotus hype is real. The gritty neo-noir series Paatal Lok returns in 2025, and this time, it dives deep into India's Northeast — specifically Nagaland. The second season is rooted in the region's complex socio-political fabric, with much of the action shot in Dimapur and remote hillside villages. This is the first time mainstream Indian TV has spotlighted Nagaland in such a visceral, visually arresting way. The landscape is cinematic: Mist-covered hills, dense bamboo forests, and dusty towns where time seems to pause. Cultural moments — like traditional tribal tattoos, indigenous rock music, and Naga cuisine — are front and centre. Travellers have started to look past the usual Goa-Leh-Rajasthan circuit, with Nagaland seeing a spike in offbeat tourism. Local homestays and eco-resorts near Khonoma are now booked months in advance. It's raw, real, and refreshingly un-touristy. 3. Paris, France: Emily in Paris Season 4 Paris. Photo: iStock Yes, she's still wearing impractical heels on cobblestones. Emily in Paris returned this year with its most dramatic season yet, but it's the new neighbourhoods and luxe Parisian getaways that have fans swooning all over again. Season 4 has Emily navigating the Left Bank, with scenes filmed in Saint-Germain-des-Pres and Montparnasse, giving the city a slightly moodier, more artistic tone than in previous seasons. The Jardin du Luxembourg and Latin Quarter cafes are already seeing a spike in Instagram check-ins. But the big travel takeaway? Weekend escapes. This season features trips to Champagne and the Loire Valley, inspiring Paris-bound tourists to tack on mini wine-soaked getaways. Trend alert: Stylish countryside B&Bs over flashy hotels. 4. Seoul, South Korea: Squid Game Season 2 Seoul. Photo: Pixabay The global phenomenon that is Squid Game returned with more psychological warfare and twisted social commentary — and this time, Seoul gets a bigger slice of screen time. While the actual games remain shrouded in secrecy, much of the new season takes place above ground, including in Itaewon and the high-rises of Gangnam. There's also a strong focus on Seoul's nightlife and underground gambling dens, giving the city a neon-drenched noir vibe that's both unsettling and visually addictive. Post-season, Seoul has seen a surge in "dark tourism" experiences — think crime-themed walking tours, immersive VR escape rooms, and even food tours featuring jjapaguri (ram-don). Airbnb hosts are leaning in, offering " Squid Game -style stays" — minus the actual life-or-death stakes. 5. Romania: Wednesday Season 2 Tim Burton's Wednesday is back, and so is Nevermore Academy — except it's not where you think. Although the show's aesthetic screams New England Gothic, the filming location is Romania, specifically around Bucharest and the historic Cantacuzino Castle in Prahova County. Season 2 adds even more visual flair with episodes shot in Transylvania's fortified churches and eerie woodlands. Tourism to Bran Castle (dubbed "Dracula's Castle") is booming again, but the real sleeper hit is Sinaia, a small town that's suddenly Gen Z's new favourite photo-op spot. Goth-core fashion and "dark academia" aesthetics are now influencing the way fans travel — think moody black outfits at heritage sites, candlelit cafe snaps, and group tours themed around the occult. Romania has never looked this cool.
Fox Sports
15-04-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Can the Steelers afford to let Aaron Rodgers stall much longer?
Has anyone heard from Aaron Rodgers? Aside from Pat McAfee, that is. Does anyone have any idea whether Rodgers is going to play in 2025? He hasn't been back-and-forth so much as he's been totally absent. But there's little doubt that he'll play for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Or … should I say there's a little doubt that he'll play for the Steelers? At one point, it seemed like the only person who didn't know that Aaron Rodgers was going to play for the Steelers was Aaron Rodgers. Even Russell Wilson seemed fed up with waiting on Rodgers. He chose the New York Giants, a much less desirable landing spot, rather than holding out hope that Rodgers would not land in Pittsburgh. Wilson probably thought what we all thought: that Rodgers to the Steelers was inevitable. It really seemed that way. It mostly still seems that way. But right now, Rodgers is still not a Steeler. Fittingly, Rodgers seems comfortable as a free agent. And given that Pittsburgh has no other legitimate starting quarterback on the roster — and with the 2025 NFL Draft fast approaching — you can bet there's a growing sense of unease in that building. The Steelers would never admit it. Because then they'd have to admit that Rodgers fooled them. After all, we've seen this before. Rodgers did this to the Jets just a few years ago. When New York had agreed to terms on a trade with the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers held up the transaction. Meanwhile, the Jets were signing free agents off Rodgers' wish list: receivers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb and tight end Marcedes Lewis. They were avoiding all quarterbacks on the market. They were proceeding as if Rodgers was on their roster even if he absolutely was not. Like the Jets, the Steelers are stuck in Rodgers' purgatory. But, thankfully for Pittsburgh, it's not quite the same. The Steelers haven't made the mistake of rebuilding their organization in Rodgers' image. Their moves, like the trade for receiver DK Metcalf, would benefit any quarterback. It's not a decision predicated on having Rodgers. That's the good news. Pittsburgh is still built to accommodate just about any quarterback in the NFL. The Steelers proved that last year, with wins under Justin Fields and Wilson — and with radically different game plans for both QBs. The bad news for the Steelers is that this might not go how everyone expects. Rodgers is erratic. He is a fragile creature, to put it nicely. And he's — if nothing else — mercurial. He could somehow convince the Minnesota Vikings to bring him on. He could also retire to Costa Rica to start "Aaronhuasca: A Darkness Retreat and White Lotus Resort." At this point, the Steelers have to hope that history is repeating itself, with Rodgers stalling but signing. Because what happens if he does retire? The Steelers have options. But they're not great — or even good — options. Obviously, Pittsburgh had more veteran choices at the opening of free agency when Wilson, Fields, Geno Smith (via trade), Sam Darnold and even Daniel Jones were available. If Rodgers falls through, the Steelers might have to explore trading for Falcons QB Kirk Cousins and/or drafting a quarterback in Round 1. With Cousins, it probably wouldn't take much in the way of draft pick compensation — but it will likely mean a major salary cap hit. Pittsburgh is in good enough financial health to figure out how to get Cousins' bloated contract under its $31 million in cap space. But just because it's possible, it doesn't mean it's smart. If Rodgers hasn't made his decision before Day 1 of the draft, Pittsburgh could enter desperation mode. Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are the cleanest QB prospects in this class, and then there isn't a consensus on who is the best of the next tier. That's, in part, because scouts don't feel this is the strongest quarterback class. Everyone expects Ward to go No. 1 to the Titans. But then, if the Steelers are eyeing Sanders, there could be trouble. The Giants, who have the No. 3 pick, are bringing him in for a visit this week, which has created even more mystery about where the Colorado QB might land. If he goes in the top three, then Jalen Milroe, Jaxson Dart and Tyler Shough would be the next best options. But they seem like developmental QBs who would benefit from some time as backups. It's really messy for Pittsburgh, which doesn't pick until 21st overall. Which is why the Steelers might, again, have to circle back to Cousins. Pittsburgh can't really afford to wait for Rodgers once the Titans are on the clock. The Steelers will likely have to make moves to secure a starting-caliber signal-caller. And then they just move on with or without Rodgers. And, by the way, that would be OK. It might actually be the best thing for Pittsburgh. There's a way Pittsburgh gets out of this situation with 10 wins with Cousins or Sanders or another rookie. It's Mike Tomlin. That's what he does. But it seemed like the Steelers pushed for Rodgers because they're tired of only 10 wins. Pittsburgh wanted more. It wanted to be a contender. I don't even believe that Rodgers will/would put them in that position. But that seems to be what the Steelers think. Apparently, they think Rodgers is worth the headaches. Let's acknowledge the most probable outcome: Rodgers will announce his decision this week or next. And he's just waiting for the right time to announce — when it'll get the most attention. Maybe he's trying to time it up with the launch of an ayahuasca-infused tequila brand. I don't know. This is what the Steelers can expect from Rodgers: a bunch of nonsense. And I'm sorry to tell you, Pittsburgh, this is just the beginning. As I've made abundantly clear, he's not even on the team yet. Imagine what'll happen if he is. Prior to joining FOX Sports as an NFL reporter and columnist, Henry McKenna spent seven years covering the Patriots for USA TODAY Sports Media Group and Boston Globe Media. Follow him on Twitter at @henrycmckenna . Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account , and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! recommended Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
CBC
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
What we know so far about Season 3 of The White Lotus
Social Sharing After a two-year-long wait, the first episode of highly-anticipated The White Lotus Season 3 premiered on Crave over the long weekend. The White Lotus is a satirical TV anthology series that explores the clash between wealthy guests and hotel staff of the fictional White Lotus Resort chain. Each season features a star-studded cast and a vague flash-forward to a character's death that only becomes clear in the final episode. I think that we are living in a political hellscape where rich people are ruining everyone's lives and so that becomes, like, a very easy way to kind of appeal to large audiences. - Nicole Froio Since it first aired in 2021, the series gained popularity for both its commentary on the American class system and its complex, often unlikeable characters. Standout actors from this season's ensemble cast include Jason Isaacs, Patrick Schwarzenegger and Lalisa Manobal (a.k.a. Lisa from K-pop supergroup Blackpink). Today on Commotion, comedian Cassie Cao and culture critic Nicole Froio talk with guest host Rad Simonpillai about their thoughts on the premiere, and their predictions for the rest of the season. WATCH | Today's episode on YouTube:
CNN
15-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
‘White Lotus' S3 promises to lure more travelers to Thailand. These are the locations featured on the hit show
In recent years, no TV series has gotten viewers excited about luxury travel quite like 'The White Lotus.' It's easy to understand why. It's got murder. Sexy scandals. Gorgeous beaches. And, perhaps most importantly, wealthy travelers behaving terribly. Seasons one and two of the satirical dark comedy-drama, written and directed by Mike White, were set in luxury hotels in two stunning places — Hawaii and Sicily, respectively. In both seasons, guests and employees experience a transformative week as the truths behind the characters' seemingly idyllic lives are exposed. The third season of the Emmy-winning HBO show, which premieres on February 16, is expected to be spicier than ever as it takes viewers to another one of the world's most popular destinations — Thailand. This season's cast includes Carrie Coon, Michelle Monaghan, Jason Isaacs, Leslie Bibb, Walton Goggins, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger and Thailand's very own K-pop superstar, Lalisa 'Lisa' Manobal. Season one fan favorite Natasha Rothwell will also be returning to reprise her role as spa manager Belinda. Expectations for this one are high. Over the last few months, fans of the show have been dissecting the trailers and trying to pinpoint the various locations, from Koh Samui, where most of the action takes place, to other popular destinations like Bangkok and Phuket. Thankfully, HBO has just released a list highlighting many of the locations that were used to create the stunning backdrop of season three, allowing travelers to create their own White Lotus-inspired journey. As Lalisa's character 'Mook' says in the trailer, 'I hope you enjoy Thailand.' Koh Samui, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is the country's second-biggest island after Phuket. Its white sandy shores are dotted with luxury hotels, a handful of which make an appearance in the show. Keeping with tradition, the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui is the real star of season three, standing in for the title character — the White Lotus Resort & Spa. (Both seasons one and two were filmed in Four Seasons properties.) According to HBO, we can expect to see plenty of scenes taking place in the resort's luxurious pool villas, restaurants, outdoor landscapes and fitness areas. The 'White Lotus' bar, however, can actually be found at another luxury property — it's Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort's Singing Bird Lounge. As for the hotel's lobby, security station, driveway and jewelry store? You'll have to head for the Thai hotel brand's second resort on the island, Anantara Bophut Koh Samui. Other Samui resorts and attractions that HBO says featured in the new season's trailer include Choeng Mon Beach, Am Samui Resort Taling Ngam, Wat Phu Khao Thong (a temple), the Dusit Dheva Cultural Center, Cape Fahn Hotel and the Pi Samui Beach Club and Restaurant. The nearby island of Koh Phangan's Haad Rin Beach, home to Thailand's famous Full Moon parties, also makes an appearance. Meanwhile, HBO says some arrival scenes were filmed at the stunning Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park — a popular day trip for Samui visitors. Some scenes for 'The White Lotus' were shot on Thailand's largest island, Phuket, in the Andaman Sea. If the return of season one favorite Belinda has you excited, you'll want to head for the Anantara Mai Khao Phuket resort. Many of the spa manager's scenes were actually shot there. 'White Lotus' dinner scenes were filmed at yet another luxury hotel property — Rosewood Phuket's Ta Khai restaurant. Other Phuket attractions highlighted by HBO that appear in the show's trailer include Bangla Boxing, Ya Nui Beach, the Phuket Yacht Haven Marina and Café Del Mar. Additional arrival scenes were filmed at Ko Lawa Yai, which is off the coast of Phuket near Phang Nga Bay, says HBO. Meanwhile Bangkok's grand dame, the historic Mandarin Oriental Hotel, also makes an appearance in the trailer. Ever since it was confirmed in early 2024 that the third season would be set in Thailand, much has been said about the inevitable impact the show will have on tourism growth. 'We are honored to have amazing Thailand featured as the filming location for the highly anticipated upcoming season of 'The White Lotus,'' said Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool in a press release following the announcement. 'The kingdom's exotic natural beauty, rich historical sites and diverse landscapes are the perfect settings to share our fascinating culture, fantastic cuisine, top-notch wellness and luxury offerings, and most importantly our people and Thai hospitality.' Multiple tour companies and resorts have already put together 'White Lotus' themed Thailand packages, while a source from tells CNN that searches are up 40% for Koh Samui ahead of season three. The island will likely see an even higher bump in the weeks to come. Season two of the 'White Lotus' was set at the San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel, in Italy and saw a 300% increase in searches after the show launched, according to Meanwhile, the Tourism Authority of Thailand reports the country welcomed more than 35 million international travelers in 2024, generating over 1.8 trillion baht ($53.5 billion) in tourism revenue. This year, it aims to attract 39-40 million international visitors and generate 3 trillion baht in tourism revenue, which would mark a return to pre-pandemic arrival numbers. 'The White Lotus' Season 3 premieres Sunday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO, with the episode available to stream on Max. HBO and Max, like CNN, are owned by the same parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery.
CNN
15-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
‘White Lotus' S3 promises to lure more travelers to Thailand. These are the locations featured on the hit show
In recent years, no TV series has gotten viewers excited about luxury travel quite like 'The White Lotus.' It's easy to understand why. It's got murder. Sexy scandals. Gorgeous beaches. And, perhaps most importantly, wealthy travelers behaving terribly. Seasons one and two of the satirical dark comedy-drama, written and directed by Mike White, were set in luxury hotels in two stunning places — Hawaii and Sicily, respectively. In both seasons, guests and employees experience a transformative week as the truths behind the characters' seemingly idyllic lives are exposed. The third season of the Emmy-winning HBO show, which premieres on February 16, is expected to be spicier than ever as it takes viewers to another one of the world's most popular destinations — Thailand. This season's cast includes Carrie Coon, Michelle Monaghan, Jason Isaacs, Leslie Bibb, Walton Goggins, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger and Thailand's very own K-pop superstar, Lalisa 'Lisa' Manobal. Season one fan favorite Natasha Rothwell will also be returning to reprise her role as spa manager Belinda. Expectations for this one are high. Over the last few months, fans of the show have been dissecting the trailers and trying to pinpoint the various locations, from Koh Samui, where most of the action takes place, to other popular destinations like Bangkok and Phuket. Thankfully, HBO has just released a list highlighting many of the locations that were used to create the stunning backdrop of season three, allowing travelers to create their own White Lotus-inspired journey. As Lalisa's character 'Mook' says in the trailer, 'I hope you enjoy Thailand.' Koh Samui, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is the country's second-biggest island after Phuket. Its white sandy shores are dotted with luxury hotels, a handful of which make an appearance in the show. Keeping with tradition, the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui is the real star of season three, standing in for the title character — the White Lotus Resort & Spa. (Both seasons one and two were filmed in Four Seasons properties.) According to HBO, we can expect to see plenty of scenes taking place in the resort's luxurious pool villas, restaurants, outdoor landscapes and fitness areas. The 'White Lotus' bar, however, can actually be found at another luxury property — it's Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort's Singing Bird Lounge. As for the hotel's lobby, security station, driveway and jewelry store? You'll have to head for the Thai hotel brand's second resort on the island, Anantara Bophut Koh Samui. Other Samui resorts and attractions that HBO says featured in the new season's trailer include Choeng Mon Beach, Am Samui Resort Taling Ngam, Wat Phu Khao Thong (a temple), the Dusit Dheva Cultural Center, Cape Fahn Hotel and the Pi Samui Beach Club and Restaurant. The nearby island of Koh Phangan's Haad Rin Beach, home to Thailand's famous Full Moon parties, also makes an appearance. Meanwhile, HBO says some arrival scenes were filmed at the stunning Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park — a popular day trip for Samui visitors. Some scenes for 'The White Lotus' were shot on Thailand's largest island, Phuket, in the Andaman Sea. If the return of season one favorite Belinda has you excited, you'll want to head for the Anantara Mai Khao Phuket resort. Many of the spa manager's scenes were actually shot there. 'White Lotus' dinner scenes were filmed at yet another luxury hotel property — Rosewood Phuket's Ta Khai restaurant. Other Phuket attractions highlighted by HBO that appear in the show's trailer include Bangla Boxing, Ya Nui Beach, the Phuket Yacht Haven Marina and Café Del Mar. Additional arrival scenes were filmed at Ko Lawa Yai, which is off the coast of Phuket near Phang Nga Bay, says HBO. Meanwhile Bangkok's grand dame, the historic Mandarin Oriental Hotel, also makes an appearance in the trailer. Ever since it was confirmed in early 2024 that the third season would be set in Thailand, much has been said about the inevitable impact the show will have on tourism growth. 'We are honored to have amazing Thailand featured as the filming location for the highly anticipated upcoming season of 'The White Lotus,'' said Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool in a press release following the announcement. 'The kingdom's exotic natural beauty, rich historical sites and diverse landscapes are the perfect settings to share our fascinating culture, fantastic cuisine, top-notch wellness and luxury offerings, and most importantly our people and Thai hospitality.' Multiple tour companies and resorts have already put together 'White Lotus' themed Thailand packages, while a source from tells CNN that searches are up 40% for Koh Samui ahead of season three. The island will likely see an even higher bump in the weeks to come. Season two of the 'White Lotus' was set at the San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel, in Italy and saw a 300% increase in searches after the show launched, according to Meanwhile, the Tourism Authority of Thailand reports the country welcomed more than 35 million international travelers in 2024, generating over 1.8 trillion baht ($53.5 billion) in tourism revenue. This year, it aims to attract 39-40 million international visitors and generate 3 trillion baht in tourism revenue, which would mark a return to pre-pandemic arrival numbers. 'The White Lotus' Season 3 premieres Sunday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO, with the episode available to stream on Max. HBO and Max, like CNN, are owned by the same parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery.
