What is The White Lotus Effect; a new trend of vacationing based on the success of our favourite TV shows

As much as we want to admit to ourselves that it was just the incredible dialogue from Mike White that led to the success of both seasons of HBO series The White Lotus, let’s be honest for one moment; it helps that the locations and its surroundings added to the stunning cinematography both shows boasted.

So much so, it seems, that media commentators are now referring to the television series as the reason so many vacationers are looking at areas such as Hawaii, Italy and even parts of Ibiza, due to their stunning presence on our screens in hit television shows. Maybe part of it also is that we’ve been tired of being locked away due to the pandemic also for a number of years.

In what some writers are calling “The White Lotus Effect,” the name is derived from a study undertaken by American Express which has determined 2023’s global travel trends.

They’ve found that “travellers are flocking to places that captivate them on screen, with travel inspiration found anywhere from smartphones to binge-worthy series,” such as The White Lotus and White Lines.

American Express themselves had called this trend “set-jetting” rather than name it after Mike White’ critical success, as from the people they surveyed for their report, 64% of respondents agree that they have been inspired to travel to a destination after seeing it featured on a TV show, news source, or movie. 

That number can also be distilled down to demonstrate that 70% of Gen-Z and Millennial respondents agree that they have been inspired to visit a destination after seeing it featured in a TV show, news source, or movie.

PeopleWorld were wondering where some of its team might vacation when we finally get a break this year, and given we’re fans of a number of television shows that have been mentioned, we were curious how much it would cost to live like a character from some of these popular shows currently available to stream.

The White Lotus - Season One

The first season of The White Lotus was shot in Maui, Hawaii and the halls of the hotel were in fact the very expensive halls of the Four Seasons Resort in Maui. For your two nights stay at one of the premium rooms on offer (and to live a little more like Tanya McQuoid), you’re looking at £1902 for two adults including breakfast and dinner.

Though we are not sure if that price includes a dip pool - best to make sure the Pineapple Suite is free before your visit. Please be friendly to the hotel manager also, and stay away from the pineapple knives!

• Flights to Hawaii: £1,087 per person

• Two nights stay at Four Seasons Resort Maui: £1902 per night (one room, two adults)

• Grand Total: £2989

The White Lotus - Season Two

Season Two of The White Lotus was based in the hilltop town of Taormina, on the east coast of Sicily. It sits near Mount Etna, an active volcano with trails leading to the summit. Though there are no direct flights to the area, fans will be delighted to know that the closest airport happens to be in… Catania; the location that Portia was dropped off to (or nearabouts) in the season finale.

To stay in the same luxurious style as the characters from this season, you’ll be wanting to book yourself into the San Domenico Palace, another Four Season Hotel. One room with two adults will set you back the princely sum of £2,220 per night.

• Flights to Catania Fontanarossa: £390 per person

• Two nights stay at San Domenico Palace: £2,220 per night (one room, two adults)

• Grand Total: £2,590

White Lines

The stunning beauty captured in White Lines happens to be in a location known more for its vibrant nightlife and dance music culture; Ibiza. But rather than the city centre, the production team of White Lines instead chose Es Vedrà - an islet off Ibiza’s south-west coast.

We looked at options where you could stay on the islet, and decided that for £2,880 for two nights, the Villa Santa Catalina Exclusive, an eight bedroom villa with swimming pool, can be all yours, though an additional cost may be incurred to get to Es Vedrà

• Flights to Ibiza: £426 per person

• Two nights stay at Villa Santa Catalina Exclusive: £2,880 (entire villa, two nights)

• Grand Total: £3,306

Killing Eve - Season 3

Flights to Barcelona are still pretty cheap, according to Skyscanner, who we used to determine the best prices for flights to our locations we’ve discussed. Given the architecture that the Catalonian city boasts, we can appreciate why Killing Eve producers decided to shoot on location in Spain.

The building however our characters reside in isn’t a hotel however; instead, it’s the La Casa Ramos, one of the fine examples of the Modernist architecture that graces the streets of Barcelona. Though there are some websites that claim the building is not open to visitors, it would seem one budding Airbnb host has decided to throw their doors open and allow travellers to stay under its roof. 

But, the accommodation is only available for visitors at specific times of the year - so plan ahead accordingly!

• Flights to Barcelona: £98 per person
• Two nights stay at La Casa Ramos: £796 (two nights)
• Grand Total: £894