White Lotus: Cast's Shocking Equal Pay Plan Revealed

It pays to be in the White Lotus.

In the captivating HBO series, the characters find relaxation (and stirring up a controversial dynamic) at breathtaking resorts across the globe. Interestingly, this sense of fairness extends to their off-screen lives as well. One of the show’s producers, David Bernard, disclosed that the cast members, which comprise Parker Posey, Carrie Coon, Michelle Monaghan, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Jason Isaacs, Blackpink’s Lisa, and Natasha Rothwell, all receive identical salaries.

In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter on April 2nd, David clarified that equality is upheld in the series ‘White Lotus’. All cast members receive equal pay, and the billing order is alphabetical, ensuring that those involved are motivated by genuine interest in the project.

As reported by THR, citing various reliable sources, the regular actors on the show typically earn around $40,000 per episode.

David stated the salary was “non-negotiable,” and the team relied on their custom-built billing system, established to finance the series during its first season in 2021, to set this price. According to THR, each episode of season one filmed in Hawaii cost approximately $4 million, while the budget for the current third season, being shot in Thailand, is estimated to be between $6 million and $7 million.

To date, this unexpected fixed rate system has been effective in the well-received television series. As Meredith Tucker, the casting director, elucidated, this method ensures a fair environment for all involved.

She went on to say, “It simplifies things tremendously,” she explained. “You just tell folks what it’s about. However, there will be those who refuse – and let’s be honest, we can’t blame individuals who must earn a living. Our main cast members are essentially participating for minimum wage.

Previously in the interview, ‘White Lotus’ creator Mike White revealed that Thailand wasn’t his preferred choice for season three. Instead, he had his sights set on a different Asian location.

Initially, I had planned to film in Japan, the director stated, who was then in Thailand. Unfortunately, my father and I were eliminated from “The Amazing Race” – spending two weeks in an elimination station surrounded by other disgruntled reality show contestants left me feeling, “I never want to return here again.

However, even though he was hesitant, Mike observed that HBO opted for the country primarily due to its attractive tax benefits, and the team traveled to Thailand soon afterward.

Keep reading to fall in love with the show’s previous filming locations…

Much of the filming for The White Lotus season three took place at the Four Seasons Resort in Koh Samui, Thailand. This luxury hotel served as the backdrop for various villas, including the Ratliff Family Villa, inhabited by characters portrayed by Jason Isaacs, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sam Nivola, and Sarah Catherine Hook; the Ladies’ Villa, home to Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan), Kate (Leslie Bibb), and Laurie (Carrie Coon); and the room for Rick (Walton Goggins) and Chelsea (Aimee Lee Wood).

The resort’s pool, beach, common areas, paths, water hammocks, gym, boxing ring, Spirit House, and lunch and breakfast restaurants were all part of the filming location.

Opened in 2007, the Four Seasons Resort offers 60 villas and 11 private residence rentals, with each guest villa boasting a private infinity pool and views of the Gulf of Thailand. The resort’s design is inspired by traditional southern Thai architecture, featuring thatched roofs, indoor/outdoor spaces, and colors reminiscent of the sea.

It turns out, Sam Rockwell’s monologue from episode five was filmed at The Bamboo Bar, a renowned jazz venue nestled within the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Bangkok. Established in 1953, this bar has earned the title of a celebrated institution for jazz lovers worldwide. Being the city’s first-ever jazz venue, it holds a significant place in Bangkok’s music history.

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel, with its current structure dating back to 1876, is situated alongside the Chao Phraya River and offers 331 rooms, including 60 suites. For guests seeking an active lifestyle, a private teakwood shuttle boat is available to transport them across the river to the hotel’s fitness and wellness center, as well as its spa – Thailand’s first luxurious hotel spa. If hunger strikes, visitors can indulge in one of the 12 restaurants and bars within the hotel.

The general starting rate for a night’s stay at this opulent establishment is $750+.

Looking for a luxurious getaway inspired by the style of Natasha Rothwell’s character Belinda from White Lotus? You can book a stay at the Anantara Mai Khao Phuket, where Belinda’s villa is located – aptly named the “Lotus Villa.” This 2,001 square foot space boasts a private pool, sundeck, outdoor sunken tub, and stunning lagoon views. If you prefer something different, there are 83 pool villas, 30 pavilions, and 70 suites to choose from.

The resort, nestled on the northern tip of Phuket, was also used as the setting for White Lotus’ Wellness Sanctuary and Spa. You can indulge in real-life spa treatments like massages, facials, crystal chakra balancing, body therapies, and nail services.

The cost varies depending on the time of year, with deluxe Mai Khao suites ranging from 13,000 to 38,200 Thai baht per night (around $385 to $1,130), while pool villas can range from 30,000 to 65,000 THB per night (near $$885 to $1,925). Keep in mind that service charges and taxes are not included in these prices. Enjoy your dreamy escape!

In episode three, Parker Posey’s character Victoria experiences a dream where she finds herself in front of a white house situated on a beach. However, this house, which she identifies as the Ratliffs’ home in North Carolina, is actually the Panwa House restaurant located at the Cape Panwa Hotel in Phuket.

The hotel describes the Panwa House as a “stunning Sino-Portuguese mansion,” offering an array of Thai dishes and a menu that reflects the tranquil evening ambiance of the sea. Dining here typically costs between 210 to 450 THB ($6 to $13) for individual items, while a chef’s set menu with several courses can range up to more than 1,500 THB ($45), not including tax.

If you decide to stay overnight, rooms at the Cape Panwa Hotel start from around 3,500 THB (about $100) and can go as high as approximately 53,000 THB (around $1,570), depending on the room type and the season.

During their conversation about the character Greg (or Gary, as he’s referred to in this season), portrayed by Jon Gries, Belinda and Fabian (Christian Friedel) find themselves standing in the elegant lobby of the Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort.

Interestingly, HBO disclosed that this resort was not only the setting for their conversation but also served as the background for the White Lotus’ jewelry store, security station, hotel entrance, and employee parking lot – locations where key scenes involving Mook (Lisa from Blackpink) and Gaitok (Tayme Thapthimthong) were filmed.

The Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort offers 106 rooms and suites with stunning views of its gardens, pools, and beaches, starting at around $250 per night or more. The resort boasts a spacious spa extending over 3,000 square meters amidst lotus ponds and gardens, as well as a beach club, kids club, assorted bars and restaurants, and a variety of activities such as yoga, Pilates, and kayaking.

In season three, there’s much curiosity among fans about the character played by Greg/Gary, yet where he resided with Charlotte Le Bon at The White Lotus isn’t one of those questions. Instead, we find out that the HBO series filmed his lavish home, Villa Amaravida in Phuket. This grand property spans 4,000 square meters and boasts eight bedrooms and bathrooms each.

The villa combines Scandinavian architecture with traditional Thai elements, as suggested by the Thai-style roof. Inside, it exudes minimalism with its clean lines, marble, and wooden accents. Guests will appreciate amenities such as a cinema room, game room, gym, spa room, sauna, squash court, wine cellar, basketball court, tennis court, playground, beach, three pools, two jacuzzis, and a rooftop bar.

Inside, they’ll also find a kitchen where visitors can cook their own meals or enjoy having a private chef prepare them. However, staying here comes at a price—between $5,698 and $13,650 per night, according to the villa’s website rates.

> As an ardent fan, I can’t help but share my fascination with the breathtaking villa used to portray the abode of our beloved characters, Greg/Gary and Chloe, in the hills of Koh Samui – none other than the magnificent Villa 12 at Samujana.
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> In reality, this villa is a paradise in itself, boasting seven exquisite bedrooms, five of which come equipped with luxurious jacuzzis. It also features 11 bathrooms and three inviting lounges to unwind in. The villa’s amenities are nothing short of exceptional, including a private gym, cinema room, games room, basketball court, outdoor trampoline, and both a saltwater pool and a children’s pool for the little ones.
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> For food enthusiasts, the options are endless – from savoring in-villa dining to whipping up your own culinary masterpieces in the kitchen or even booking a private chef to cater to your every gastronomic desire. To top it all off, the villa offers an array of wellness and sports activities to indulge in, such as yoga, relaxing in-villa massages, and sailing on their stunning 13-meter catamaran.
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> The enchanting Villa 12 comes at a nightly price starting from $4,020 – a small price to pay for the ultimate getaway experience.

In episode three, HBO opted for the Am Samui Resort Taling Ngam as the location for their beachside BBQ and fire spectacle. As per their website, this resort boasts 32 rooms, each offering a choice between sea view or garden vista. The property also features a restaurant, lounge bar, swimming pool, and offers activities such as horseback riding.

The dining scenes in the White Lotus series were filmed at Ta Khai, a restaurant located within Rosewood Phuket. Named after “fishing net” in Thai, this eatery serves a variety of Southern Thai dishes and offers a set menu starting from 1,820 THB ($65). The hotel boasts 71 villas and pavilions, each designed to provide a tranquil beachside retreat ambiance with private pools, outdoor seating, and daybeds. During the low season, guests can book the lowest level pavilions for approximately $650 per night or the lowest level villas for around $1,300 per night (plus tax).

If you’re eager to discover more about the hotel bar seen in episode one, known as The Singing Bird Lounge, it’s located at the Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort. This treehouse-like lounge is perched within a 120-year-old tree and allows visitors to enjoy drinks inspired by local birds while enjoying the stunning ocean vistas.

Situated on Chaweng Beach’s northern side, the Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort offers different types of rooms and suites, with prices starting from $300+ per night. Some accommodations boast garden views, while others provide access to private or shared pools.

Have you ever pondered about experiencing life on a private island? Interestingly, one of its filming locations provides just that opportunity!

The Cape Fahn Hotel is nestled on two privately-owned islands situated off the eastern coast of Koh Samui. It was disclosed that some exterior scenes for a Buddhist monastery were filmed here, and the location can also be glimpsed in shots of a boat circumnavigating the hotel’s exclusive isles.

For those intrigued to visit Cape Fahn Hotel, they can select from various villas or an ocean cottage, each boasting its own private pool. For ultimate seclusion, guests can book a villa on a remote islet instead.

As per the hotel, nightly rates begin at approximately 13,860 THB (around $410 USD) and can reach up to 107,100 THB (around $3,175 USD), depending on the room type and the season.

The show “The White Lotus” can express gratitude to the San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel for providing the primary location for season two, which starred Jennifer Coolidge, Aubrey Plaza, Theo James, Meghann Fahy, Michael Imperioli, Haley Lu Richardson, Sabrina Impacciatore, and others.

This Four Seasons Hotel houses 68 rooms and 43 suites, as stated on its website. It is a blend of the Ancient Convent Wing, constructed on a 14th-century convent’s site, and the Grand Hotel Wing, a Liberty-style structure built in 1896.

The property boasts a 69-foot infinity pool with views of the Mediterranean Sea, a spa, gym, multiple restaurants, bars, Italian gardens, and a collection of artifacts dating from the 16th to 18th centuries. There are numerous activities available for travelers, such as helicopter tours or pasta-making classes, which can be booked.

As per the hotel’s information, the cost of a room during the low season starts at 1,500 Euros per night (approximately $1,630), while the price during the high season is 2,500 Euros per night (around $2,720)—excluding taxes.

The luxurious Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea in Hawaii served as the backdrop for the premiere season of “The White Lotus”, starring Jennifer Coolidge, Sydney Sweeney, Alexandra Daddario, Jake Lacy, Murray Bartlett, Connie Britton, Brittany O’Grady, and Natasha Rothwell, among others.

On the show, the Elite Suite (originally called the “Palm Suite”) and the Lokelani Presidential Suite (known as “The Pineapple Suite”) were prominently showcased, although the resort mentions that these suites were restyled for filming purposes. The adult pool and a former resort manager were also seen on the series.

Nestled on 15 acres overlooking the ocean, the resort boasts 307 rooms and 76 suites offering panoramic views of the sea, gardens, and mountains. On the premises, guests can enjoy three saltwater pools, two tennis courts, a spa, beach access, fitness facilities, several restaurants and bars.

However, don’t forget your wallet! As per the hotel, the minimum nightly rate is $1,025. If you wish to stay in one of the presidential suites, those start at an impressive $29,000 per night.

2025-04-03 23:22

White Lotus: Cast’s Shocking Equal Pay Plan Revealed

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