The White Lotus effect

The big screen has always been the OG influencer. Now, prestige TV has turned it up a notch.

- By Bani Sachar

If the silver screen once dictated our fashion choices (think Carrie Bradshaw's Manolo Blahniks and Succession's quiet luxury), prestige TV now has its sight set on curating our travel itineraries. From the opulent terraces of the Four Seasons in Sicily to the stylish boulevards of Paris, luxury properties are no longer just backdrops to the storyline, they are integral parts of the narrative, making them bucket list-worthy destinations for viewers. Shows like The White Lotus, Emily in Paris, and And Just Like That have transformed their filming locations into must-visit hotspots, sending Google searches, bookings, and influencer check-ins soaring. After all, who wouldn't want to spend a week at a luxurious hotel in Hawaii, take a leisurely stroll around the Jardin des Tuileries, or bump into Mr Big (sans Natasha) at the Plaza? The modern traveller isn't merely dreaming about these destinations, they are determined to live out their favourite TV fantasies in real time—even if that means shelling out $4,000 a night.

FROM HAWAII AND SICILY TO KOH SAMUI

HBO's The White Lotus (2020-) has proven that it's not just a satirical look at the ultra-wealthy—it's an unofficial travel brochure for those with means. The dark drama, which mocks the excesses of the rich against the struggles of the staff, is set against apicture sque backdrop that is just as integral to the story. It’s pacey and thrilling, with gripping action and a tense set-up that tells you from episode one that, although this looks like paradise, something terrible is going to happen. Yet the audience devours it. Its influence is unparalleled, with viewers wanting to dress, act, and, of course, travel just like the characters they see on screen.