Discover the White Lotus Filming Hotel Taormina, Sicily

White Lotus Filming Hotel

If you're a fan of The White Lotus Filming Hotel (how could you not be?!), you've probably been captivated not only by the complex characters, biting narrative and subtle satire, but also by the hotels and filming locations of the popular HBO Max series.

The White Lotus Season 2 was no different, captivating not only with the tension of the story surrounding the tourists who have just arrived at the hotel, but also with the breathtaking location: Taormina, Sicily.

This second season of the series revolves around the fictional White Lotus resort chain, but the hotel featured is very real. This is the Palace of San Domenico, now managed by Four Seasons, a former 14th-century convent dramatically situated on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea. With Mount Etna looming in the background and the ancient theatre of Taormina nearby, the setting is simply cinematic.

Mike White’s brilliant television creation is a dark comedy, a chronicle of customs and a family drama with a lot of mystery thrown in, which has won him several awards, including numerous Emmys. Contrasting with an idyllic setting, a masterful landscape and a dream hotel, we have tension, drama and old themes of class, racial and gender conflicts, which make this television series one of the most successful ever, acclaimed by everyone, both audiences and critics.

This season’s luxurious setting, the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace, plays a prominent role in its own right, elevating the tone of the series with timeless elegance and charm. The hotel underwent an extensive renovation before opening as a Four Seasons property in 2021, just in time to welcome the cast and crew of the series. With its manicured gardens, historic cloisters, infinity pool and marble interiors, the hotel oozes personality — perfect for the show’s lush yet tense narrative.

This second season of The White Lotus delves into themes of power, privilege and sexuality, but the setting often steals the show. The sun-drenched Sicilian coastline contrasts with the characters’ inner turmoil. Long shots of moving hallways, panoramic dining terraces and the ever-present blue of the Mediterranean enhance a sense of beauty that masks something much darker.

Series creator Mike White masterfully uses the space to highlight the characters’ development. From the ornate suites to the cobblestone alleys of Taormina’s center, the camera captures both the grandeur and the claustrophobia of wealth.

After the series aired, interest in Taormina spiked — and for good reason. This charming hilltop town is a jewel on the Sicilian coast. Guests can stroll along Corso Umberto, dine al fresco overlooking the sea, or visit Isola Bella, the iconic small island seen throughout the series. And of course, for the ultimate experience, a stay at the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace allows you to immerse yourself in the same elegance showcased in the series.

The Four Seasons San Domenico Palace is no longer just a setting—it’s a character in its own right, full of mystery, history, and irresistible charm.

Whether you’re a fan of the series or a passionate traveler looking for your next unforgettable getaway, Taormina deserves a spot on your bucket list—and this legendary hotel is the perfect place to start.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inspired by the minimalist luxury of White Lotus? Browse our curated lighting collection to recreate the same elegance at home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bring the White Lotus aesthetic into your home with our luxury lighting and tableware—perfect for creating a Sicilian-inspired ambiance.  Explore Our Collection →