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Luxury Villas of The White Lotus: Behind the Scenes

• David (Viacheslav) Davidenko

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We explore how The White Lotus creates visual storytelling magic by using two separate Thai luxury villas to create Greg Gehry's fictional cliffside paradise. These real-life locations reveal how setting and architecture become characters themselves in premium television.

• Greg Gehry's villa is actually a combination of Samujana Villa 12 in Koh Samui and Amanpuri in Phuket
• Samujana Villa 12 features seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, saltwater infinity pool, and costs around $3,800 per night
• Amanpuri in Phuket offers seven bedrooms, two swimming pools (one with glass wall), and dedicated staff for $5,698-$13,650 nightly
• Comparable U.S. properties include Miami's $135 million Banyan Ridge Estate and Hawaii properties with similar luxury amenities
• Location selection in filmmaking strategically enhances storytelling by creating specific moods and emphasizing themes of wealth and privilege

What does your dream living space reveal about the kind of life you want to live?

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Speaker 1:

Have you noticed how a really good show can just like totally pull you in, and I don't just mean with the characters and like all the drama, but the whole world, you know.

Speaker 2:

Oh, absolutely. The setting, the atmosphere, it all adds layers to the storytelling. Yeah exactly.

Speaker 1:

Well, lately we've been completely hooked on the White Lotus and while everyone's busy analyzing like every little look and trying to predict who's going to betray who next, Right right. We kind of found ourselves going down a totally different rabbit hole.

Speaker 2:

Oh really, what's that?

Speaker 1:

Well, we started thinking could these amazing places they show on screen, could they actually be like vacation inspiration?

Speaker 2:

Interesting.

Speaker 1:

Especially Greg Gary's. You know that crazy posh villa in Seren 3.

Speaker 2:

Oh, yeah, that place is unreal. Talk about location goals.

Speaker 1:

Right and get that villa that looks like it's carved into the cliffside. It's not actually one massive property, it's a total movie magic trick, A combo of two separate super luxurious villas in Thailand.

Speaker 2:

Wow, that's fascinating. Just shows how much thought goes into creating the world of the show.

Speaker 1:

Totally so. For this deep dive, we're going to break down this visual storytelling magic. We'll explore each of these real-life Thai escapes and then, to give you some ideas, if you're thinking of something closer to home, we'll check out some comparable high-end properties right here in the US.

Speaker 2:

Sounds like a plan.

Speaker 1:

It's like a behind-the-scenes look at aspirational living, you know, and how they bring this fictional world to life. So first up, let's dissect Greg Gehry's villa. What seems like one seamless, luxurious palace is actually Two completely separate yet equally amazing places in Thailand.

Speaker 2:

And you know, this kind of creative location use is actually pretty common in filmmaking, oh for sure. Production crews often look at tons of different spots to find the perfect elements for each scene, whether it's the way a building looks, a specific view or even just like the right kind of light.

Speaker 1:

Right, right. So let's jump into our first location, samijana Villa 12, which is on the island of Koh Samui. Picture this it's perched high up above Pleolium Beach and you have these insane panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand.

Speaker 2:

Wow, just the image of that is incredible.

Speaker 1:

I know right. And the villa itself is huge Seven bedrooms, eight and a half bathrooms. You can have a whole party there.

Speaker 2:

Yes, seven bedrooms. That definitely says something about the kind of experience they're going for. This isn't just a family vacation. It's like multi-generational trips, huge friend groups wanting privacy. Basically like having a high-end resort all to yourself, and, let's be real, that extra half bath is a lifesaver for big groups.

Speaker 1:

Totally, and the amenities just scream resort vibes. Forget a regular pool. This place has a saltwater infinity pool that basically disappears into the horizon. Plus, you have a private theater, a full-on gym, even a game room.

Speaker 2:

Oh, wow.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, and the average cost per night is about $3,800. So if you stayed for, say, five nights, you'd be spending over $19,000.

Speaker 2:

You know that price point really tells you what they're selling. It's not just the space or how many beds you get. It's that feeling of privacy, that exclusivity, like you're completely removed from everyday life. You're paying for the whole experience, not just a place to sleep.

Speaker 1:

Absolutely. And it's not just the villa itself either. It's part of the secure gated estate. So even more privacy and peace of mind. They've got tennis courts, full security, even gourmet breakfast included. It's like they've thought of everything to make it a completely curated getaway. You're not just renting a villa, You're stepping into this temporary super luxurious lifestyle.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, and those extra services like the security, the gourmet breakfast it shows they really want to make your stay completely effortless. They anticipate what those discerning travelers want, providing a level of convenience that just takes the whole thing to another level. You can truly unplug and relax without having to worry about the usual stuff you'd have to with like a regular rental.

Speaker 1:

Okay, now let's hop over to Phuket for the second half of Greg Gary's on-screen paradise, amaravita. This villa is in Cape Yamu, part of a 60-acre community with 26 other high-end villas, and this one, it, takes the luxury factor up a notch.

Speaker 2:

Phuket is already known for those ultra-luxe vacations, so it makes sense that they'd have even more opulent properties with unique features. It's like the competition between these high-end rentals is pushing them to come up with increasingly incredible stuff.

Speaker 1:

For sure. Amadavita also has seven bedrooms, but here's where it gets really interesting. It has not one, but two swimming pools, and one of them has a glass wall.

Speaker 2:

Wait, a glass wall, that's wild.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, Plus there's a rooftop hot tub for those perfect sunset moments, a golf simulator, if that's your thing private access to the beach and a dedicated staff of seven people.

Speaker 2:

Seven people, so basically a one to one staff to guest ratio. Talk about personalized service. It really seems like they're dedicated to taking care of everything you could possibly want.

Speaker 1:

And you see that, reflected in the price, the nightly rate ranges from $5,698 up to a whopping $13,650, depending on the season and maybe some other factors. But it makes you wonder why go through all the trouble of using two different villas to make one fictional one?

Speaker 2:

Well, if you look at how they make movies and TV shows, it usually comes down to the practical needs of filming. One villa might have the perfect architectural details or interior design for a really important scene, while the other might have a layout that works better for action sequences or those quiet, more intimate conversations. They basically pick and choose the best parts of each place to build the image they want for Greg Geary's lifestyle.

Speaker 1:

It's like having a custom toolkit of locations, and this is actually a classic filmmaking trick, right Like the outside of a character's house might be filmed somewhere completely different from the inside, maybe even on a soundstage miles away. Here it's just on a much grander, more luxurious scale.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, exactly, it gives those showrunners a lot of control over the look and feel of the show. They can carefully select the right backdrop to enhance the story and make the viewers feel a certain way, all while making it seem like it's just one place.

Speaker 1:

Okay, so we've explored these amazing Thai villas, but what if you're not really thinking about international travel right now? Or maybe those prices are a bit well out of reach, really thinking? About international travel right now, or maybe those prices are a bit well out of reach. Our sources also highlight some seriously comparable luxury properties right here in the US. So let's start in Miami, florida, with the Banyan Ridge Estate, which is currently listed for a cool $135 million.

Speaker 2:

Oh, wow, Okay. At that price you're not just buying a house, you're buying like a landmark. That kind of price tag tells you there's something really special about it Probably the location, how big it is and all the crazy amenities it has.

Speaker 1:

You got it. For that price, you get a four acre estate, 13 bedrooms and 180 feet of oceanfront property. That's not just being near water, that's having the water right there. Plus, there's a private dock, an infinity pool and meditation gardens, and the cherry on top is a 100-year-old banyan tree, which I imagine is absolutely stunning 13 bedrooms on four acres in Miami Beach, that's just mind-blowing.

Speaker 2:

And that private dock, that adds a whole other level of appeal for anyone who loves being out on the water. Then you've got those meditation gardens, which suggests they've really thought about creating a peaceful space even in a busy city like Miami. And that banyan tree I bet it's not just beautiful, it's like a symbol of history and, I don't know, connection to nature.

Speaker 1:

Absolutely All right. Next up, we're going to the big island of Hawaii, specifically Tailua Kona. We're looking at a property called Kahe'el Hanu. Okay, thousand gallon lagoon pool and its own private beach. But here's where it gets interesting. It's going up for auction soon and they say bids could start as low as three point five million dollars.

Speaker 2:

Really Compared to that Miami estate. Three point five million dollars for a beachfront property in Hawaii with all that, yeah, that seems like a steal. That Balinese design also sounds really unique, like they use special materials and craftsmanship. The auction format definitely adds some risk, but for someone who's ready to jump in it could be an amazing opportunity.

Speaker 1:

Back to Florida. We go this time to Palm Beach Gardens and the Oro Estate, listed at $37.5 million. This one isn't just a house it's described as a private luxury result. And get this, it even comes with its own signature fragrance.

Speaker 2:

Oh, hold on A signature fragrance. That's next level. It's like they're creating a full sensory experience, taking luxury beyond just what you see and touch.

Speaker 1:

Exactly, and the wellness amenities are insane Full spa, state-of-the-art gym, massage studio, even a hair salon. You could literally have a whole self-care routine without leaving the property. Wow.

Speaker 2:

It really does blur the lines between a home and like a high-end wellness retreat. That focus on having all those amenities right there shows you a big trend in luxury living. People want holistic wellness and total convenience right at home.

Speaker 1:

Up north to Sea Island, Georgia, we have a $40 million oceanfront modernist estate that's designed to feel like a five-star hotel Seven bedrooms, tons of stuff for guests, and it's in a zip code known for its luxury vacation homes. What do you think they mean by five-star hotel designed for a private?

Speaker 2:

residence. I imagine they're going for that really sophisticated look, top-notch materials, attention to detail and a layout that gives the owner's privacy while still being super comfortable for guests. You're probably talking multiple bathrooms in each bedroom, separate wings for guests and maybe even hotel-style service, or at least the ability to easily set that up.

Speaker 1:

Makes sense. Last but not least, we head back to Hawaii, this time to Kamuela, to check out the Mauna Kea Retreat, listed at $29.7 million. This one has a cool backstory it was owned by TV producer Stephen Boschco. It's this Polynesian-style compound that mixes Hawaiian, Chinese and Balinese architecture, all perched on a bluff with an infinity pool and a separate guest house. And, for a little extra star power, it seems like Kamal Harris and Shohei Otani are neighbors.

Speaker 2:

Oh wow, the fact that it was owned by Stephen Bosco. That definitely adds to the appeal, especially for someone who loves TV and movies.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

And mixing all those architectural styles. It has to be a totally unique and personal look Like. It reflects a real appreciation for different cultures. And yeah, having high profile neighbors definitely makes a place seem more desirable and exclusive.

Speaker 1:

So, as we've seen, the White Lotus might be a fictional story, but those incredible houses they show are 100% real and, for those who can afford it, they offer a glimpse into the world of extreme luxury, from those cliffside escapes in Thailand to those sprawling estates in Florida and the peaceful retreats in Hawaii. This level of opulence is out there.

Speaker 2:

It shows you that, for a certain group of people, these properties aren't just a place to live, they're a whole lifestyle. It's all about ultimate comfort, privacy and having these curated experiences. And it's interesting how these high-end properties, no matter where they are, they all seem to offer an escape from the ordinary, a way to experience something truly special.

Speaker 1:

And what's really cool is how important setting and architecture are to storytelling. In shows like the White Lotus, those locations are practically characters themselves. They affect the mood, add to the story and create that feeling of escapism that draws you in. You can almost feel the humidity or the ocean breeze just by looking at those places.

Speaker 2:

Definitely the visuals are so important to how a story is told on screen. Choosing those specific locations in the White Lotus helps set the tone. It highlights the themes of wealth and privilege and it really emphasizes the sometimes messy relationships between the characters living in those luxurious spaces.

Speaker 1:

Exactly, and I bet people are going to be daydreaming about those infinity pools and those insane ocean views long after the season's over. It's that combo of great drama and amazing scenery that really sticks with you.

Speaker 2:

It leaves a mark for sure. You can't really separate the beauty and extravagance of those places from the story itself.

Speaker 1:

So, as you think about your own dream place, consider this Beyond the crazy price tags, what really grabs your attention about these places, and why? What does the design and the feel of your ideal space say about the kind of life you want to live? It's something to think about long after this deep dive is over.

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David (Viacheslav) Davidenko

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