Where the Vogue Team Thinks The White Lotus Season 4 Should Take Place in the Middle East

As speculation swirls around the next destination for HBO's The White Lotus , we couldn't help but imagine what a fourth season set in the Middle East might look like. With its storied landscapes, luxury resorts, and rich layers of culture, the region offers a wealth of potential for Mike White's next satire of the ultra-wealthy. From secret affairs in desert oases to spiritual awakenings gone awry by the sea, the Arab world is ripe for a season full of intrigue, opulence, and underlying dread. We asked the Vogue Arabia team to play location scout and each nominate a dream resort—one that feels tailor-made for the twisted beauty of The White Lotus universe.
Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea, Jordan
Photo: Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea
Leen Al Saadi, Digital Editor: 'Few places feel as spiritually charged—and as symbolically ripe—as the Dead Sea. At the ultra-luxe Kempinski Hotel Ishtar, perched on the edge of the world's lowest point, the silence is almost sacred. But in true White Lotus fashion, it wouldn't stay that way for long. With its sprawling infinity pools, date palm-lined walkways, and dramatic sunsets over still, salt-laden waters, the setting is made for slow-burning tension. Here, a detox retreat could spiral into psychological warfare; a family reunion could unearth buried generational rifts; a honeymoon might unravel under the weight of unspoken truths. The contrast between ancient land and modern decadence is fertile ground for mystery and mayhem. And after all, it's called the Dead Sea—what more could Mike White ask for?'
Hawar Resort by Mantis, Bahrain
Photo: Hawar Resort by Mantis
Hafsa Lodi , Features Editor: 'Picture this: a Maldivian-esque escape, luxurious water villas and all, in the middle of the Middle East. Not on the oft-visited Palm island of Dubai, or up and coming Red Sea project of Saudi, but rather, in the comparatively quiet yet culturally – rich kingdom of Bahrain. Hawar Resort by Mantis opened in January 2025 on Bahrain's Hawar Island, and it is the perfect backdrop for an intimate retreat. Private beaches, overwater villas and a focus on preserving the island's natural ecosystem make this environmentally-conscious resort stand out from others in the region. Rooted in high-standing ethics and principles, Hawar Resort could be just the setting for a show highlighting the opposite – high stakes drama, fickle friendships and dysfunctional relationships. Viewers would surely tune in to see the stunning scenery of Bahrain's Hawar island, and also, to witness the scandals, shocking contrasts and theatrics promised by a season of White Lotus on this pristine island just a boat drive away from central Bahrain.'
Shangri-la Al Husn, Oman
Photo: Shangri-la Al Husn Markus Gortz
Nitya Chablani, Beauty Editor: 'Few properties can compete with the serene beauty of the Shangri-la Al Husn, nestled in the heart of Muscat's dazzling landscape. With its sweeping views, luxe interiors and hypnotically scented hallways, nothing could possibly go wrong for holiday-goers — unless of course, we twisted the scenario into a White Lotus venue. The hotel's beautifully put-together spa is the perfect spot for mid-massage revelations, while the deep blue waters that extend from the Shangri-la's pristine beach were made for romantic excursions — or perhaps a milestone moment with family amid the dolphins. As for the rocky terrains that are staple to Oman's scenery? Think of them as a metaphor for all the drama that could unfold within Oman's most sought after holiday destination.'
Banyan Tree AlUla, Saudi Arabia
Nadine ElChaer , Arabic Director: 'With its otherworldly landscape and unshakable stillness, Banyan Tree AlUla feels like a scene straight out of a beautifully shot drama—perhaps even the next White Lotus . Nestled in Saudi Arabia's enchanting Ashar Valley, this tented desert retreat is more than just a hotel; it's a poetic escape suspended between ancient history and contemporary luxury. Think soaring sandstone cliffs, handcrafted Arabian details, and villas that blend so seamlessly into the earth, they almost disappear. With easy access from Riyadh, Jeddah, and even Dubai, it's the perfect setting for secrets, slow-burn tension, and undeniable cinematic flair.'
The Chedi, El Gouna Egypt
Photo: The Chedi, El Gouna
Lara Akkari , Fashion Features Editor: 'You can imagine it. The lead heroine in a tangled love tryst lifts her sunglasses to squint lazily over the shimmering Red Sea, blissfully unaware of the drama about to unfold–cue suspenseful music and the lingering, slightly unnerving gaze of the brazen, overly attentive concierge. The luxurious stillness of The Chedi in El Gouna, with its desert-inspired gardens, endless blue waters, and crisp white Egyptian cotton (possibly soon blood-stained)–sets the stage for emotional and psychological mayhem just waiting to unfold. The calm is almost too composed, too pristine. Something is bound to unravel. Then comes the contrast: sun-drenched leisure, subtle cultural friction and an undercurrent of delicious unpredictability. Even the wholesome bits like kite surfing, quad biking, admiring the sunset, could go fantastically, cinematically awry. Add in some light-hearted Egyptian satire, and you've got a cultural comedy of errors of the most watchable kind. I'm tuning in.'
Qasr Al Sarab - Desert Resort by Anantara at Liwa, Abu Dhabi
Photo: Qasr Al Sarab - Desert Resort by Anantara at Liwa
Bahaar Peshawaria , Art Production Manager: 'Just think of the drama unraveling against a backdrop of endless dunes, where ultra-luxury pool villas and ornate interiors of Al Qasr Sarab Anantara at Liwa, Abu Dhabi create the illusion of serenity. Here, the golden sun could soften everything—except the truth. Between the sweeping arches, intricate carvings and flickering lanterns, the sand-coloured walls of the resort melt into the landscape, blurring the line between what's real and not. A picture-perfect anniversary or a solo trip meant for reflection could stir up something far less peaceful. Outside, palm trees sway gently in the desert breeze, but inside, quiet conversations and lingering glances could suggest that not everything is as it seems. Even the light here has secrets—casting shadows that seem to have a story of their own. With the silence of the desert and the mirage of perfection, this could just be the show's most intoxicating setting yet. At Qasr Al Sarab, beauty is everywhere—but in true White Lotus style, peace is never guaranteed.'
Hotel Albergo, Beirut, Lebanon
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Dana Sharawneh, Editorial Assistant: "The Bride of the Middle East has long been celebrated for its world-class hospitality, specifically Beirut, its vibrant capital and embodiment of Mediterranean majesty. Perhaps the most unique among its hotels is Albergo, a gorgeous 33-suite Relais & Châteaux property in the Achrafieh district. Of palatial grandeur, the hotel's premises are a match-made-in-heaven with the uninhibited explosiveness of White Lotus -ian drama - be it in its five-star rooms, decadent spa, or spectacular dining destinations. And one can only imagine the magnitude of neuroticism to be unleashed as one exits the hotel's lavish hallways, inspired by Lebanese culture and fuelled by the limitlessness of the seaport city's vast waters and limitless skyline.

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Vogue Arabia

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Breaking Records: Reflections From MDLBEAST's Ramadan Alharatani

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Above Lalisa Manobal and Tayme Thapthimthong play Mook and Gaitok in the third season of The White Lotus (Image: Max) Soft power, a term conceptualised by the recently deceased American political scientist Joseph Nye, refers to a nation's ability to influence others without the use of force, often by earning influence through positive appeal, and is a critical aspect of diplomacy and international relations. In the 2025 edition of the Global Soft Power Index, Thailand placed 39, recognised for its cultural influence, media appeal and international perceptions of friendliness, hospitality and creativity. Thai cinema's global moment Above The official trailer for 'How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies', which was released locally under the title 'Lahn Mah' The success of A Useful Ghost at Cannes exemplifies Thailand's sophisticated approach to cultural diplomacy through cinema. The film tells the story of a woman who has recently died of a respiratory illness and returns as a useful ghost, possessing a vacuum cleaner to protect her husband not only from dust, which he is allergic to, but from various vengeful ghosts. Described by the jury as a "bold, free and unclassifiable work" that plays with genres whilst offering a vision that's "both intimate and universal," the film demonstrates Thailand's capacity to produce content that resonates across cultural boundaries whilst maintaining its distinct identity. This win added to the success of last year's Thai comedy drama How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies , known in Thai as Lahn Mah and directed by Pat Boonnitipat, which shattered commercial expectations by grossing US$73.8 million worldwide—making it the highest-grossing Thai film globally. The film also progressed to the Academy Awards shortlist, the first submission from Thailand to do so, signalling that Thai storytelling, when authentically exploring universal themes through a distinctly local lens, possesses remarkable global appeal. See also: Lessons from the makers of hit Thai film 'How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies' Above Aoy (Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying) and chef Paul (Nopachai Chaiyanam) in Netflix's 'Hunger' (Photo: Courtesy of Netflix) This dual success—one critically acclaimed, the other commercially triumphant—reveals Thailand's strategic diversification within cinema. Rather than pursuing a single path, Thai filmmakers are simultaneously cultivating both art house credibility and mainstream accessibility, ensuring their cultural exports can reach both discerning film festival circuits and mass global audiences. The accessibility of Thai content through streaming platforms has further amplified this reach. For example, Netflix's Hunger (2023), which introduced international audiences to Thai culinary traditions and cultural nuances, creating what cultural analysts describe as "active soft power"—content that encourages deeper engagement with Thai language, cuisine and customs, is one of the most internationally streamed Thai films. The T-Wind and musical diplomacy Above Jeff Satur (Image: courtesy of Warner Music Asia) While Korean pop music dominates global conversations about Asian music exports, Thailand's T-Pop scene is carving its own distinctive niche. The emergence of what has been termed the 'T-Wind"—Thailand's answer to the Korean Wave—has generated impressive momentum, with the Thai music industry experiencing 20 per cent revenue growth in 2022, surpassing $100 million in wholesale market revenue for the first time. Artists like Jeff Satur, 4Eve, Billkin and Tilly Birds aren't simply emulating established Asian pop formulas. Instead, they're creating a uniquely Thai musical identity that blends traditional Thai elements with contemporary pop, hip-hop and rock. This genre versatility represents a competitive advantage in an increasingly saturated global music market, offering international audiences something genuinely distinctive rather than derivative. Celebrity culture as cultural currency Perhaps nowhere is Thailand's soft power more visibly demonstrated than in the luxury fashion world's enthusiastic embrace of Thai celebrities. Seismic shifts in global brand strategy took place when Bright Vachirawit became Burberry's first global ambassador from the South Asia-Pacific region, and Win Metawin was appointed Prada's first Thai global ambassador. There is now an extensive roster of Thai celebrities representing prestigious luxury houses, including Gulf Kanawut for Gucci, BamBam for Louis Vuitton, Jeff Satur for Valentino and Cartier, Nattawin Wattanagitiphat for Piaget, Blackpink's Lisa for Celine, and Sarocha 'Freen' Chankimha for Valentino. These appointments mark historical firsts for Thai representation within these brands, signifying luxury fashion's recognition of Southeast Asian markets' growing influence and purchasing power. What makes this phenomenon particularly significant is how these celebrities function as complete lifestyle ambassadors rather than simple endorsers. Win Metawin, for instance, operates his own fashion label (streetwear brand Velence) alongside his entertainment career, embodying the entrepreneurial sophistication that luxury brands seek to associate with. This positions Thai celebrities as cultural trendsetters capable of influencing global consumer behaviour and lifestyle aspirations. The impact extends beyond fashion shows and red carpets. These ambassadorships actively promote Thai aesthetics and contemporary style on international stages, serving as potent forms of cultural diplomacy that enhance Thailand's image as a modern, sophisticated cultural force. The Boys' Love (BL) phenomenon Above Suppasit 'Mew' Jongcheveevat and Kanawut 'Gulf' Traipipattanapong in TharnType: The Series (Photo: Instagram / @tharntypeofficial) One of Thailand's most unexpected cultural exports has been the Boys' Love (BL) fictional media genre, which has garnered massive international followings and created entirely new categories of cultural consumption. Manifested in literature, television dramas and films, the genre, which depicts homoerotic relationships between men and is typically created by women for a female audience, has demonstrated Thailand's willingness to explore diverse narratives and represent different communities, contributing to global conversations about representation whilst generating significant economic returns through merchandise, fan events and tourism. BL productions contributed approximately 2 billion baht (USD61 million) in export revenue in 2024, double the previous year. See also: Is the BL genre the next step toward global recognition for Thai literature? Thailand's strategic 5Fs framework Thailand's cultural ascendancy isn't purely organic—it is supported by a comprehensive government strategy centred on the "5Fs" policy: Food, Film, Festivals, Fighting (Muay Thai) and Fashion, demonstrating an understanding that effective soft power requires diverse cultural portfolios rather than reliance on single exports. The establishment of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee, headed by Thailand's Prime Minister, signals the highest level of political commitment to cultural diplomacy. The committee's ambitious goal of generating 4 trillion baht in revenue through creative industries underscores soft power's recognition as a crucial economic driver rather than merely cultural window dressing. Perhaps most significant is the forthcoming Thailand Creative Content Agency (THACCA), operational from 2026, which aims to transform 20 million Thai citizens into skilled creative workers by 2027. This human capital investment represents recognition that sustainable soft power requires continuous development. Learning from Asian soft power success stories Thailand's strategy clearly takes inspiration from established regional models. South Korea's Hallyu Wave demonstrates how deliberate government investment, coordinated agency support and sustained commitment can transform cultural potential into significant economic and diplomatic influence. South Korea's ranked in 12th position in the Global Soft Power Index for 2025 reflecting decades of strategic cultural investment. Similarly, Japan's "Cool Japan" strategy illustrates how cultural exports can be strategically adapted for global consumption through "glocalisation"—maintaining distinct cultural identity whilst ensuring universal accessibility. Japan's animation industry generated record overseas profits of 1.72 trillion yen in 2023, demonstrating the economic potential of well-executed cultural diplomacy. Japan ranked 4th in this year's Global Soft Power Index, behind the US, China and the UK. Thailand's approach appears to take lessons from both models: maintaining authentic Thai identity whilst ensuring content resonates globally, and combining government support with market-driven innovation. Persistent challenges Despite impressive progress, Thailand faces challenges in sustaining its cultural momentum. Intense competition from established players like South Korea and Japan requires continuous innovation and strategic differentiation, and political stability remains crucial for maintaining investor confidence and regulatory predictability—factors essential for long-term creative industry growth. Additionally, Thailand's global image is still heavily shaped by a narrow bandwidth of representation. Male stars dominate luxury ambassadorships, and much of the international fandom around Thai content centres on curated ideals of male beauty and queer-coded narratives. Meanwhile, female artists and creators often struggle for equivalent global visibility—a dynamic that suggests the next phase of Thailand's soft power evolution must grapple more directly with gender equity in its cultural exports. A cultural powerhouse in the making Thailand's transformation from tourism-dependent nation to multifaceted cultural exporter represents one of Asia's most compelling soft power success stories. And the evidence suggests that this is just the beginning. Thailand is no longer simply inviting the world to visit—it's inviting the world to feel, watch, wear and hear it. Yet, the true test will be sustainability. Can Thailand nurture its creative sector beyond current trends? Will it make room for stories from all corners of its society—not just the ones easiest to export? The answers will determine whether this moment becomes a movement, and whether Thailand's cultural ascent reshapes not just perception, but power. Credits This article was created with the assistance of AI tools