Get White Lotus Thailand Hotel Vibes For Less With Our Cheaper Alternatives

Updated: February 24, 2025

The third season of The White Lotus is finally here, and coming with it is the true star of the show… The dreamy Four Seasons hotel in Koh Samui, Thailand.

But how much does it really cost to stay? And can we find some cheaper options that give off the same luxury vibes for your own trip to Thailand? Let’s dive in!

Sea view and cabana bed with pool at the four season hotels koh samui

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Where Is the White Lotus Hotel in Season 3?

Four Seasons Koh Samui

Koh Samui, Thailand

Four Seasons Koh Samui, aka The White Lotus Hotel, is serious holiday goals – and if you’ve seen some of the show’s third season then you’ll know what we mean. You’ve got an infinity pool, beds and cabanas, swanky white-and-wood interiors and an intimate private beach.

Then there are the luxe services to match the epic surroundings – like fine dining, private excursions, and spa treatments and massages.

And all of this is in a gorgeously tranquil spot, perched in leafy jungle overlooking the crustal clear waters around Koh Samui. 

jungle surrounding the four seasons koh samui hotel thailand
sea view at four seasons koh samui

Where you’ll stay: Four Seasons is all about the villa vibe. Their entry-level villa – which is anything but – has an extra-large double bed, private terrace, private pool, sea view, spa bath and kitchenette.

serenity pool villa king at four seasons koh samui

Their other villas come with views of the sea or beach, and there’s one for families too. Then they have seriously bougie residences with up to  4 bedrooms, which are loads bigger, with inviting pools, swankier furnishings and sleeping as many as 12.

villa four seasons koh samui

What you’ll pay: The cheapest night we found was £771 per night (12 May) for their entry-level villa.

As far as The White Lotus hotels go, it’s similarly priced to the hotel from season 1, Four Seasons Maui at Wailea beach, Hawai’i, which starts at £764 per night (8 May).

Season 2 took it up a level, with one night at the San Domenico Palace in Taormina Sicily, starting at an eye-popping £1,151 per night (24 Mar). 

That said, you could end up spending as much as £1,251 per night (17 Dec) for the same villa at Four Season Koh Samui in peak season. To find the cheapest night at a hotel check out the guide linked below.

How to Find the Cheapest Night at a Hotel
Do you know what hotel you want to stay in but want to find how stay on the cheapest night? Here's my step by step guide on how to save money.

The White Lotus Thailand Hotel Dupes

Now for the fun part! If you’re signed up to our Cheap Holiday Expert newsletter, you know we love taking a pricey holiday and then finding some more affordable dupes in our Viray Vacay feature.

So here’s where you can get White Lotus vibes for less, whether you’re after a treat or are on a tighter budget.

After all, the amazing landscapes of Thailand – beautiful clear blue water, blinding white sand beaches and dreamy palm trees – are all around to enjoy for free, whether you’re staying in a beach shack or at a luxury retreat.

Under £500 a night

Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Krabi, Thailand

Yes, we know – this isn’t exactly a cheap stay but it is a cheaper way to do a renowned luxury Thailand stay than The White Lotus hotel.

This seriously stunning 5 star resort is Phulay Bay in Krabi on the Andaman sea, and is the perfect place for a luxury retreat. The decor is typically Thai with lots of dark wood, and the linen is so fresh and white that you’ll just want to sink into it and not get up again!

infinity pool at phulay bay a ritz carlton hotel krabi

But you must – there’s so many dreamy parts of this hotel to explore like the infinity pool, spa and lush grounds. There are a bunch of restaurants serving up Thai and international cuisine, and there’s a lounge bar that’s perfect for cocktails and watching the sunset. The villas are super spacious and you can even get butler service if you want it.

Where you’ll stay: Choose a giant one-bedroom bungalow with two extra-large double beds and a freestanding bath tub with views of the garden or the sea. 

bungalow at Phulay Bay, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Krabi

For a more premium stay, there are a number of larger villas, offering private pools and views of the sea or the beach.

What you’ll pay: Stay in a one-bedroom bungalow from £377 per night (2 Oct).  A one-bedroom villa with a private pool and sea view on the same night costs from £659 per night.

Under £200 a night

Pimalai Resort and Spa Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta, Thailand

James and Chelsea have stayed at the fab Pimalai Resort on the island of Koh Lanta, which is a little more laidback than the more popular resorts of Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phi.

chelsea by the pool at pimalai hotel reosrt and spa koh lanta thailand

It’s in an absolute BEAUT of a beachside spot surrounded by lush jungle – you feel like you’re in this special retreat where you’ve escaped the whole world.

pimalai resort and spa koh lanta thailand

It’s in a five-star location, with the facilities to match – four restaurants, three bars, two infinity pools, tennis courts, a dive centre and a spa. Safe to say they didn’t want to leave.

Where you’ll stay: There are too many room types to list here but essentially you’ve got deluxe rooms (some on the beachfront), suites with one or two bedrooms with garden or sea views, and villas with 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms, sea or beach views and shared or private pools.

deluxe room interior at pimalai resort and spa koh lanta thailand

What you’ll pay: Prices for a deluxe room start at £149 per night (19 May), thanks to a 30% off sale (you get a free airport transfer thrown in too!). A one-bedroom villa with a private pool and sea view on the same night costs from £361 per night.

Now, this is actually one of the hotels where Chelsea scored a free upgrade! If you’d like to do the same for your trip, then follow our steps for requesting an upgrade – just click on the article below!

Free Hotel Upgrade Template for Your Next Holiday
The best way to get a free hotel upgrade is to just ask for it. Here's my free email template and the tips I use to increase my chances.

Under £100 a night

La Perle Resort Koh Samui

Koh Samui, Thailand

The gorgeous 4-star La Perle Resort is in the same part of Koh Samui as the Four Seasons – Mae Nam. We actually thought we had got our browser tabs mixed up when we looked at the price of this one, because it’s absolutely stunning… and yet so much cheaper!

la perle resort koh samui pool and beach

You’re right on the beachfront here as well, and a short walk from bars and restaurants. There’s a restaurant serving Thai and international dishes and fresh seafood, but no room service. You can get a massage on the hotel’s beach.

la perle resort koh samui sunset

Where you’ll stay: Their cheapest room is the bungalow with garden view – you get an extra-large double bed, seating area, ensuite and private plunge pool. Their bungalow with a side-sea view is the next level up, then above that is the sea view bungalow then beachfront bungalow.

la perle resort koh samui superior bungalow

Their family rooms have two extra-large doubles and the same facilities that the bungalows have, with either a garden or a side-sea view.

The hotel says on its website that you can request one extra bed per bungalow or room from the hotel.

What you’ll pay: OK are you ready for this? You can stay here in a garden-view bungalow from just £61 per night (6 Oct)! If you want a sea view, you can bag that from £85 the same night. This is such a beautiful place and with prices that low, we’re tempted to book in right now!

Book A Beach Getaway For Less With Our White Lotus Thailand Hotel Dupes

So there you have it – some epic premium spots for a blissful Thai getaway, The White Lotus style, without the hefty price tag.

From private plunge pools and luxurious freestanding bath tubs to plush linens and indulgent spas, there really is a little dose of luxury to be had in Thailand for every budget.

Have I helped? Want to say thanks?

That’s nice of you! There are free ways you can return the favor by following me on Instagram and YouTube.

If you’re feeling generous, you can buy me a ‘coffee’ using Ko-Fi. Or you can also join my Patreon for extra travel perks including my personal hotel upgrade templates, behind the scenes access and even a secret Instagram group.

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