I Stayed at the White Lotus—No, Really—And It Was the Ultimate Wellness Reset

If you’re like me, you spent Sundays booked and busy during the third season of The White Lotus. From the first episode to the dramatic finale, I was fully absorbed in the character and color of Thailand where the series took place. While the characters' vacations had a bit more stress than I like (no spoilers, don't worry!), I found myself dreaming of enjoying a relaxing vacation of my own at the faraway paradise.

Apparently I’m not alone: According to the American Express 2023 Global Travel Trends Report, “set-jetting” is on the rise, with people yearning to travel to the places they see on popular series, movies, and social media. Roughly 70 percent of Gen Z and Millennials who participated in the survey said they had been inspired to visit a destination after seeing it on television. Travel influencers play a huge role, as well, with 75 percent of respondents agreeing that they have been inspired to visit a specific destination because of social media. 

So when I was invited to attend an American Express Premium Events Collection wellness retreat in partnership with the series, I committed sooner than Jason Isaacs’ character could swipe those pina coladas out of his fictional family’s hands. For a few days, I joined Amex cardholders to experience what it was like to stay at “The White Lotus” (aka the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village). Trust me when I say I can’t stop raving about the experience–my friends are getting sick of me. 

A bit about the American Express Premium Events Collection 

While whisking us away to Thailand would have been dreamy, the Amex team reimagined The White Lotus set in Westlake, California, about 45 minutes from Los Angeles. Together with HBO, American Express took over the Four Seasons Westlake Village to allow the guests to experience the vibes and magic of the series we all were obsessed with.

Over three days, Amex cardholders were invited to step into the show’s world, reimagined through wellness programming, design details, and curated events. From yoga and Thai-inspired spa treatments to cast meet-and-greets and an advance screening of the Season 3 finale, the entire experience struck a balance between luxury and fandom, with just enough Easter eggs to make the setting feel like a live-action set.

My American Express Premium Events Collections highlights 

Yoga class and massage

The first day of the retreat was filled with a customized wellness schedule. I stepped out to the sounds of a waterfall just steps from the resort where we sat in the warm sun and did some morning yoga. It was as rejuvenating as it  was challenging. (I would be lying if I said I didn’t break a sweat.)

Included in the weekend was the ability to book a treatment at the spa within the resort. There were four different 60-minute treatments to choose from, including traditional Thai massages and facials—all inspired by The White Lotus theme. As someone who was looking for the most relaxation possible, I selected the “White Lotus” sleep massage as it focused on unwinding and deep tranquility. With light pressure and long, soothing strokes to the deeply-relaxing scalp massage, it was just what I needed. There were so many small touches of detail that showed the team's intention—like my robe placed in a warmer so it was nice and toasty post-massage, and the glass of cucumber water and mango sticky rice that welcomed me after my treatment.

Dinner with Thai dancers 

An unexpected highlight of the retreat was the curated dinner on Monday evening. I was not sure what to expect, but was met with a beautiful tablescape, a prix fixe menu, and a bar with series-specific beverages like piña coladas and themed margaritas. 

The meal was superb. I started with a glass of Pinot Grigio as I took my seat. As someone who gets excited by a good bread basket, I found the fluffy rolls and crusty sourdough paired with whipped butter outstanding. For the first course, we had a hamachi crudo with fresh sprouts, followed by a main of sirloin steak served with potatoes. Every bite was presented beautifully and deliciously indulgent, but it was the dessert that stole the show: Embellished with edible florals, we were served a coconut pandan bavarois with a mango sauce that was as beautiful as it was delightful. 

As good as the food was, getting to sit with the other travelers from the Amex retreat and get to know everyone was even better. Truth be told, I was a bit nervous to sit down at a long table with people I had never met before, especially as someone who was solo-traveling on this excursion. But everyone was so wonderful and engaging; it felt so fulfilling to have IRL conversations with new people as opposed to virtual connections. I even made some friends that I have spent time with outside of the White Lotus since the trip – how cool is that?

Before concluding, the American Express team then announced a surprise: Thai dancers. Four young dancers came out in traditional Thai attire adorned with crowns and intricate patterned skirts with bowls of rose petals. Everyone watched in awe as they danced up and down the aisle between the long tables. For that moment, we were truly transported; it felt like we were in Thailand–-not 45 minutes outside of Los Angeles. 

Cast experience 

The cherry on top of this experience was attending a special screening of Season 3’s finale. Sitting among the cast and crew members, such as Jason Isaacs and Sarah Catherine Hook, we were welcomed with Thai music playing and popcorn for the show. With the cheers and gasps from the audience, the viewing experience was intimate and added suspense to the finale—you could feel us all tense up at the same time. With a glass of prosecco in hand, we then got to sit with the cast for a panel discussion about the season and the stressful moments in the season finale. Hearing Jason Isaacs talk about his connection with his fictional children and Leslie Bibb tearing up about the incredible journey behind the scenes showed how passionately these actors took their roles, which was felt by all of us watching in the room.

A few notes

I went on this three-day excursion alone. I thought it would be a great chance for some relaxing solitude. While I wasn’t completely wrong, I also met many people. Everyone at the resort and American Express was incredibly friendly. I had moments to sit by the pool alone to make a dent in my current read (Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle), and I also made friends during yoga, happy hours, and dinners. It was the perfect balance between stepping outside my comfort zone and enjoying a solo, relaxing trip.   

Although our schedules were personalized, we were encouraged to explore and take advantage of everything available on the American Express itinerary. Because there was a group of about 100 American Express cardholders attending the event, I started to see the same people around the resort, creating a sense of community. From outdoor yoga to a curated cooking class inspired by the flavors of The White Lotus with the executive chef of the Four Seasons, there were numerous opportunities to meet new people to accompany you on your trip. 

The biggest caveat of these opportunities is undoubtedly the price. Depending on the event you choose, the ticket price varies. For example, premium access to an LA Galaxy vs. LAFC game–which includes premium midfield seating in the Platinum Club, a sideline visit during warm-ups, a meet & greet photo with an LA Galaxy legend or player, a private pre-game reception with complimentary food & beverage, and commemorative merchandise–is $450 per person. For F1 fans, they also offer VIP access to the Grand Prix de Monaco, with ticket prices starting at $15,500. Woof. But hear me out. For that price, you’ll enjoy an evening welcome reception, intimate conversation with a racing legend, and practice viewing from a trackside luxury yacht. You also get prime views of the qualifying races, premium trackside viewing of the finale, followed by a wine-paired dinner. 

The main question about the price is whether or not that is worth it to you. If it’s something you can afford, the huge benefit is having everything set up for you. You don’t have to do any heavy lifting—all you need to do is call your American Express concierge, and they will take care of the rest. 

Final thoughts  

The Amex Premium Events Collection provided the perfect itinerary for this three-day, White Lotus-inspired adventure. I felt like I was on a brand trip that I’d see on my ‘For You’ page. My hotel room was adorned with White Lotus paraphernalia and merchandise for me to take home to remember the trip. It was an experience I can’t imagine organizing on my own–the personalized itinerary geared to my goals, in addition to all of the social events. For three days, I felt truly transported to The White Lotus: all of the employees referred to the hotel as The White Lotus without a single misstep; all the signs had been changed to reflect the show. It felt like an alternate reality where Sarah Catherine Hook and I were vacationing together in Thailand. It was a dream come true.