What "The White Lotus Gets Right (and Wrong) About Wellness Resorts

You don't need to chance a trip to "The White Lotus" to try a real-life wellness resort. Viewers have already seen the show's bougie Hawaiian retreat and scenic Italian property, but the Thailand location in season three offers a unique emphasis on wellness. In these episodes, guests seek out services like biometric testing, digital detoxes, and sensory deprivation tanks — all in the name of furthering their own health. It might seem like the stuff of pure fantasy, but wellness resorts like these do exist in real life, and they go far beyond a scene in "The White Lotus."

"People come to wellness retreats for a variety of reasons," says Sarrah Hallock, co-founder of The Well. They might be seeking relief from a specific health challenge, or looking to focus on more general elements of wellness like stress relief, mental clarity, or better sleep. "Sometimes they just want to disconnect from the chaos of daily life and have a relaxing vacation with wellness offerings infused throughout," Hallock says. Sam Nazarian, founder of The Estate, adds that guests seem increasingly interested in longevity especially. "They want to optimize their health, enhance vitality, and gain access to medical-grade diagnostics that aren't available in traditional healthcare settings," he explains.

Regardless of the specific motivation, wellness resorts are there to meet guests wherever they're at. But what does that actually look like in real life? Read on to see what wellness resorts are really like, including what "The White Lotus" version gets right and wrong.

Experts Featured in This Article:

Sarrah Hallock is an integrated health coach, nutritionist, and co-founder of The Well spa and wellness center.

Sam Nazarian is the founder and CEO of luxury wellness resort The Estate.

Bill Kapp, MD, is the CEO and founder of Fountain Life, a science-backed longevity center.

What "The White Lotus" Gets Right About Wellness Resorts

In general, wellness resorts are designed to help guests feel their absolute best. Depending on the specific treatments and amenities, these kinds of properties can help people restore balance, clear their heads, or prioritize self-care. "Today's high-end travelers seek more than just beautiful locations and impeccable service — they want transformative experiences that enhance their well-being," Nazarian says. We see that very clearly portrayed in "The White Lotus." "'The White Lotus' captures the idea that luxury and wellness are deeply intertwined," Nazarian says. Of course people still want a relaxing getaway, but beyond that, many guests are also seeking tangible treatments that support their overall well-being.

"'The White Lotus' does a great job capturing the allure of luxury resorts and the sense of reprieve they can provide," Hallock says. Just like in "The White Lotus," actual wellness resorts allow guests to "disconnect from devices, reconnect to themselves, immerse themselves in nature, and experience healing practices tailored to their unique needs or interests," she says. Nazarian's The Estate offers services similar to "The White Lotus," like the biometric testing featured in the show, plus a long list of others including full-body MRIs, longevity treatments, and continuous virtual health monitoring after your stay.

The Well has a similar focus, providing services like health coaching, acupuncture, IV therapy, massage, and energy healing. "We see a full range of guests, from those looking for a holistic reset to those interested in deeper health optimization through movement, mindfulness, and best-in-class wellness treatments," Hallock says. "The common thread is the desire to feel better — physically, mentally, and emotionally."

What "The White Lotus" Gets Wrong About Wellness Resorts

"The White Lotus" does offer a glimpse into the world of luxury wellness, but it doesn't tell the full story. Here's some of the things the show gets wrong:

The Bottom Line

If you feel inspired by the wellness resort in "The White Lotus," there's a few things to keep in mind before booking a similar stay of your own. "Wellness resorts vary widely in their philosophies — some offer a structured, immersive approach with health diagnostics and personalized protocols, while others allow for a more flexible, self-guided journey," Hallock says. The same goes for pricing, which can vary from inclusive room rates, to à la carte services. To get the most out of your stay, Hallock recommends homing in on your goals and researching the specific resort, its approach, and its overall atmosphere.

"Viewers should understand that the future of wellness travel isn't just about relaxation — it's about lasting transformation," Nazarian says. That means seeking science-backed treatments that feel luxurious, but also support your health and well-being. "Wellness isn't just about a single massage or IV drip, or even a luxurious getaway," Hallock says. "It's about making long-term, sustainable choices that work for you."

Chandler Plante (she/her) is an assistant health and fitness editor for PS. She has over four years of professional journalism experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributing to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group.