Mike White has certainly made a name for himself in Hollywood. Not only was he involved in the creation of the 90s classic Dawson's Creek, he's also been in front of the camera multiple times. His biggest hit to date, however, is the HBO hit The White Lotus. So far, the show has amassed a whopping 20 Emmy nominations. The first season thrilled viewers in the summer of 2021 with its setting in Hawaii; for the second, the show moved to dreamy Sicily.

Jennifer Coolidge, the breakout star from season one, returned for season two in sunny Sicily. © Fabio Lovino/HBO

The show follows the guests and employees at a the fictional hotel of the same name. While the characters are not entirely likable themselves, The White Lotus nevertheless leaves us envious of their glamorous trips. After all, the show's locations couldn't be more beautiful or spectacular. The good news is that you can actually stay at the resort in real life.

The filming locations for the second season of The White Lotus

The real star of season 1: the Four Seasons Resort Maui. © Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts

The first season of the show was filmed in Hawaii. The Four Seasons Resort Maui served as the White Lotus stand-in. Filming took place in and around the hotel and at various outdoor locations in Wailea and throughout the island. The second season now takes viewers to Sicily. Once again, a Four Seasons resort served as the filming location. More precisely: the San Domenico Palace Hotel in Taormina.

The Four Seasons Hotel San Domenico Palace in Sicily is the stunning hotel at the center of season two. © Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts

Even without the drama, the murder, the jealousy and the complicated relationships, the hotel – which is part of the Four Seasons portfolio – is Taormina's vibrant hotspot. In typical Four Seasons fashion, guests can expect the highest level of service. Its excellent location and rich history are merely the cherry on top. Once a monastery, it opened in June 2021 in a unique location. It sits above the cliffs of the island and offers partial views of Mount Etna. Taormina's boutiques, restaurants and attractions are just a short walk away.

Sicilian Dolce Vita

Most of the hotel scenes involving the show's stars, including Jennifer Coolidge (as Tanya McQuoid-Hunt), Tom Hollander (Quentin), Jon Gries (Greg Hunt) and Aubrey Plaza (Harper), were actually shot at the San Domenico Palace. The lush garden, the restaurants and the infinity pool with its view over the sea set the perfect scene, after all.

Sabrina Impacciatore (as hotel manager Valentina) out and about in the streets of Taormina. © Fabio Lovino/HBO

Just outside the gates of the hotel is Taormina. The city on the east coast of Sicily is one of the most popular destinations on the Italian island due to its picturesque landscape and charming alleys. Particularly worth seeing here are the ancient theater overlooking Mount Etna and the island of Isola Bella off the coast.

A change of scenery

Other scenes also take place in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. Its winding alleys, beautiful palazzi and historic buildings are so skillfully staged that you can't help but start packing your bags in your mind.

Meghann Fahy (as Daphne Babcock) and Aubrey Plaza (as Harper Spiller) on the steps of the Noto Cathedral. @ Fabio Lovino/HBO

The small town of Noto has also been perfectly staged. It's located in southeastern Sicily and, thanks to its many baroque buildings, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The scenes that had to be shot in the studio were filmed at Lumina Studios in Rome. The first episode of the second season already an audience of 1.5 million viewers. Good news: a third season has already been confirmed. Where Mike White will whisk us away to next is still a mystery. But one thing's for sure: we will be watching – and reporting on the next resort.

The first two seasons of The White Lotus are available on Sky.