The White Lotus: The Real Sicily of Taormina

The White Lotus, the HBO anthology series created by Mike White, chose Sicily as the setting for its acclaimed second season (2022). Unlike many productions, the hotel at the centre of the story isn’t a built set: it’s a real hotel, still open to the public today.

San Domenico Palace, the show’s real hotel

The fictional “White Lotus” resort is actually the San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons hotel in the heart of Taormina. The building has a surprising history: it began as a Dominican convent in the 14th century, was converted into a luxury hotel in 1897, and after being damaged by World War II bombing, was restored into one of Italy’s most exclusive hotels.

The other Sicilian locations

Filming also took in the alleys of Taormina’s historic centre, Corso Umberto, the beaches of Isola Bella, and the famous Greek Theatre, which appears in a scene in episode two. Off the coast near Palermo, the season’s opening beach scene was filmed along the coastline of Cefalù, while other sequences take in Noto, a jewel of Sicilian Baroque.

What to eat in Sicily like in the show

Eastern Sicily, between Taormina and Cefalù, is home to rich Mediterranean cuisine: pasta alla Norma, cannoli, granita with brioche, and of course fresh Tyrrhenian fish. A food itinerary that pairs perfectly with the decadent luxury the show portrays.

In short

The White Lotus made Taormina one of the most desired destinations in the world, and unlike many productions it can boast a real, bookable hotel at the heart of the story. Discover other films and their food locations in Sicily, like Nolan’s The Odyssey in Favignana.