How to have fun White Lotus style in Thailand?

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With a frozen watermelon water ice cream in my hand, I stretched out lazily on the poolside sun lounger. Although I'm also clutching a book in my hand, it's really more of a decoy so I can sneak a peek while covering myself with a book to observe people - ears straining for juicy phrases from conversations.

It turns out this trick by Olivia and Paula, the witty Generation Z characters played by Sidney Sweeney and Brittany O'Grady on the HBO series "White Lotus," works like a charm.

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After all, the scene with the sunbathing guests at the Surin Hotel in Phuket really makes it feel like I'm living a real life, similar to this popular satire about rich vacationers at a fictional luxury resort. Surin has its own private beach on the shores of Pansy Beach. (Photo: Surin)

With a trendy hexagonal pool overlooking the azure sea of Pansi, this is definitely the place to be to see and be seen in this resort. I spot doppelgangers of the wealthy millennials from the show Harper and Daphne, played by Aubrey Plaza and Meagan Fahey, respectively, among the slender women in trendy wide-brimmed hats, big sunglasses and tight beach swimsuits.

Later, while enjoying a crispy fish burger at a poolside restaurant, a mother at a nearby table starts urging her children to put away their gadgets. It reminds me of an almost identical scene from the show's first season, which takes place in Hawaii, where Nicole, the mother of the somewhat dysfunctional but loving Mossbacher family, did the same thing at the table. Of course, the genius of Mark White's satirical series is that his characters often reflect reality too accurately - but gently enough to make viewers laugh at their own mistakes.

In search of resorts worthy of "White Lotus".

With rumors that the third season of "White Lotus" will be filmed in the Land of Smiles, and confirmation from multiple industry sources claiming that the series' crew sent scouts to their resorts in Thailand, it's no wonder there's a huge curiosity about where to vacation like the rich and carefree.

The obvious choice would be any of the luxury Four Seasons resorts in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ko Samui and the Golden Triangle, as previous seasons have been filmed at Four Seasons resorts in Maui and Taormina. But where's the challenge here? So I ask about the Aman resort, which is easily mentioned in the show. With a stunning infinity pool, spacious Thai-style villas and impeccable service, this could be the perfect replacement for White Lotus. But its Phuket branch, Amanpuri, is closed for seasonal renovations - could this be a hint that a TV series is being filmed here? "

"I've spent the last few months scouring Thai resorts to find the most luxurious hideaways worthy of a vacation like White Lotus." Secluded luxury in Surin. Photo: Surin

We won't find out until after the series, but since changes of plans are needed, I choose Surin, which is actually on the same secluded beach as Amanpuri, for maximum privacy on the beach. (Tip: Take a barefoot stroll along the picturesque beach at sunset with other pampered guests for an unrivaled moment of overall transformation and photo ops.) With Ed Tuttle-inspired suites and cottages decorated in a soothing color palette of gray and white, the individual hideaways blend beautifully with the lush greenery on the grounds.

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I'm most excited about my own moment at Tanya's spa when my therapist uses the acupressure technique of Thai massage to relieve tense knots in my shoulders and neck. Like Tanya McQuoid's eccentric character played by Jennifer Coolidge, I too feel like I'm floating after a session at the spa.

Next time I head to the luxurious Conrad Koh Samui, which is strategically located with panoramic views of Thailand's endless bay - the perfect idyllic setting to welcome a new group of White Lotus guests. While the coveted Pineapple Villa from Season One may have been a bit over-decorated for some guests, even the pickiest and most pretentious guests will be hard-pressed to find remarks to this hotel's elegant villas. All 81 villas have private plunge pools, bathrooms large enough for two, and magnificent sea views.

For something truly memorable

The hotel can organize a private beach dinner with a chef according to guests' preferences, with whimsical decorations including twinkling garlands and a bonfire where you can bake marshmallows as dessert.

We think many of the husbands from the White Lotus series, including the despotic Shane Patton, cold Ethan and manipulative Cameron, would benefit from having this romantic option during their stay at White Lotus. Husbands, take note, especially if you want to impress your other half.

Then, to top it all off, order breakfast on the water in the comfort of your own private pool. It's an incredibly enjoyable luxury treat that hasn't made it into the series yet, but with its photogenic nature you can show off to others. I certainly didn't mind when I got into the pool at 8am just for the perfect Instagram photo.

An island trip to Pimalai Koh Lanta. Photo: Pimalai Resort

I couldn't pass up the opportunity for a secret island vacation at Pimalai Resort located on Koh Lanta. It's two hours from Krabi Airport, and at certain times of the year guests can even arrive directly at the resort's beachfront jetty on an exclusive speedboat, similar to the way guests arrive at hotels in the TV series.

When you arrive here - you guessed it - you're greeted by a bustling staff ready to whisk guests away to their luxurious suites. In my spacious one-bedroom ocean-view villa with a separate living room, open dining room and kitchen area, I immediately thought of the unbridled parties portrayed by the more questionable characters in "White Lotus." Of course, this is real life, so there's no bad behavior here, just cozy conversations and plenty of service in the company of good people.

Everything is perfectly coordinated, these are Pimalai cruises on luxury boats to nearby caves and islands for snorkeling, freediving or just sunbathing in the sun. After all, White Lotus guests always get their share of chic aquatic entertainment while on vacation. The waters here are as clear and warm as the Sicilian waters depicted in season two of the TV series, and as soon as the sun starts to set, so does the flow of cocktails. When the sky turns orange and pink, all of us, even the slightly drunk ones, stop to enjoy this beautiful sight. Here on the calm and beautiful waters, one thing is for sure - there is no need for a TV series to remind us of our happiness in life.