The highly anticipated season three finale of HBO’s Emmy-winning series “The White Lotus” was celebrated with an elaborate, multi-day fan experience meticulously crafted over two years by the experiential agency MKG. The “White Lotus” at Four Seasons, Presented by American Express wellness retreat, offered more than 500 guests an immersive journey into the opulent and often darkly comedic world of the show, culminating in a live screening of the finale and a star-studded cast panel.
The ambitious project, which transformed the Four Seasons Westlake Village into a tangible extension of the fictional “White Lotus” resort, was the result of an extensive collaboration between MKG and HBO. According to the MKG team, the endeavor spanned approximately two years from the initial pitch to the final activation.
Leah Taylor Dunbar, Creative Director at MKG, described the project as a “dream” for her and her team, who are avowed fans of the series created by Mike White. “Mike White created such a rich world for us to play in and with,” Dunbar said in a statement. “Collaborating closely with HBO, we were in lock step with not just their marketing team but also the art and production departments on ‘The White Lotus’ (TWL); getting access to their moodboards and script summaries was invaluable for us in recreating the show’s world IRL.”
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The MKG team emphasized the depth of their integration with HBO’s creative process, gaining access to crucial visual and narrative elements that informed their design. This access allowed them to weave authentic details from the show into the real-world experience.
Dunbar highlighted a specific instance of creative problem-solving during the production process. “An example: we wanted to use the intro wallpaper graphics in our design, but the show’s artists hadn’t created that yet; the title sequence was one of the very last assets we got access to. So our lead graphic designer, Alex Thompson, hand drew our own version.”
Thompson’s team further developed a comprehensive design language that drew inspiration from Thai architecture and wellness aesthetics, grounding the fan experience in the setting of the third season. Notably, these original design assets created by MKG were subsequently adopted by HBO for their global marketing materials, establishing a unique visual identity for the season’s promotional campaign.
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The activation phase at The Four Seasons Westlake Village was a feat of logistical coordination, requiring a swift and complete transformation of the hotel in a mere two days prior to the arrival of guests. This rapid turnaround was achieved through close collaboration with both the global and local Four Seasons teams.
Driven by their passion for the show, MKG incorporated numerous Easter eggs and subtle nods to all three seasons of “The White Lotus” throughout the hotel. This meticulous attention to detail aimed to create a sense of discovery and delight for fans at every turn, mirroring the luxury, care, and intricate storytelling that viewers have come to expect from the series.
“Hearing guests say that they felt like they were IN the show was the very best feeling, and meant that we had done our jobs,” Dunbar stated, underscoring the agency’s success in translating the fictional world into a tangible reality.
The multi-day retreat, which commenced on April 6, featured a range of curated experiences designed to immerse guests in the “White Lotus” lifestyle. These included bespoke dining options, wellness treatments inspired by the show’s themes, custom-crafted cocktails, and numerous immersive photo opportunities that allowed fans to capture their own “White Lotus” moments.
A central element of the experience was the Full Moon party, a vibrant celebration that echoed the social dynamics and occasional hedonism depicted in the series. The party, sponsored by Spotify, provided a lively backdrop for fans to mingle and celebrate the season finale.
Following the screening of the highly anticipated final episode, attendees were treated to an exclusive cast panel, presented by Threads and hosted by television personality Tan France. Cast members Leslie Bibb, Nicholas Duvernay, Jon Gries, Sarah Catherine Hook, Jason Isaacs, Charlotte Le Bon, Sam Nivola, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Tayme Thapthimthong, and Aimee Lou Wood took the stage to share their insights, final thoughts on the season’s twists and turns, and reflections on their experiences filming the show.
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The “White Lotus” at Four Seasons, Presented by American Express wellness retreat, was made possible through collaborations with a diverse array of partners, including Four Seasons Westlake Village, American Express, Diageo (featuring Ketel One and Tanqueray), Google Pixel, Supergoop!, Kiehl’s, Spotify, Threads, Saint James, Nest, Away, and CB2.
The extensive program of brand experiences and activities further enhanced the immersive nature of the event. American Express Travel Experiences offered exclusive perks, while Tanqueray & Ketel One hosted happy hours and mixology classes led by a Four Seasons mixologist. The Four Seasons Culinary Studio conducted cooking classes, and Kiehl’s provided skin analysis and skincare services. Supergoop! offered sun protection experiences, and Google Pixel featured a portal photo moment and gifting suite.
Beyond the brand integrations, the retreat offered a comprehensive wellness program, including spa treatments, yoga and meditation classes, and curated dining experiences, all designed to evoke the atmosphere of a luxurious “White Lotus” resort.
The third season of “The White Lotus,” created, written, and directed by Mike White, premiered on February 16, 2025, introducing a new ensemble cast and a fresh setting for its signature blend of social satire and suspense. The series is executive produced by White, David Bernad, and Mark Kamine.
The elaborate and meticulously planned “White Lotus” fan experience underscores the growing trend of studios and networks creating immersive real-world activations to deepen audience engagement and celebrate popular series. The two-year production timeline for this event highlights the significant investment and creative effort involved in bringing the world of “The White Lotus” to life for its dedicated fanbase.
