Stunning views of the snow-capped Southern Alps near Cass from the TranzAlpine service by Great Journeys New Zealand
Below : Foliage and surrounding landscape in Ogden , Utah ; right :
Chief Joseph Ranch , both prominent filming spots for “ Yellowstone .”
ERIC LAUDONIEN / SHUTTERSTOCKCOM
Sparking Travel Inspiration
THE WHITE LOTUS With its mesmerizing theme music , quirky characters and stunning cinematography , the second season of HBO ’ s “ The White Lotus ” captivated viewers in 2022 . Murder , betrayal , mayhem — the glamorous whodun-it had it all , and all the action took place in front of a swoon-worthy backdrop : Sicily . From the very first episode , it was clear the drama would spark some serious wanderlust , and with more and more travelers looking to Italy , it seems the show ’ s influence transcended primetime TV .
Proof of “ The White Lotus ’” impact on the travel industry is in the search result pudding as research from mobile travel app Hopper found that web searches for “ Sicily ” skyrocketed over 50 % after the curtain closed on the series ’ second season . Travel advisors are also noticing the trend : “ People are loving the idea of Italian culture meeting island life ,” said Lisa Zwissler , certified travel concierge for Beach Bum Vacations . “ Sicily provides boutique to luxury accommodations with a wide variety of activities to enjoy .”
At the top of set-jetters ’ travel wish lists ? A stay at “ The White Lotus ” hotel — aka , the San Domenico Palace , Taormina , a Four Seasons Hotel . From the chic lobby bar where scenes with Mia and Lucia unfolded to the instantly recognizable cliffside pool where Portia first encountered Jack , pop culture fans will love reliving the whirlwind storyline . Other notable filming spots include Castello degli Schiavi , Noto Cathedral , Villa Tasca , Villa Elena and Cefalu .
48 / THE COMPASS / SUMMER 2023 vaxvacationaccess . com / thecompass