Recently there was the conclusion of the second season of the second season of “The White Lotus,” set in Sicily, Italy (there is a wonderful tour of Sicily on Quiiky to discover the most iconic locations).
The thriller, whose plot has not gone unnoticed by the LGBTQIA+ community, took home just recently two international awards: at the 2023 Golden Globes, the HBO production penned by Mike White won two awards, best miniseries and best supporting actress to Jennifer Coolidge.
If you have seen both seasons, you will surely know how the story unfolds and who the most important characters are, played by an outstanding cast that included some of our ittalian actors, such as Sabrina Impacciatore (after her exploit for the role of Valentina, the actress took home a SAG Award).
However, some tidbits, about this most-watched TV series ever, may have escaped your notice. Here are 8 tidbits about “The White Lotus” to share with your friends and family.
What you see at the “San Domenico Palace” hotel in Taormina is all original
“The decor, the rooms, everything is original, what you see is real, even the staff uniforms,” Lorenzo Maraviglia, the general manager of the San Domenico Palace (Four Seasons Hotel), said in an interview.
The hotel’s top suites, where most of the sex scenes in the TV series take place, have plunge pools and paintings of saints made by the very monks who once lived there.
Even the fights between the couples are inspired by the resort’s history
There are numerous fights that break out between hotel rooms. Some inspired precisely by some famous fights that actually happened among these rooms.
The most famous film couple of the time, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, came to the San Domenico Palace for a romantic getaway. After meeting during the filming of the movie “Cleopatra” in 1963, the two returned to the San Domenico Palace in 1967, where they quarreled furiously on the terrace of their suite. It is said that Liz broke a mandolin over her husband’s head.
Tanya, Jennifer Coolidge’s character, is meant to tie the two seasons together
According to “The White Lotus” screenwriter and director Mike White, Jennifer Coolidge’s character Tanya was included in the second season so that viewers could feel some sort of connection between the two seasons. Her husband Greg, whom she met in Hawaii, is also in the second season for the trip.
The selected outfits are vintage Italian
Fashion definitely played a pregnant role in this second season of “The White Lotus.” Just think of the iconic (and controversial) looks worn by Portia, as well as Tanya’s outfits. Did you know that most of these outfits were found in local vintage stores? In an interview with People, designer Alex Bovaird revealed that Lucia’s stunning red dress was purchased at a vintage store in Catania, Italy.
The beach bathing scenes were filmed in Cefalù
Cefalù, along with other famous sicilian cities such as Syracuse, Noto and Taormina, was the focus of the filming of “The White Lotus”: in particular, the beach on the Giuseppe Giardina promenade, in the section in front of the Sea Palace. This is where most of the scenes of bathing in the sea, relaxing on the beach and walking on the sand were filmed. Quiiky’s tour in search of the evocative locations of the TV series will touch on this and other cities.
The soundtrack for “The White Lotus” was curated by award-winning composer Cristobal Tapia de Veer
The composer, born in Chile and living in Canada, has created an original soundtrack that combines electronic, orchestral and vocal sounds to create an eerie and mysterious atmosphere.
The second season was censored in some countries because it was too LGBTQ+ themed
One of the main characters, played by Murray Bartlett, as you may know is a gay man who is on vacation with his husband. So too are many other distinctly queer protagonists and stories. Because of the presence of these themes, some countries such as Russia censored the second season of “The White Lotus.”
The third season of “The White Lotus” may take place in Asia
We followed the TV series from Hawaii to Europe. And we might make it to Asia: rumor has it that season three will be set on the Asian continent. During a backstage, director White told reporters that he would like to explore Eastern religion and spirituality in the next season. We will wait patiently for the next masterpiece!
