I work at the Four Seasons in Thailand, where The White Lotus is filmed. Some elements of the show wouldn't happen in real life.

**Abstract: Real Life at Four Seasons Koh Samui vs. The White Lotus** Pimlalana Mankong, the front office manager at Four Seasons Koh Samui, provides an insider's perspective on the luxury resort where the popular HBO series "The White Lotus" was filmed. Mankong, who has been with the Four Seasons brand since 2009, began her career in Bangkok and moved to Koh Samui in 2015, drawn by the resort's relaxed ambiance and the opportunity to connect more deeply with guests. Her journey within the Four Seasons organization has included roles as guest experience manager, director of housekeeping, and her current position as front office manager, overseeing a team of 40 staff members. ### Arriving at the Resort Upon arrival at Four Seasons Koh Samui, guests are greeted with a dramatic and welcoming experience. A bellman strikes a Thai gong, and the guest is guided through large wooden doors to a panoramic view of the resort from the clifftop. This grand entrance sets the tone for a stay focused on relaxation and luxury, a stark contrast to the business-oriented environment of the Four Seasons Bangkok, where guests often prioritize efficiency over leisure. ### Staff Training and Guest Service Mankong emphasizes the importance of staff training, particularly the golf buggy driving test, which ensures a smooth and comfortable journey for guests to their rooms. The resort's commitment to anticipating and fulfilling guest needs is evident in various ways. For instance, if guests use only two bed pillows, the staff will remove the extras to maintain a tidy room. When children are present, the staff decorates their beds with monkey duvet covers and leaves tiny robes in the closet. The team is also adept at handling unusual requests, such as securing a table at a fully booked restaurant or arranging for lost luggage to be couriered to the island, as long as the requests are legal. ### Perks of the Job Working at Four Seasons Koh Samui comes with its own set of perks. Mankong has enjoyed complimentary stays at other Four Seasons hotels in Singapore and Hong Kong, which helps her understand the different services and amenities offered across the brand. Additionally, she has experienced the resort's yacht and tried new menus at the on-site restaurants, all of which contribute to her ability to recommend activities and dining options to guests. ### Filming "The White Lotus" Mankong was the director of housekeeping during the filming of "The White Lotus" at the resort. The Four Seasons Koh Samui residences were used to depict the rooms of several characters, including Ratliffe, the three female friends, and Rick and Chelsea. She notes that looking after the cast and crew was a unique experience, as they were there to work rather than to relax. Despite initial concerns about paparazzi, the filming location was kept so secret that there were no significant issues. ### Real vs. Fiction While some elements of the show accurately reflect real-life experiences at the resort, Mankong points out several fictional aspects. For example, the show portrays relationships between staff members, such as a receptionist being engaged and a security guard wanting to date another employee, which are not permissible in real life due to strict regulations. However, the show does capture the essence of Thai culture, particularly the traditional greeting, the "Wai," and the water festival Songkran, which is celebrated in April. Songkran, originally a time to give thanks to parents, has evolved into a joyous water fight, especially in the north of Thailand, where it lasts for three days. On Koh Samui, the celebration is more condensed but equally vibrant. ### Cultural Engagement Many guests at Four Seasons Koh Samui actively engage with Thai culture during their stay. They often greet staff in Thai, and the resort offers complimentary Thai language classes to enhance their cultural connection. Mankong appreciates the show's portrayal of these cultural elements, particularly the "Wai," which she finds to be a beautiful representation of Thai heritage. In summary, Pimlalana Mankong's insights offer a behind-the-scenes look at the Four Seasons Koh Samui, highlighting the resort's commitment to luxury and guest satisfaction. While "The White Lotus" captures the essence of the resort and Thai culture, it also takes creative liberties that do not align with the real-life policies and practices of the Four Seasons.