How to Enjoy a White Lotus-Style Vacation on a Middle-Class Budget (Minus the Existential Crises)
by Alexander Tidd
When HBO’s White Lotus drops a new season, most of us immediately Google flights to Sicily, then gasp dramatically, close the laptop, and go make instant ramen. Between the five-star beachfront resorts, private boat rides, and Aperol spritzes at sunset, it’s easy to assume this kind of getaway is only for the ultra-rich, emotionally unstable characters with suspiciously flexible job schedules.
But what if I told you that you (yes, you, middle-class superhero) could live your White Lotus fantasy without auctioning off a kidney or befriending a morally ambiguous heiress?
Welcome to your guide to having a White Lotus-style vacation on a middle-class budget—no murder plots, trust funds, or dramatic poolside confrontations required. Just vibes, scenery, and strategic credit card points.
Choose Your Location Wisely
Yes, the show is filmed in luxury Four Seasons resorts, but you don’t need to check in somewhere that charges $1,200 a night to feel like royalty. The trick? Pick a destination with a lot of natural beauty and cultural flavor, but less buzz.
Swap Sicily for…
Portugal’s Algarve Coast: Stunning beaches, affordable guesthouses, and grilled sardines you’ll dream about for weeks.
Puerto Escondido, Mexico: Hip, gorgeous, and still under the radar. Boutique hotels start around $80/night.
Palm Springs (off-season): Retro glam on a budget, especially in summer when the heat keeps prices low (just stay near a pool and hydrate like it’s your job).
Pro tip: Avoid peak seasons. A fall or spring trip can cut lodging costs in half and reduce crowds, giving you that serene, eerie White Lotus quietude.
Find Luxury Lodging Without the Price Tag
You don’t need a private plunge pool to feel like a million bucks. Sites like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com are loaded with stylish, affordable rentals that scream White Lotus aesthetic—white linens, tropical plants, maybe a hammock if you’re lucky.
Search hacks:
Filter for “entire place” and “pool” to replicate that private resort vibe.
Look for local boutique hotels that include perks like breakfast or bike rentals.
Consider “house swaps” if you’re feeling adventurous (and tidy).
A well-decorated Airbnb with a balcony and decent coffee machine can feel just as glam when you’re sipping wine at sunset and pretending you have unresolved family drama.
Dress the Part, but on a Target Budget
One of the most iconic parts of White Lotus is the fashion. Flowy caftans, oversized sunglasses, matching linen sets—everyone looks like they walked out of a European fashion spread or at least a very expensive Zara catalog.
But middle-class doesn’t mean middle-style. Here's how to play the part:
Thrift your resortwear – local thrift stores and apps like Poshmark are goldmines for breezy vacation looks.
Embrace the capsule wardrobe: Two versatile dresses, a pair of statement sunglasses, and one attention-grabbing hat can go a long way.
Lean into the drama: Is it practical to wear a kimono to breakfast? No. But does it scream “I’m vacationing at a mysterious island resort”? Yes. Do it.
Curate Your Own White Lotus Itinerary (With Less Emotional Damage)
The show’s characters mostly do a lot of lounging, awkward conversations, and occasional existential meltdowns. You can skip the crises and still keep the leisurely pace.
Here’s your sample itinerary:
Morning:
Leisurely coffee and breakfast with a view.
Poolside reading of something intense and vaguely philosophical (even if it’s just the back of a cereal box).
Afternoon:
Take a local cooking class or guided tour (Airbnb Experiences has great options under $40).
Enjoy a long, wine-soaked lunch. Order the special, even if you don’t know what it is.
Evening:
Sunset walk or rooftop happy hour.
Dinner at a local family-run restaurant. Bonus points if it’s candlelit and slightly chaotic.
Free activity idea: Pretend you’re in a tense drama and whisper-shout “Let’s not do this here” to your partner for no reason at all.
Don’t Skimp on the Details that Make It Feel Luxe
Sometimes, it’s the little things that turn a regular vacation into a White Lotus-style experience.
Book a massage at a local spa (you don’t need to be at a $1000/night resort to get a $40 massage that changes your life).
Create a beach picnic with a baguette, cheese, and fruit from the local market.
Hire a boat for a day—in places like Greece, Thailand, or Croatia, it’s surprisingly affordable to rent a small boat or join a group tour for that “I might throw someone overboard later” feeling.
Also: splurge once. Maybe it’s a nicer dinner. Maybe it’s a private tour. Do one thing that makes you feel like you’re almost out of your tax bracket.
Embrace the Drama (Lightly)
No White Lotus-style vacation is complete without a little interpersonal spice. Keep it harmless:
Play a round of “Which character are you?” with your travel companions.
Start a made-up backstory for that mysterious couple at the next table. (“He’s clearly an arms dealer.”)
Channel your inner Jennifer Coolidge and make every statement sound like a secret confession.
Or just dramatically whisper “I don’t think she’s who she says she is…” anytime someone walks by in a hat.
Final Thoughts: The White Lotus was Inside You All Along
You don’t need millions to have a cinematic vacation. What you do need is intentional planning, a flair for the dramatic, and a willingness to eat gelato like it’s your job. With a little creativity, your next trip could feel just as dreamy and absurdly glamorous as anything on TV—just with fewer crimes and slightly more budgeting spreadsheets.
So go ahead—book that off-season trip, thrift a robe worthy of your fictional resort alter ego, and toast to the beautiful chaos of it all. Because luxury isn’t just about money.
Sometimes, it’s just knowing how to live fabulously on purpose.
Now cue the haunting theme music and pass the sunscreen.
