Want to Explore Luxury Resorts While Sitting at Home!
Who doesn’t dream of lounging by a shimmering pool, sipping on a fruity cocktail, and having all their needs catered to? Sadly, spontaneous luxury vacations aren’t always in the cards. But fear not, fellow travel enthusiasts! There’s a solution almost as good as the real thing: vicariously living through the characters in TV shows set in breathtaking resorts.
These aren’t just any old shows, mind you. We’re talking about series that showcase the glitz, glamour, and sometimes, the glorious chaos that unfolds behind the perfectly manicured lawns and meticulously arranged buffet tables of high-end resorts. They offer a peek into a world of privilege, relaxation, and the occasional existential crisis (because even paradise has its problems!).
These series aren’t just about escapism; they explore the allure of luxury resorts, peeling back the layers to reveal the drama, the secrets, and the sheer human experience that exists even in the most idyllic settings. They highlight stunning resort visuals that will make you want to book your next vacation immediately… or at least start saving for one!
Let’s dive in
1. The White Lotus: Where Wealth Meets Weirdness
Dark comedy with a side of sunstroke.
“The White Lotus” is an anthology series that follows the exploits of various guests and employees at a fictional luxury hotel chain. Each season takes place at a different White Lotus property, showcasing the lives of the wealthy and privileged as they navigate their vacations, their relationships, and their own internal struggles. Think of it as a darkly comedic, sometimes cringe-worthy, look at the 1%.
The show excels at highlighting the resort as a microcosm of society, where power dynamics, class disparities, and personal anxieties are amplified. The resort isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character in itself, influencing the behavior and interactions of everyone within its walls.
The visuals are STUNNING. From the turquoise waters to the opulent suites, “The White Lotus” paints a picture of luxury that’s both enticing and slightly unsettling. You’ll find yourself drooling over the infinity pools and the perfectly arranged fruit platters, even as you’re cringing at the characters’ behavior.
Fun fact: The first season was filmed during the pandemic at the Four Seasons Resort Maui, which was closed to regular guests during production.
2. Nine Perfect Strangers: Wellness Retreat…or Cult Initiation?
Mindfulness, mystery, and microdosing mayhem.
Based on the novel by Liane Moriarty, “Nine Perfect Strangers” follows a group of strangers who attend a 10-day wellness retreat run by the enigmatic Masha Dmitrichenko (played by Nicole Kidman). As Masha pushes her guests to their limits with unconventional methods, they begin to question her motives and the true nature of the retreat.
The Tranquillum House resort is presented as a place of healing and transformation, but it quickly becomes clear that something is amiss. The show explores how the isolated environment of the resort can create a sense of vulnerability and dependence, making the guests susceptible to Masha’s influence.
The lush, serene setting of the resort is initially calming, but as the series progresses, the visuals become increasingly unsettling, reflecting the growing tension and paranoia among the guests. Think postcard-perfect scenery with a sinister undercurrent.
Fun Fact: The series was filmed at a real-life wellness retreat in Byron Bay, Australia, which probably made the cast feel a little too immersed in their roles.
3. The Resort: Love, Loss, and a Lingering Mystery
Time-bending romance with a splash of tequila.
“The Resort” tells the story of a married couple, Emma and Noah, who are on vacation in the Mayan Riviera when they stumble upon an old, unsolved mystery connected to two missing people from fifteen years earlier. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover secrets about the resort, the missing persons, and their own relationship.
The show cleverly contrasts the idyllic façade of the modern resort with the hidden history and secrets of the abandoned resort where the mystery unfolds. It explores how a place can hold both beauty and darkness, and how the past can unexpectedly resurface.
The show provides a visual feast, showcasing both the modern luxury of the current resort and the haunting beauty of the dilapidated one. The contrast between the two creates a sense of intrigue and adds to the overall mystery of the story.
Interesting tidbit: The show’s creator drew inspiration from real-life abandoned resorts he discovered while traveling in Mexico.
4. Acapulco: From Cabana Boy to Big Boss
Sun, sand, and a whole lot of ambition.
“Acapulco” tells the story of Máximo Gallardo, a young man who lands his dream job as a cabana boy at the hottest resort in Acapulco in 1984. The series follows Máximo’s journey as he navigates the challenges of working in the luxury resort industry, all while pursuing his own ambitions and dreams.
“Acapulco” provides a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of a luxury resort, showcasing the dedication and hard work of the staff who strive to create a perfect experience for their guests. It also explores the cultural dynamics and social hierarchies that exist within the resort environment.
The show is a vibrant and colorful celebration of Acapulco in the 1980s, with stunning visuals of the resort, the beaches, and the surrounding landscape. It’s a visual time capsule that will transport you back to a bygone era of glamour and excess.
Fun Fact: Eugenio Derbez, who serves as both narrator and executive producer, based the show on his own experiences working in Acapulco hotels.
5. Fantasy Island: Where Dreams (and Nightmares) Come True
Wishes granted, with a twist of the supernatural.
“Fantasy Island” is a reboot of the classic TV series, following Elena Roarke, the grand-niece of Mr. Roarke, as she manages the mysterious island resort where guests can live out their fantasies. However, as the guests soon discover, their fantasies rarely unfold as expected, and they often come with unexpected consequences.
The island itself is the ultimate resort, offering guests the opportunity to escape reality and experience their deepest desires. The show explores the themes of wish fulfillment, self-discovery, and the importance of facing one’s fears and regrets.
The lush, tropical setting of Fantasy Island is visually stunning, with exotic landscapes, hidden waterfalls, and luxurious accommodations. The island is a character in itself, creating a sense of wonder and enchantment.
Fascinating fact: The reboot maintains continuity with the original series, with Elena being the great-niece of Mr. Roarke from the 1970s show.
So there you have it: five TV shows that offer a virtual vacation to some of the most stunning resorts in the world. Whether you’re looking for dark comedy, mystery, romance, or a touch of the supernatural, these series are sure to transport you to a world of luxury, relaxation, and maybe just a little bit of mayhem. Happy watching!
Which of these resort-set shows is your favorite. Drop your thoughts in the comments!
