If Season 5 of White Lotus Were Filmed Here, This Croatian Paradise Would Steal the Show

In the sun-dappled waters of the Adriatic Sea, nestled among pine-scented forests and Habsburg-era villas, lies a destination so pristine and luxurious it feels as though Mike White himself conjured it from a fever dream. As HBO executives deliberate where to set the next installment of their award-winning saga of wealth and woe, there’s a location that would transform Season 5 of “The White Lotus” from mere television into visual poetry: Mali Lošinj’s Čikat Bay.

A Hidden Gem with Imperial Heritage

Mali Lošinj is currently celebrating 140 years of tourism on the island, marking the occasion with conferences, films, and environmental projects that highlight the area’s commitment to nature conservation. This milestone isn’t just arbitrary—it speaks to the deep historical roots of luxury hospitality in this corner of Croatia.

The story of Čikat Bay as a retreat for the privileged began during the Habsburg era, when aristocrats from Vienna discovered the island’s remarkably healing climate. The island earned an official designation as a health resort in 1892, thanks to its 2,600 hours of annual sunshine, pristine waters, and refreshing sea breezes. Among its most distinguished visitors was Princess Sissy of the Habsburg dynasty, who fell in love with the island’s tranquil beauty and therapeutic qualities.

Walking through the bay today is like stepping into a time capsule of Belle Époque elegance. The area is dotted with meticulously restored villas that once hosted Europe’s elite, their terraces overlooking the emerald waters where yachts now sway gently in the Mediterranean breeze.

The Perfect White Lotus Setting: Luxury Hotels That Scream Drama

The bay’s crown jewels are undoubtedly the Hotel Bellevue and Hotel Alhambra, two establishments that embody the kind of refined luxury that would make “White Lotus” characters feel right at home while providing the perfect backdrop for their inevitable downfalls.

Hotel Bellevue, surrounded by centuries-old pine trees, offers “a Spa Clinic with a range of cosmetic, holistic and medical treatments conducted under the supervision of experts,” alongside both indoor and outdoor seawater swimming pools. Its contemporary design merges seamlessly with the historical context of the location, creating spaces where wealthy guests could easily conspire, seduce, or unravel.

Just steps away stands the even more exclusive Boutique Hotel Alhambra & Villa Augusta. This sophisticated luxury hotel “offers discreet ambiance with centuries-old tradition” and boasts that “the sunset at the Čikat bay is one of the most romantic in the world.” Its Alfred Keller Restaurant holds a coveted Michelin star, while the hotel itself belongs to the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection.

With its Austro-Hungarian architecture, marble interiors, and private beach access, the Alhambra practically begs for a “White Lotus” narrative. One can almost see a California tech billionaire having a breakdown on its private sun deck, or a political power couple negotiating their divorce settlement over Michelin-starred seafood.

Bellēpoque: The Fashion Playground for the Elite

No “White Lotus” season would be complete without impeccable resort wear, and Mali Lošinj delivers here as well. The luxury boutique bellēpoque, located within Hotel Bellevue, would provide the perfect wardrobe for the show’s fashionable yet troubled characters.

The store offers a carefully curated selection of high-end brands including Zimmermann, Camilla, Orlebar Brown, and Pucci (among many more) —precisely the labels that the show’s characters sport as they lounge by infinity pools or attend awkward dinner parties. The boutique’s tagline—”Beautiful destinations deserve beautiful outfits”—could easily be a sardonic caption in the show’s opening credits.

White Lotus Croatia… Possibilities Are Endless

Imagine the storylines that could unfold in this setting: A tech mogul’s family vacation derailed by a chance encounter with a former employee; European royalty incognito, hiding from tabloid scandals; a wellness guru whose facade of serenity crumbles under the weight of her own deceptions. All against the backdrop of crystalline Adriatic waters and whispers of Habsburg ghosts.

The location offers natural drama as well. The island is known for occasionally experiencing the fierce Bora wind, which could serve as both metaphor and plot device—a force of nature that strips away pretenses just as the show’s writing strips bare its characters’ souls.

A Cultural Crossroads

Part of what makes “The White Lotus” so compelling is its exploration of cultural tensions and colonial legacies. Mali Lošinj offers rich material here. The island’s history includes periods under Venetian, Austrian-Hungarian, Italian, and Yugoslav rule before becoming part of independent Croatia. This complex heritage creates layers of historical meaning that could inform the interactions between locals and wealthy visitors.

The island also houses the Museum of Apoxyomenos, featuring an ancient Greek bronze statue discovered in local waters—a potential symbolic centerpiece for a season exploring themes of beauty, preservation, and what lies beneath the surface.

The Perfect Blend of Accessibility and Exclusivity

Like previous “White Lotus” locations in Hawaii, Sicily, and Thailand, Mali Lošinj strikes that crucial balance between being recognizable enough to intrigue viewers while remaining exclusive enough to feel aspirational. It’s accessible yet removed—a destination that requires commitment to reach, adding to its mystique.

The island offers “around 2600 sunshine hours a year,” making it “a popular tourist destination in the summer months, especially for nearby Slovenian, German and Italian visitors.” Yet it remains less trampled than many Mediterranean hotspots, preserving that sense of discovery that so many “White Lotus” characters seek in their vacations.

Conservation and Contradiction

Mike White’s writing excels at highlighting contradictions, particularly how the wealthy speak about environmental concerns while living resource-intensive lifestyles. Mali Lošinj offers perfect fodder for this theme. The island has embraced sustainable tourism initiatives, including the “Wood is First” project aimed at “revitalizing timber in the local small-scale shipbuilding industry” and “raising awareness among both residents and visitors about sustainable development.”

This environmental consciousness could create delicious tension with the carbon footprints of fictional guests arriving by private jet or yacht, providing ample opportunity for the show’s signature social satire.

In the End, Paradise with a Dark Edge

Like all “White Lotus” settings, Mali Lošinj offers paradise with something slightly sinister lurking beneath the surface—crystal waters hiding ancient shipwrecks, luxury spas concealing clients’ deepest insecurities, and five-star service masking economic disparities.

As the island celebrates 140 years of tourism, it stands ready to share its story with the world. For HBO and Mike White, Čikat Bay represents untapped potential—a setting where history, luxury, and natural beauty converge to create the perfect playground for their next exploration of privilege, desire, and mortality.

The only question remaining is: which character’s vacation would end in tragedy, as their body washes up on the shores of one of the most beautiful bays in the Adriatic?