This article is republished with the generous permission of Bellēpoque boutique, the luxury fashion destination at Hotel Bellevue in Mali Lošinj. We extend our sincere gratitude to bellēpoque for allowing CoolKlub to share this captivating exploration of Čikat Bay as a potential setting for HBO’s acclaimed series.
Nestled in the azure embrace of the Adriatic Sea, surrounded by fragrant pine forests and elegant Habsburg-era architecture, lies a destination so exquisite it seems designed specifically for the discerning lens of Mike White. As speculation swirls around potential locations for the next installment of HBO’s masterful examination of privilege and paradise, Mali Lošinj’s Čikat Bay emerges as perhaps the most compelling candidate yet for “The White Lotus” Season 5.
A Legacy of Luxury With Imperial Roots
Mali Lošinj is currently marking a significant milestone—140 years of tourism on this verdant island. This celebration includes various cultural events, environmental initiatives, and commemorations that highlight the region’s longstanding commitment to preserving its natural treasures while welcoming discerning travelers.
The bay’s reputation as a sanctuary for the elite was established during the Habsburg monarchy, when Viennese aristocracy discovered its remarkable climate and healing properties. The island received formal recognition as a health resort in 1892, owing to its exceptional number of sunshine hours, crystal-clear waters, and therapeutic sea air. Among its most distinguished historical guests was Princess Sissy of the Habsburg dynasty, who became enamored with the island’s restorative atmosphere.
Today, strolling through Čikat Bay feels like wandering through an immaculately preserved chapter of European luxury history. The shoreline is adorned with beautifully restored villas from the Belle Époque era, their elegant terraces offering breathtaking views of the same emerald waters that once enchanted Europe’s nobility.
Two Hotels Perfect for White Lotus Drama
Dominating the bay’s hospitality landscape are the Hotel Bellevue and Hotel Alhambra, two establishments that epitomize the refined opulence that forms the essential backdrop for “The White Lotus” narratives of human frailty amid spectacular surroundings.
Hotel Bellevue presents a masterful blend of contemporary luxury and historical resonance. Nestled among ancient pines, it offers comprehensive wellness facilities including specialized spa treatments, seawater swimming pools, and rejuvenation programs—ideal settings for characters to reveal their vulnerabilities or forge unexpected alliances.
A short walk away stands the even more exclusive Boutique Hotel Alhambra & Villa Augusta. This jewel of hospitality offers the discreet, sophisticated environment that “White Lotus” characters invariably seek and then disrupt. Its Michelin-starred Alfred Keller Restaurant would provide the perfect setting for those tension-filled dinner scenes that have become a hallmark of the series. As a member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Alhambra delivers exactly the rarefied atmosphere where privilege and pretense could dramatically collide.
bellēpoque: Dressing the Drama
No examination of Čikat Bay as a potential “White Lotus” setting would be complete without highlighting bellēpoque, the exquisite fashion boutique housed within Hotel Bellevue. This remarkable establishment would undoubtedly serve as the wardrobe source for the show’s impeccably dressed but internally troubled characters.
The boutique carefully curates collections from prestigious fashion houses including Zimmermann, Camilla, Orlebar Brown, and Pucci—precisely the brands that have adorned previous “White Lotus” characters during their poolside machinations and beachfront breakdowns. Beyond merely selling clothing, bellēpoque embodies the philosophy that beautiful destinations deserve beautiful attire—a sentiment that resonates perfectly with the show’s aesthetic.
Narrative Potential in Paradise
The storytelling possibilities in this setting are as boundless as the Adriatic horizon. Consider the potential plotlines: A family celebration derailed by the arrival of an estranged relative; a wellness retreat founder whose serene facade crumbles under scrutiny; European aristocrats attempting to maintain anonymity while vacationing alongside reality television stars. All of this unfolding against a backdrop of impossibly blue waters and centuries-old cultural heritage.
The island’s occasional Bora wind could serve as both a literal force and a powerful metaphor—a natural phenomenon that strips away carefully constructed facades just as the show’s narrative reveals the characters’ true natures.
Cultural Depth and Historical Layers
One of “The White Lotus” strengths lies in its exploration of cultural intersections and historical contexts. Mali Lošinj offers rich material in this regard, having experienced Venetian, Austrian-Hungarian, Italian, and Yugoslav governance before becoming part of independent Croatia. This complex heritage creates fascinating layers of cultural memory that could inform interactions between visitors and local characters.
The island’s Museum of Apoxyomenos, housing an ancient Greek bronze statue recovered from local waters, could provide a thought-provoking symbolic centerpiece for a season exploring themes of preservation, beauty, and hidden depths.
Exclusive Yet Accessible
Like previous “White Lotus” settings, Mali Lošinj achieves that crucial balance between recognition and exclusivity. It’s a destination that requires intention to reach—adding to its mystique—while remaining accessible enough to feel like a plausible choice for wealthy travelers.
The island welcomes visitors from across Europe, particularly from Slovenia, Germany, and Italy, yet maintains an uncrowded, discovered-secret quality that previous “White Lotus” locations have leveraged so effectively.
Sustainability and Contradiction
Mike White’s writing excels in highlighting contradictions, particularly between environmental consciousness and resource-intensive lifestyles. Mali Lošinj’s commitment to sustainable tourism initiatives, including traditional shipbuilding preservation and ecological awareness programs, creates perfect narrative tension with the carbon footprints of fictional guests arriving by private jets or superyachts.
White Lotus Season 5 Paradise With a Shadow
Like all effective “White Lotus” settings, Mali Lošinj offers paradise with an undercurrent of something deeper and potentially darker—transparent waters concealing ancient shipwrecks, luxury spas masking profound insecurities, and five-star service obscuring economic disparities.
As this Croatian gem celebrates its tourism heritage, it stands poised to share its unique story with global audiences. For HBO and Mike White, Čikat Bay represents untapped potential—a setting where history, luxury, and natural splendor converge to create the ideal backdrop for their next exploration of privilege, desire, and mortality.
The question remains: which character’s Croatian getaway would end in tragedy, as the Adriatic waves return them to one of the most beautiful shorelines in the Mediterranean?
Article about White Lotus Season 5 – Special thanks once again to Bellēpoque boutique for permitting CoolKlub to share this feature article. For the finest in luxury resort wear and accessories, visit bellēpoque at Hotel Bellevue or explore their collections online.
