See yourself in The White Lotus? Travel to idyllic Taormina, Sicily loved by Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, and a TikTok-driven TV tourism hotspot thanks to HBO’s black comedy series
- The area is the backdrop to season two of the hit show starring Jennifer Coolidge and Haley Lu Richardson, was in The Godfather and reportedly inspired D.H. Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover
- Domenico Dolce of Dolce & Gabbana is Sicilian and debuted the fashion label’s 2012 Alta Moda project in the tourist town with its fair share of Fendi, Dior and Patek Philippe boutiques
On a resort’s private beach in Taormina, Sicily, a guest goes for one last dip in the glittering Ionian Sea at the end of her holiday. Behind her on the sand sit a pair of fellow visitors she’d been enthusing to, assuring them that they’re bound to have an amazing trip on the Italian island. During her relaxing swim though she makes a shocking discovery.
So begin the events of season two of The White Lotus, the hit HBO black comedy set in the idyllic resort town on the island’s east coast, charting the intrigue, infidelity and other indiscretions committed by the ultra-wealthy – played by Jennifer Coolidge, returning from season one, along with Aubrey Plaza, Haley Lu Richardson and others – that holiday there. In reality, you’re likely to experience no more drama than trying to scoop up your last bite of granita before your accompanying brioche gets cold.
