Malolo Island, one of the most beautiful islands in Fiji's Mamanuca archipelago, is the quintessential example of the tropical luxury that so captivated 'White Lotus' viewers. Unlike crowded Koh Samui, this small island offers an intimate atmosphere and exclusive experiences surrounded by untouched nature. Several unique resorts can be found here, which could successfully serve as a film set for the next season of the series.

Six Senses Fiji is a true gem among the luxury resorts on Malolo Island. This exclusive property is located on the island's west coast, offering guests private villas with pools, some situated directly over the crystal clear waters of the lagoon. Each villa has been designed for maximum comfort and privacy, using local materials and traditional Fijian architectural elements. The resort is renowned for its holistic approach to relaxation, offering an extensive spa center where traditional Fijian massage techniques are combined with modern wellness treatments. What sets Six Senses apart from other luxury properties is its commitment to sustainability - the resort is fully powered by solar energy, has its own organic gardens and water treatment system. Guests can participate in coral reef conservation programs or herbal workshops, combining a luxury vacation with environmental awareness.

Likuliku Lagoon Resort is the only resort in Fiji to offer authentic over-water bungalows, known as 'bure'. This grown-up, upscale property is ideal for couples looking for a romantic 'White Lotus' style atmosphere. Traditional Fijian bure has been combined here with the highest standard of luxury amenities. Each cottage features a private terrace with direct access to the lagoon, and some also have private pools. Likuliku Restaurant serves refined dishes inspired by local cuisine, using fresh seafood and produce from the resort's own garden. The resort also offers exclusive experiences such as private dinners on the beach at sunset and boat trips to deserted islets. Likulik's unique selling point is its location - the resort is located in the heart of a marine nature reserve, guaranteeing an amazing diving or snorkeling experience.

Malolo Island Resort represents a slightly more affordable option, but without sacrificing high standards. This family-run resort offers spacious traditional-style bungalows set amidst tropical gardens or directly on the beach. The property has three restaurants serving both local and international cuisine, two swimming pools and a water sports center. Malolo Island Resort stands out for its exceptionally friendly atmosphere and authentic Fijian welcome, which makes guests immediately feel at home. The resort also offers a rich program of cultural activities, including traditional dance shows, cooking classes for local food or evening ceremonies for kava, a traditional Fijian drink.

Tropica Island Resort is an adults-only boutique property with just 24 bungalows, ensuring an intimate atmosphere and personalized service. Located on the southern coast of Malolo Island, the resort is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and overlooks a tranquil turquoise lagoon. Each bungalow has been designed with attention to the smallest details, combining traditional Fijian design with modern amenities. Guests can choose between villas with private pools or bungalows located directly on the beach. Tropica Restaurant is renowned for its refined fusion cuisine, combining local ingredients with international culinary techniques. The resort also offers exclusive honeymoon packages, making it an ideal destination for a 'White Lotus' style honeymoon.

Unlike crowded Koh Samui, where luxury hotels are often adjacent to noisy bars and clubs, the resorts on Malolo offer true privacy and tranquility. Each of the listed properties has its own private beach with white sand and access to a coral reef. Guests can enjoy spectacular sunsets from private terraces without worrying about crowds of tourists with cameras. It is this exclusive atmosphere and sense of seclusion from the outside world that make Malolo unique as an alternative to more commercial destinations.

Beyond the luxury resorts, the island of Malolo and its surroundings offer a number of unique attractions that could provide the backdrop for dramatic twists straight out of 'The White Lotus'. One of the region's most iconic venues is Cloud 9 Fiji, a floating bar and restaurant located on the Ro Ro coral reef, just a dozen minutes by boat from the Malolo coast. Surrounded by crystal clear waters in shades of turquoise, this two-tiered platform is a true paradise for instagram framers. Guests can spend the whole day here, relaxing on lounge chairs, jumping into the water directly from the platform or snorkeling among the colorful reefs. The bar serves Italian pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven, refreshing cocktails and local Fiji Gold beer. The atmosphere at Cloud 9 changes throughout the day - from a quiet, relaxing place in the morning to a lively bar with music played by DJs in the afternoon. It's a place where you can meet celebrities and backpackers alike, which creates a fascinating mix of cultures and personalities, perfect for the kind of social observations the characters in the series might make.

Musket Cove Island Resort & Marina is not only a luxury resort, but also a sailing center with the largest private marina in the South Pacific. The place attracts sailors from all over the world, who often stop here on their ocean voyages. The famous Trader's - Island Bar allows guests to make their own drink and leave a signed T-shirt or bill as a souvenir of their stay. The walls of the bar are covered with thousands of such souvenirs from visitors from all over the world, creating a fascinating mosaic of history and cultures. The resort also hosts the annual Musket Cove Regatta, which attracts sailors from around the world and turns the usually quiet marina into a bustling party center - a setting perfect for dramatic 'White Lotus' style events.

Lomani Island Resort & Spa, located on the island of Malolo Lailai, offers a more intimate atmosphere, ideal for couples seeking a romantic retreat. This adults-only boutique resort is renowned for its personalized service and exceptional attention to each guest. Lomani means 'love' in Fijian, which perfectly captures the atmosphere of the place. The resort offers luxurious Fijian-style bungalows, some with private pools and direct beach access. The Spa at Lomani specializes in traditional Fijian treatments using local ingredients such as coconut oil and frangipani flower extracts. Guests can also take advantage of complimentary rental of kayaks, SUP boards or snorkeling equipment to explore the surrounding lagoon.

Malolo Barrier Reef is one of the most beautiful coral reef systems in Fiji, offering an unforgettable experience for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Unlike the crowded dive sites around Koh Samui, the reefs surrounding Malolo remain largely untouched by mass tourism. The underwater world is stunning in its diversity, from colorful corals to exotic fish species, sea turtles and sometimes even small reef sharks. The water is crystal clear, with visibility often exceeding 30 meters, guaranteeing a spectacular underwater experience. For those who want to explore diving, Subsurface Fiji offers professional diving courses and expeditions for people of all levels. This renowned diving school organizes expeditions to the most beautiful sites around Malolo, including the famous 'Supermarket', where you can see feeding sharks, or 'Gotham City', an underwater canyon full of fascinating coral formations.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Malolo Island also offers numerous trekking trails leading through the tropical jungle to viewpoints that offer spectacular panoramas of the Mamanuca archipelago. One of the most popular is the trail to the island's highest point, from where you can view the sunset over the ocean. The trail is not particularly demanding, but due to the tropical climate, it is best to hike early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Also worth mentioning is the opportunity to visit traditional Fijian villages on nearby islands. Unlike the commercialized 'culture shows' offered in mass tourism destinations, visits to the villages around Malolo offer a chance for an authentic encounter with the local community. Visitors can participate in a traditional kava ceremony, learn about local handicrafts or take part in the preparation of traditional foods in an earthen 'lovo' oven. These cultural experiences allow one to gain a deeper understanding of Fiji's rich heritage and establish a true bond with the place, rather than remaining merely an outside observer - something the characters in 'White Lotus' often lack.

Although both Koh Samui and Malolo offer luxurious resorts and beautiful beaches, there are several key differences that make the Fijian island a better choice for those who wish to experience an atmosphere similar to that of the 'White Lotus' series. First and foremost, Malolo retains an authenticity and intimacy that is increasingly difficult to experience on popular Asian islands. While Koh Samui receives millions of tourists a year, Malolo remains a relatively untouched pearl of the Pacific, where the number of visitors is naturally limited by a small number of exclusive resorts.

One of the most striking contrasts is the level of commercialization. Koh Samui, while still beautiful, has been dominated in many places by shopping malls, noisy bars and nightclubs, which have significantly changed the character of the island. Malolo has retained its original atmosphere - you won't find large shopping complexes or loud discos here. Instead, evening entertainment consists of traditional Fijian performances, intimate candlelit dinners on the beach or quiet drinks under a starry sky. This atmosphere of exclusivity and seclusion from the hustle and bustle of civilization perfectly matches the mood of 'White Lotus,' where the luxury resort is a microcosm of itself.

Another major difference is the attitude toward tourists. Fijians are known for their exceptional hospitality and sincere warmth that goes beyond standard customer service. The traditional greeting 'Bula!" is not an empty gesture, but an expression of genuine joy at being able to share their culture and island. Staff at Malolo resorts often know guests by name and treat them as if they are part of the family, creating a unique bond that is hard to find in more commercial destinations. This authentic relationship between staff and guests provides a fascinating social context, similar to that explored in the series.

From the perspective of exclusivity and privacy, resorts on Malolo offer an experience unavailable at most properties on Koh Samui. While the Thai island boasts several luxury hotels, they are often located in relatively close proximity to each other, limiting the sense of privacy. On Malolo, each resort occupies its own part of the island, often with a private beach and lagoon, giving guests the feeling of owning their own piece of paradise. This exclusivity corresponds perfectly with the atmosphere of 'White Lotus,' where luxurious isolation serves as a backdrop for the drama that unfolds.

Also worth mentioning are the differences in the activities offered. Although Koh Samui offers a wide range of entertainment, many of them are mass-market and commercialized. Malolo specializes in intimate, personalized experiences - from private picnics on deserted islets to exclusive diving expeditions to individual lessons in traditional Fijian crafts. These unique activities allow guests to immerse themselves more deeply in the local culture and environment, rather than remaining in a bubble of tourist luxury - paradoxically, it is this authenticity that makes the experience more akin to the exclusive world depicted in the series.

In terms of cuisine, both destinations offer an exquisite dining experience, but on Malolo there is a greater emphasis on local, fresh ingredients and traditional preparation methods. Fijian resorts often have their own organic gardens and work closely with local fishermen to guarantee the highest quality and freshness of food. Traditional Fijian dishes such as kokoda (raw fish marinated in coconut milk and lime) and lovo (dishes baked in an earth oven) are fascinating culinary discoveries for guests. Unlike Koh Samui, where many restaurants adapt their menus to Western tastes, the cuisine on Malolo retains its authenticity while offering a refined, luxurious experience.

From a logistical perspective, getting to Malolo requires a bit more effort than traveling to Koh Samui, which paradoxically is another advantage. While the Thai island has an international airport and receives dozens of flights daily, Malolo is only accessible by boat or hydroplane from Fiji's main island of Viti Levu. This additional barrier to entry ensures that the island remains free of mass tourism and retains its exclusive character. The very process of reaching the island - a hydroplane flight over a turquoise lagoon or a high-speed boat cruise through the Mamanuca archipelago - is already the beginning of an unforgettable 'White Lotus' style adventure.

In conclusion, while both Koh Samui and Malolo offer tropical luxury, the Fijian island provides a more authentic, exclusive and intimate experience that better corresponds to the atmosphere of the 'White Lotus' series. For those who want to feel like the characters in the HBO production - to immerse themselves in luxury, explore complex interpersonal relationships and experience the contrast between paradisiacal surroundings and human dramas - Malolo is the ideal destination, offering all the best of 'White Lotus' without the unnecessary baggage of mass tourism.