‘The White Lotus’ 

This television show swiftly gained popularity because of its quirky cast of characters, sharp storytelling, and ultra-luxe properties set in the most mesmerizing locations, starting with the first season, which took place at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. Each episode showcased the island’s lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and clear blue waters. 

The second season of The White Lotus shifted to Sicily, with filming in Taormina’s dreamy San Domenico Palace, a historic cliffside hotel with sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea and the towering Mount Etna. The location’s rich history and dramatic landscapes added a layer of old-world charm and intrigue to the show, perfectly complementing its themes of excess and moral ambiguity.  

Finally, season three, centered around spirituality and personal growth, whisked viewers to exotic Thailand. Filming took place at several luxurious resorts, including the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Anantara Mai Khao Villas in Phuket, and Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort. Bangkok, meanwhile, served as the backdrop for the bustling city-life scenes.  

“Rather than fly and flop at some of these iconic White Lotus resorts, I always incorporate them as part of a larger itinerary. In Hawaii, I love sending travelers to the Big Island, Maui, and Lana’i to experience the differences between each island. And in Sicily, don't just stay in Taormina! Cities like Agrigento, Palermo, and Syracuse offer incredibly unique experiences and landmarks that reveal the many dimensions of the island.” -Catherine Brown, Travel Designer 

‘Outlander’ 

If Scotland wasn’t already on your travel radar, watching Outlander will surely place it there now. 

Blending historical periods with dramatic landscapes, Outlander is based on a series written by Diana Gabaldon about time travel to the 18th century through mysterious rocks. The Scottish Highlands boast arguably some of the most rugged scenery in the world, with rolling green hills, misty mountains, and deep forests—all adding to the show’s historic appeal. 

Key locations include medieval Doune Castle, quaint villages in Fife, and some scenes shot in Edinburgh. Glen Coe encapsulates the wild Highland beauty and the Isle of Skye.  

“If you are on the hunt for stone circles in Scotland, I highly recommend also adding on time in the Cumbria region in England, which contains some of the most complete stone circles in the country. These include Castlerigg Stone Circle, Swinside Stone Circle, and Long Meg and Her Daughters. And while these stone circles are just as impressive as those in Scotland, they do not suffer from the commercialization or the crowds.”  -Nicole Porto, Travel Designer. 

‘Lord Of The Rings’ 

Considered one of the most iconic film series in the world, Lord of the Rings created a travel frenzy for New Zealand when they debuted in the early 2000s. Director Peter Jackson’s decision to film in New Zealand’s diverse landscapes brought the fictional world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels to life in breathtaking fashion. 

The lush rolling hills of Matamata, also known as Hobbiton, became the home of the hobbits, while Tongariro National Park stood in for Mordor, Fiordland National Park portrayed Rivendell, the rugged Southern Alps were used for the land of Rohan, and the town of Wellington became synonymous with creativity in film. 

"New Zealand's pristine wilderness and iconic landmarks continue to draw fans eager to experience the magic of Middle Earth for themselves. I have personally visited many of these iconic movie sites and can attest that they are just as stunning in person as they are in the movies and are worth the journey.” -Elizabeth Frels, Director of Product Management & Development.

K-Dramas 

Taking the world by storm, K-dramas are romantic, comedic, and heartwarming stories. One of the most famous filming locations, Namsan Seoul Tower in Seoul, has appeared in several popular dramas. Meanwhile, Gyeongbokgung Palace, a stunning royal residence built in 1395 during the Joseon Dynasty, is featured heavily in Scarlet Heart. 

From the streets of Gangnam to the serene temples of the Korean countryside, South Korea’s stunning variety of filming locations has played an essential role in bringing the characters and stories of K-dramas to life.  

“If you are looking to visit some of these iconic K-drama sites, look no further than Ker & Downey's Korean Pop Culture Tour, which allows you to explore the vibrant heart of South Korea and witness firsthand the roots of the worldwide fascination with Korean pop culture.” -Vanessa Niven, Product Manager 

‘Yellowstone’ 

Yellowstone has re-ignited the popularity of the American West. Kevin Costner serves up the Hollywood star power-playing ranch owner John Dutton, but the untamed beauty of Montana’s rugged landscape is the real attraction. The show was also filmed in Wyoming and Utah.  

The cinematography takes full advantage of nature's magnificence, from Montana's Gallatin Canyon and Paradise Valley to Wyoming's Tombstone Mountains and the Wasatch Mountains in Utah. The landscape is a character in its own right, reflecting the isolation, beauty, and dangers of ranching life. 

“There is nothing like an American safari through Wyoming and Montana with a private guide, away from the crowds. The wildlife and natural wonders alone remind you of this stunning place we are fortunate to call home.” -Amy Willis, Graphic Designer.

‘Dune’ 

The 2021 adaptation of Dune brought the harsh, expansive landscapes of the desert planet Arrakis to life with stunning realism, filming in various desert locations around the world. Namibia’s surreal red dunes in Sossusvlei stood in for the inhospitable deserts in the film, while the towering sandstone mountains of Jordan's Wadi Rum—known for their otherworldly beauty—also transported viewers to the distant, fictional world of Arrakis. Finally, Morocco’s vast desert regions also made an appearance, offering yet another stark, arid environment that encapsulated the world of Dune.