Which White Lotus Employees Deserve a Raise?

by

Working for the exclusive White Lotus resort chain offers unique advantages: You’ll find yourself in an extraordinary location that only the affluent white-collar offenders and troubled heiresses can afford to visit. As an employee, you might enjoy some perks such as discounts for staff and perhaps a daily coffee voucher. However, keep in mind that you’ll encounter plenty of finance executives, social media influencers, and every type of ambitious entrepreneur under the Hawaiian sky. But don’t forget, the chance to get a 10% discount on spa services might make dealing with high-profile clients – and an occasional mysterious incident within the resort – worthwhile!

So far, we’ve explored three distinct settings of The White Lotus: Maui, Taormina, and Thailand. Although Taormina and Thailand had a higher fatality rate, when it comes to work culture, Maui appears to be the most laid-back among the resorts, with staff members getting involved in romantic entanglements with guests and taking naps in beachside huts. Taormina is quite strict, with a boss who plays favorites and isn’t afraid to move employees around based on her personal preferences. Thailand seems to find a balance, requiring staff to cater to guest demands while occasionally dodging gunfire. As the third season of The White Lotus wraps up and we enter Q1, it’s time for those early performance evaluations to determine who is truly advancing in this luxurious yet somewhat deadly White Lotus corporation.

17.
Armond (Murray Bartlett), general manager at the White Lotus Maui

In simpler terms, Armond, the resort manager, found himself in a precarious situation, possibly facing unemployment, due to his escalating feud with Shane Patton, a newlywed guest and Armond’s longtime adversary. The conflict stemmed from misunderstandings and perceived slights, with Armond attempting to cover up a booking error and Shane refusing to let it go, behaving rudely in the process.

However, Armond’s final days on the job (and perhaps his life) were marked by chaos. He was tragically killed when he hid in a guest’s room after putting items in his suitcase. While some might find this situation humorous or justified, it was certainly not the behavior expected from someone in Armond’s position, the general manager of one of the most prestigious resorts.

Despite the tragic ending, Armond’s actions throughout the week were far from admirable. He had a relapse and stole prescription drugs, engaged in inappropriate conduct with an employee for scheduling favors, and made unwanted advances towards a straight, married colleague, Steve Zahn. The only somewhat positive action he took was sending flowers to Lani after she came close to giving birth in his office, but even that act of kindness pales in comparison to the other events.

16.
Valentin (Arnas Fedaravicius), health mentor at the White Lotus Thailand

Though Armond’s mistakes appear to be a result of mental instability, Valentin’s actions seem rooted in deceit and panic. Despite being associated with a burglary group targeting his own workplace, Valentin presents himself as an exceptional employee! Notably, he is the most sought-after wellness advisor at the White Lotus Resort, Thailand; on one hand, he excels in this role; on the other, it’s likely that this reputation is fueled by his Reiki healing sessions, which balance chakras spiritually and physically. Such a popular status among affluent guests can overlook many transgressions, including crossing personal boundaries with numerous celebrities to inflate Yelp ratings. However, even the most glowing testimonials can’t offset the minor detail that he is, at best, an accomplice to armed robbery. Impressive reviews are beneficial, but jeopardizing Aimee Lou Wood’s safety is where any reasonable employer would draw the line.

15.
Pee Lek (Yothin Udomsanti), head of security at the White Lotus Thailand

It’s common sense: When trouble like allowing thieves onto a property and carelessly misplacing weapons occurs repeatedly under someone’s watch, ultimately, the responsibility falls on the leader – in this case, Pee Lek, the head of security. He should have been aware of the situation when Gaitok decided to leave, so no salary increase is deserved.

14.
Kai (Kekoa Kekumano), server at the White Lotus Maui

Kai appears to be a kind-hearted young man, excelling in his server role, showcasing talent as a performer, and remaining faithful to Paula despite her best friend, Olivia (portrayed by Sydney Sweeney), trying to sway him. However, the issue arises that he did indeed carry out an illegal act on the premises. This is a significant concern when assessing his performance, as I mentioned earlier.

In some cases, minor infractions like smoking marijuana at work or a brief rendezvous in an empty room with a temporary girlfriend can be overlooked for the right employee. However, it’s challenging to rationalize aggravated assault. It seems that White Lotus, LLC needs to revise their employee handbook, as this issue seems to recur frequently.

13.
Gaitok (Tayme Thapthimthong), security guard at the White Lotus Thailand

Unfortunately, it’s important to clarify that raises aren’t distributed at White Lotus HQ based on cuteness or charm. If they were, Gaitok would be experiencing a significant increase in his salary and planning new window treatments for an office. However, raises are determined by merit rather than the ability to endear oneself to celebrities. Regrettably, Gaitok’s performance as a security guard seems inconsistent with the job requirements and safety standards at White Lotus properties. Despite his claimed marksmanship skills, they become irrelevant when he loses the gun entrusted to him by a potentially dangerous guest who misused drugs, leading to unauthorized access onto the premises by a group of thieves.

As a movie buff, I can’t help but marvel at the twist in Gaitok’s story. He manages to stumble up the rungs, unleashing his hidden violent streak. This leads him to winning not just the heart of a girl, but also scoring a plush position as Hollinger’s personal enforcer, now that Sritala is a widow and the sole proprietor of White Lotus Thailand.

On paper, he should top the list as the only employee who ever got promoted, but one can’t ignore the cost – his very soul. It’s a fascinating mix of triumph and tragedy, making it a memorable character arc in the film.

12.
Valentina (Sabrina Impacciatore), general manager at the White Lotus Taormina

Despite being overworked and dealing with unwanted male advances, Valentina manages the White Lotus Taormina like a seasoned mob boss. Unlike Armond from Maui, she doesn’t seem as burdened by the guests. However, her stress comes from her personal struggles, such as her suppressed lesbianism and constant harassment by men. This tension often leads to less-than-ideal behavior from Valentina, although it could be seen as less problematic compared to some other staff members’ actions. Unfortunately, assigning Rocco to the Beach Club to keep him away from his crush, Isabella, seems like poor management or an abuse of power. Similarly, firing lounge singer Giuseppe upon his return from the hospital for Valentina’s new girlfriend was questionable, even though Giuseppe’s performance might not have been top-notch. Overall, we hope Valentina finds a way to cope with her stressors and improve her management style.

11.
Giuseppe (Federico Scribani), lounge singer at the White Lotus Taormina

Performing Italian jazz standards on the piano and singing at the elegant White Lotus Taormina appears to be an excellent job. However, Giuseppe’s debut didn’t go smoothly as he mistakenly assumed Mia was a sex worker, leading to a drink being thrown in his face. In essence, Giuseppe is unintentionally affected by Mia’s rising stardom and hasn’t done much wrong other than being an overly enthusiastic older man who happened to be standing in the way of a more gifted, younger woman. Farewell, Giuseppe!

10.
Dillon (Lukas Gage), server at the White Lotus Maui

Dillon’s performance at the White Lotus Maui doesn’t necessarily warrant a raise or promotion based on the tasks we observe him doing. He appears competent as a server, but his hairstyle in Hawaii isn’t enough reason to withhold a performance-based salary enhancement. However, what we do witness is Dillon using ketamine and being sexually exploited by Armond. At first glance, this behavior seems questionable. Upon closer inspection, though, these actions were part of a drug-fueled orgy that included sexual harassment from his superior. I’m not suggesting that promoting him to head server with a 10% salary increase is a form of hush money, but…

9.
Fabian (Christian Friedel), general manager at the White Lotus Thailand

*Wearing the crown can be a burden.*
*Fabian appears to be a friendly, somewhat peculiar individual, yet he lacks the ruthless edge that his peers from Maui and Taormina exhibit in their roles.*
*Unlike others in his position, Fabian hasn’t called any guest a cartoon pig or gotten excessively involved with an employee’s personal matters.*
*Surviving a week without intentionally ruining a honeymoon sunset cruise by allowing an unstable, grieving daughter to scatter her mother’s ashes overboard sets Fabian apart from all the other general managers we’ve encountered so far.*
*Although Fabian still has room for improvement: His disregard of Belinda’s concerns about Greg/Gary’s violent past was not a sign of good leadership; at minimum, vacationers and employees should expect not to be murdered in their beds.*
*In the end, Fabian is merely a man with a cheerful spirit who desires a picture of Jaclyn Lemon from television for the White Lotus website.*

8.
Thidapon “Mook” Sornsin (​​Lalisa Manobal), health mentor at the White Lotus Thailand

Despite Gaitok’s mediocre work performance, he has an exceptional eye for women, as even the most mundane uniform can’t resist the magnetic charm of superstar Lisa. (Except perhaps when Walton Goggins is on a personal vendetta against the man who murdered his father.)

In the story, we don’t witness Mook carrying out many aspects of her job, except for joining in some traditional Thai dance presentations for guests and attempting to persuade reluctant Rick to perform a biometric scan. Since Rick shows no interest in the wellness activities at the resort and Chelsea becomes entangled in the Ratliff brothers’ incest issue, Mook seems to find the health mentoring task quite manageable during that week. From her manipulation of Gaitok, hinting at her ambition and ruthlessness, it appears that Mook is capable of handling more demanding tasks.

7.
Lani (Jolene Purdy), trainee at the White Lotus Maui

From my perspective as a movie-loving critic, it’s undeniable that Lani left an indelible mark on the screen from day one. Instead of showing us her potential as an employee, she delivered a performance of a different kind – going into labor during her first day as a trainee. That’s not just a memorable scene, but a statement about commitment. If your first day at a new job doesn’t involve contractions and giving birth poolside, are you really making an impact?

As one of the largest employers in the area, White Lotus, LLC should take a closer look at its cultural environment. The fact that Lani felt compelled to conceal her pregnancy to secure employment suggests that there may be issues with the company’s culture and its effects on the local socioeconomic landscape.

In terms of dedication, it’s hard to top Lani’s raw, on-the-job delivery. If the powers that be are wise, they’ll grant this new mom extended maternity leave and a well-deserved raise upon her return. It’s the least they can do for such an exceptional employee… or should I say, exceptional mother.

6.
Rocco (Federico Ferrante), concierge at the White Lotus Taormina

Rocco appears to be an ideal worker. He’s a straightforward individual who strives for excellence on the concierge desk and doesn’t want to bear bad news when he needs to inform his supervisor about multiple bodies found floating on the Ionian coast. It’s uncertain if his relationship with Isabella is well-known or if Valentina is simply oblivious, but in any case, it’s not a reason for relegation to the Beach Club. In terms of HR perspective (which, interestingly, is represented by a headband instead of a hat due to dress code), Rocco should keep his personal matters separate from White Lotus Taormina premises. Valentina might have moved you away from the front desk to distance you from her affection, but stick to your new position and cease using sand in the lobby as a way to flirt with your fiancée.

5.
Amrita (Shalini Peiris), meditation teacher and spiritual leader at the White Lotus Thailand

In my perspective, Amrita has certainly grabbed the attention of White Lotus HQ. Her remarkable composure during the unexpected gunfire incident in her season-opening meditation session with Zion was nothing short of commendable. Earlier this week, she showed remarkable patience and empathy while dealing with Rick, a man who initially seemed surly, reluctant, and consumed by vengeance.

Despite his limited communication with girlfriend Chelsea, I found it heartwarming to see Rick open up to Amrita. A simple yet impactful statement from her, “You have touched my heart. And I hope you hear me when I say, ‘You are not stuck’”, could have made a world of difference for him.

Unfortunately, despite Amrita’s potential to heal, Rick was still drawn towards Bangkok with the intention of taking a fateful step. It wasn’t Amrita who failed; even a skilled practitioner of Buddhist teachings can’t mend the troubled heart of a middle-aged man grappling with daddy issues.

In hindsight, if only Amrita, as an intuitive healer, had taken a moment to converse with Rick instead of leaving him on the bench of destiny where karma and tragedy intersect, perhaps Rick and Chelsea’s tragic ending could have been avoided. What a different story it would have been!

4.
Pornchai (Dom Hetrakul), wellness expert at the White Lotus Thailand

Is there an award or special recognition for our most exceptional staff member? If so, Pornchai is definitely the top contender. Here are some of his skills: he’s incredibly skilled with his hands, he can handle even the most unruly lizards on the property, and while these aren’t code phrases, it seems like he has a gentle nature when it comes to romance. This trait isn’t directly related to his job, but in the case of two adults who work at different White Lotus locations across the globe, it certainly adds value. If management is smart, they would reward Pornchai with a substantial pay increase as compensation for Belinda leaving him in the same heartbroken state she was on the beaches of White Lotus Maui: jilted by a wealthy guest with empty promises.

3.
Isabella (Eleonora Romandini), concierge at the White Lotus Taormina

Maybe the most innocent among all residents of White Lotus, she is known for her kind disposition. However, her romantic involvement with a colleague seems to be her biggest point of contention. Beyond this, she’s simply a concierge, juggling her work duties, nurturing her relationship with Rocco, and eagerly absorbing knowledge from her supervisor, Valentina, despite Valentina’s expectations for more than just learning from her. It appears that Isabella is destined for an assistant-manager position in the not-too-distant future.

2.
Pam (Morgana O’Reilly), health mentor at the White Lotus Thailand

If you truly enjoy your job, it feels more like a hobby than work, and there’s no greater pleasure for Pam than disconnecting from technology. Anyone handling the unraveling Ratliff family deserves a raise, if not an additional safety bonus. In fact, it might be best to move Pam into a role that requires reporting child abuse because she should be contacting child protective services about the adult members of the Ratliff family and receiving payment for prying the lorazepam from Victoria’s firm southern grasp. On a personal note, I acknowledge that I wouldn’t be equipped to handle this kind of work; I would have crumpled like a flimsy beach chair under the withering gaze (or was it a smile?) of the Ratliffs during the mandatory cell phone collection at the resort.

1.
Belinda Lindsey (Natasha Rothwell), spa manager at the White Lotus Maui and work-exchange student at the White Lotus Thailand

Without a doubt, she’s the top choice: She received the largest salary increase – a substantial $5 million – for turning a blind eye to a minor murder. It’s hard to imagine a time when Natasha Rothwell hasn’t deserved a raise, promotion, and a seat on the throne. Whether she’s struggling as a teacher in the Love, Simon universe or being underestimated at JFK airport in How to Die Alone, whatever her current salary is, it should be doubled and include an extra two weeks of vacation. Even when Kelli from Insecure was left shaken after getting tasered at Coachella, she’s a model accountant during business hours, working tirelessly to manage her friend’s finances and mastering the art of the abacus (although I’m not entirely sure what accountants do).

Just like Belinda in two consecutive seasons of “The White Lotus”, both in different settings, she’s more than just an attendee. She’s a cherished member of the White Lotus family. Acknowledgement and a voyage to Thailand are delightful, but let’s boost her salary significantly, not through coercion from a murder suspect. As Shakespeare or Batman’s antagonist Harvey Dent once mused: “You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.” Yet, Belinda Lindsey expressed a different sentiment: “Can’t I just be rich for five minutes?” Absolutely, Belinda! You can indeed!

Read More

2025-04-07 19:56