What's in this post

The Brando

Location

Arrival and Check-In

One-Bedroom Villa

Resort Grounds

Dining

Pool

Beach

Spa

Activities

and Other Amenities

Conclusion

The Brando

Set amidst the pristine, turquoise waters and breathtaking archipelagos of the vast South Pacific, The Brando stands unrivaled in the realm of exclusivity and eco-luxury. Tetiaroa, an atoll of a dozen idyllic islands surrounding a turquoise lagoon, warmly cradles The Brando’s collection of luxurious eco-villas. These accommodations are scattered within a canvas of flora and fauna, diverse marine life, and unspoiled coral reefs.

The atoll once served as the home to Tahitian royalty, where kings and queens made it their private paradise. The untamed islands also captured the heart of Marlon Brando while filming ‘Mutiny on the Bounty’ in 1960. Drawn in by its raw beauty, he vowed to shield these islands from change, preserving their natural state for generations to come.

Location

French Polynesia is made up of 121 vibrant islands within the Pacific Ocean. While islands like Tahiti and Bora Bora are hubs of tourist activity, the larger proportion of the islands sustains rural communities of native Polynesians. Located 53 kilometres north of Tahiti, The Brando offers unmatched privacy, nestled within the Tetiaroa atoll and accompanied by twelve scenic islets.

This atoll, with its lush vegetation and azure waters, rose as a volcanic peak more than three million years ago, sharing its origin with the famous sister islands of Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. The Brando is situated on Onetahi, a motu that unfolds over 193 acres of coral island. This is the only spot in the atoll that opens its doors to visitors, as the remaining islands are devoted to conserving the beauty of the atoll, and safeguarding the diversity that inhabits it.

Arrival and Check-In

To make your way to Tetiaroa, you’ll first need to fly into Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia. From there, Air Tetiaroa will whisk you away, cutting across the deep blue skies and transporting you directly to The Brando.

Upon disembarking on Tetiaroa, you’ll be greeted by truly exceptional service, far surpassing most top-tier luxury properties in the world and a level of professionalism and hospitality that is unparalleled. A staff member dedicated specifically to you will escort you through the whispering palms to explore the resort’s lush and panoramic landscapes before settling you into your accommodations. Your dedicated staff member will ensure all your dining experiences, spa retreats, and activities are properly arranged, showcasing the thoughtful and anticipatory service that you can expect throughout your stay.

One-Bedroom Villa

At The Brando, a mere 35 villas are meticulously placed amidst the abundant, vibrant foliage, which creates unparalleled seclusion for each villa. Nestled on the shores of white-sand beaches, every villa is a sanctuary outfitted with its own private plunge pool, direct access to the beach, and enveloped by tropical gardens flourishing with coconut palms. The interiors of the villas at The Brando emanate a symphony of luxury and comfort, adorned with creamy tones that are elegantly offset by accents of both dark and light shades, with each villa comprising a main living room, a bedroom, and a spacious media room, all with contemporary furnishings.

The villas use traditional building methods and incorporate locally sourced materials, such as wooden walls and roofs adorned with pandanus leaves, creating a space that is not just lavish but that is also deeply rooted in and respectful of the local ethos and tradition. Every villa is strategically positioned on the islet to offer views of either Turtle Beach, showcasing breathtaking sunsets, or Mermaid Bay, where instead, the break of the day bathes the sky in golden tones.

A welcoming bottle of Champagne awaits you at the table, a sparkling prelude to the unlimited beverages available as part of the all-inclusive package. The villas feature king beds, plush furnishings, a wall-mounted flat-screen TV, a walk-through closet, an elegant bathroom complete with a rain shower, and a mini-bar.

The villas also showcase an outdoor bathtub, nestled amidst the aromatic tropical garden. Here, you can soak in warm air and the gentle rustle of palm leaves, or relax under the vast, starlit sky at night while bathing in the soft glow of the moon.

Adding to the outdoor experience, each villa boasts a generous deck adorned with a sheltered dining enclave, ideal for indulging in meals amid the fresh, tropical air. There’s also the private plunge pool, a standout feature complete with inviting recliners and a shielding umbrella, a serene oasis which, coupled with the lapping waves of the beach and the expansive ocean a few graceful steps away, creates an iconic South Pacific abode.

Resort Grounds

The resort itself unfolds in two distinctive parts: the lower enclave, home to the luxurious resort, and the elevated section, hosting the airstrip and secluded staff village. A winding pathway encircles the main islet, guiding you through the resort’s awe-inspiring grounds, stunning public spaces, and ingeniously concealed villas. For effortless navigation through this slice of heaven, each guest is provided a bicycle; however, for those seeking leisure or simply preferring a laid-back journey, electric carts, steered by staff, stand ready to whisk you to your desired location.

The villas are sprinkled along the eastern and western beachfronts, offering panoramic views of the shimmering ocean waves and beachfront, while the hubs of activity take place at the public areas and shared facilities nestled at the islet’s base. The Resort Centre is the heart of the resort, where you’ll find the front desk, restaurants, beach and pool area, activities, a couple shops, and the bar. If you head a bit more inland, towards the northeast, you’ll discover the spa and fitness facilities, as well as pathways that lead to stunning views and offer convenient access to the airport runway and secluded beaches alike.

Interspersed throughout the grounds are marae, the ancient Polynesian stone temples. These marae serve as holy gathering sites, and provide guests with an opportunity to discover and learn more about the rich cultural heritage of the region. The 12 other islets in the atoll of Tetiaroa that are used for natural conservation, which The Brando’s revenues help support. Guests can also arrange to take tours of the other islets to interact with and learn more about sustainability efforts.

Dining

The Brando has four dining establishments plus one bar: the Beachcomber Café, Bob’s Bar, Nami, Les Mutinés, and Te Manu Bar. The Beachcomber Café is the resort’s all-day dining restaurant, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a laid-back beachside ambiance, complete with outdoor seating and a picturesque lagoon view. The all-day-dining menu offers a blend of Polynesian, French, and international cuisines, with stand-out seafood dishes such as lagoon fish ceviche, Tahitian raw fish, swordfish carpaccio, rock octopus with pan-fried pineapples, and lobster rolls.

Nami offers a teppanyaki experience curated for an intimate group. The dinner service requires a reservation and is only available on select nights, so we recommend you book early if you’d like to enjoy the exceptional sushi and grill spread. Les Mutinés is nothing short of extraordinary, featuring a full multi-course French menu, complemented by carefully selected wine pairings.

The restaurant’s name draws from the renowned film Mutiny on the Bounty, which Marlon Brando was filming when he stumbled upon these islands, and the fine-dining menu focuses on flavours of the region. From appetizers of a Polynesian swordfish tart and shrimp carpaccio to main dishes such as roasted wagyu steak and lagoon fish accompanied by sweet pepper ravioli, your meal at Les Mutinés will be done to perfection.

Notably, as part of the hotel’s sustainability initiatives, the world-class food at the resort comes directly from their organic gardens and food forests. Any food waste generated at The Brando is composted and used to enrich the soil for the gardens, creating a self-sustaining cycle for growing their own food, further reinforcing the resort’s commitment to sustainability and conservation.

With its funky-chic beach vibe, Bob’s Bar is situated on the beach and serves up South Pacific-inspired food and drinks, drawing inspiration from Marlon’s iconic films. The bar has a fascinating history that predates The Brando, as it was where Marlon Brando himself would come to indulge in his friend Bob’s cocktail creating expertise. Te Manu Bar, serves cocktails before and after dinner from its intimate lounge seating which is suspended among a canopy of treetops, providing breathtaking views of the lagoon and the starry sky.

Pool, Beach, Spa, Activities, and Other Amenities

The Brando is home to a gorgeous infinity pool that curves and sprawls generously, providing views of the ocean and the atoll’s natural beauty. The pool is surrounded by a wooden deck with loungers and umbrellas placed to offer respite and privacy. Tall palm trees give shade to the pool, making the water the perfect temperature to escape the warm sun.

The resort also has two breathtaking beaches, Mermaid Bay and Turtle Beach, both with pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters. At these beaches, The Brando offers a variety of fun water activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling which allows you to explore the colourful coral and captivating marine life in the lagoon. The Brando also offers a plethora of guided activities for those wishing to explore the beauty of Tetiaroa and its environs.

These explorations range from kayak journeys to the atoll’s outer reaches to intimate encounters with turtles and rays, allowing you to witness untouched, pristine beauty as you explore the tranquil lagoons, uncover secluded islets, and discover the native flora and fauna that call this paradise home. The Brando strives to create a seamless and enriching integration of guests into Polynesian life and traditions with activities designed to foster connections with local culture, including workshops on Polynesian art, performances of traditional dance, and engaging storytelling sessions.

If you visit Tetiaroa between October and March, you can join Tetiaroa Society guides and observe female turtles creating nests and laying eggs, as well as witness hatchlings making their way to the ocean along the beach. Indeed, an integral part of The Brando’s essence lies in its commitment to sustainability. Every element of the hotel has been meticulously designed so as to have as small of an environmental footprint as possible, and much of its revenue goes toward funding research and educational initiatives to keep this island ecosystem healthy and thriving.

Additionally, The Brando actively engages in coral reef conservation, closely monitoring the biodiversity of Tetiaroa and its surrounding waters. The resort also prioritizes sustainable tourism and collaborates with local schools and communities to raise awareness about the crucial importance of environmental conservation and sustainable practices.

Once you’ve had your fill of activity, you can make your way to the impressive 21,000 -square-foot Varua Te Ora Polynesian Spa, offering indulgent treatments, a sauna, cold plunge pools (one of which draws its water from the deep sea), and more. The spa also boasts a hammam, a traditional Turkish steam bath known for its detoxifying and purifying properties, as well as a freshwater cascade and a herbal tea room, where you can sip on flavourful infusions.

With the all-inclusive plan, you’ll receive one complimentary spa treatment per room per day. Near the spa, you’ll find the fitness centre offering an excellent range of cardio and strength training equipment, allowing you to maintain your fitness routine while enjoying your stay at The Brando.

Conclusion

The Brando unquestionably lives up to its well-deserved reputation as one of the world’s finest getaways. During your stay, you will be immersed in the stunning natural beauty of Tetiaroa, with every need met. Accomodations come with abundant space, direct access to unspoiled beaches, a refreshing plunge pool, and an elevated blend of modern and traditional design elements. When it comes to dining, the resort’s world-class cuisine allows you to truly let go and indulge in every meal and drink on the menu, thanks to the all-inclusive plan.

The exceptional service provided at the resort is marked by a perfect blend of professionalism, warmth, and attentiveness, and it’s evident that the staff take immense pride in being part of such a remarkable and distinctive resort. Whether you choose to explore the island on bicycles to uncover ancient maraes and hidden beaches, or decide to hop across the outer islets in pursuit of unique marine life, The Brando offers myriad ways to engage with its stunning environment. With rates starting at $2,500 (USD), The Brando ensures an unforgettable stay with its unique natural surroundings merged seamlessly with an elevated eco-luxury experience.

When you’re ready to book your stay, get in touch with a travel advisor at Prince Collection, who will ensure your stay is nothing short of extraordinary.