Photo Courtesy of The Brando
As we’ve mentioned in a previous “Favorite Resorts in Tahiti” post, we feel that there is always room to add more resorts to the list. So, after returning from four glorious nights at The Brando, there was no question this property needed a feature.
The Brando is located on the atoll of Tetiaroa, just a 20 minute flight from the main island of Tahiti. Atolls are different than what you’ll see when looking at pictures of Moorea or Bora Bora. They consist of a ring of flat islands and islets with a large open lagoon in the middle. The islands and islets are dotted with coconut palms and smaller tropical flora rather than being lush with greenery like the Society Islands. What makes Tetiaroa truly unique is its history. Once enjoyed by Tahitian royalty, it eventually became a private island owned by actor Marlon Brando. After developing a passion project to make Tetiaroa a truly protected paradise, The Brando Resort was opened to the public as an exclusive resort. If you do get a chance to visit, you might very well find yourself sitting next to a Brando relative at the bar!
A rarity in French Polynesia, The Brando has a rate structure that is considered all inclusive. While your air transfers to/from the resort are a separate charge, meals at three restaurants and your villa, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, on property activities, and limited spa treatments are included. You may incur extra fees for specially organized tours and activities, specialty foods and beverages, spa treatments beyond your rate allotment, and any purchases in the boutique. I found that the inclusions provided are generous and allow you to just sit back and enjoy the stunning views that surround your villa and the property. Based on personal experience, I highly recommend using the many inclusions in your rate – enjoying the Ultimate Tour around the atoll followed by a visit to the spa for an Indian head massage.
The Brando is the only resort on the atoll, though the islet on which the resort resides also has a research center. Unless you actively seek out the center, you’d never know it was there. As The Brando strives to be highly sustainable and exclusive, the resort only has 35 villas. Most of the villas are a one bedroom configuration (30 total), with four two bedroom villas and one three bedroom villa. All of the villas line the powder white beaches, so if you want to stay in an iconic overwater villa, you will need to visit another island during your trip. Service is of utmost importance at the resort, and everything from the staff, to the included excursions, to the spa, and the restaurants are all world class. However, the views are the crowning jewel of the property.
Tetiaroa is reached via interisland flight on Air Tetiaroa from their private terminal at Faaa Airport in Papeete. If traveling to Tetiaroa from other islands, you must connect on the main island of Tahiti. Air Tetiaroa lands on The Brando’s private runway and you are greeted with smiles and song when you deplane. We highly recommend a stay at The Brando if you are looking for a highly luxurious, bucket list type trip where your well being is top priority. However, The Brando is exclusive, remote, quiet, and secluded so its also a great option to disconnect or reconnect with a special someone. A stay at the The Brando pairs well with a stay in a Brando Overwater Suite at the InterContinental Bora Bora Thalasso, which is a carefully crafted pairing created by the hotel management company that oversees both properties. Of course, The Brando is also a property that does not leave you wanting more, so there is no need to pair it with another island, especially for those who are frequent visitors to French Polynesia.
Please connect with me for additional information and pricing.
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