Things to do
Give yourself time to get into your groove here, as you may find the startling beauty literally stops you in your tracks. Luckily there are plenty of places to lap it up, from the private pool of your beachside villa, on a swing at Bob’s Bar, or gliding around the clear-blue waters while snorkelling and diving the pristine, protected reefs. Recommended activities include the biologists’ walks, reef quests and bird discoveries. For some Polynesian culture, make yourself a woven sunhat or fan. Or simply cycle the sandy tracks to the spa’s wooden bird nest structures for tension-releasing treatments.
Sleeping
You won’t find flashy over-water bungalows here. Instead the spacious villas are clasped in jungle, set back from the beach, each with a private pool leading into its own stretch of sand. The one-, two- or three-bedroom villas have thatched roofs but don’t let the rustic exterior fool you – interiors are slick and minimalist with plenty of space including chic outdoor bathrooms and upstairs bedrooms with terraces.
Food and drink
Although it’s tempting to hunker down at your villa’s indoor and outdoor dining areas with a BBQ cooked for you, it’s also nice to wander down the sandy beach, stopping for a cocktail at Bob’s Bar before choosing where to have dinner. The Polynesian restaurant serves local dishes with a French twist and Nami will hit the spot for those that like Japanese food. The Brando’s gardens and orchards provide much of the fruit and vegetables you’ll see on your plate including papayas, bananas, lemons, tomatoes and aubergines.
What stands out
Without a doubt, The Brando’s commitment to the environment is one of the best we’ve seen. With a LEED platinum certification, sustainability is woven through every element from reef maintenance and fish preservation to the championing of Polynesian history. Using innovative techniques such as sea water air conditioning and coconut oil as power, plus an educational eco-research centre, The Brando is a hotel with a big heart.
Best for
Carefree luxury in the midst of pristine nature. There is an abundance of marine and bird life to discover, with exotic birds, sea turtles, rays, reef sharks and a dazzling array of tropical fish, to name just a few. Explore on foot, by bike, or take to the waters with one of the resident island biologists. You’ll soon see why Marlon Brando was so passionate about preserving the eye-watering natural beauty and biodiversity of this island.
