The Brando, French Polynesia
1-Bed Villa, The Brando, French Polynesia
The Brando, Tetiaroa, French Polynesia
The Brando, French Polynesia

The review:

The Brando

A pioneering eco idyll, The Brando is as beautiful as it is sustainable. Truly one-of-a-kind.

From above, The Brando shimmers into view, a boomerang-shape slick of white sand surrounded by a ring of aquamarine water which fades to indigo. This is the ultimate tropical fantasy on a private island, discovered and once owned by Marlon Brando in the 60s. With regular accolades such as ‘the world’s best resort’, The Brando wows with its breathtaking beauty and forward-thinking eco-credentials. This is a castaway vision for the future.

“You’ll find yourself blinking at the hyper-real colours of this pristine island, from the lush green foliage and powder-soft sand to the crystalline waters, flitting with neon-hued fish.”

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.

 

The Verdict

The Brando is something very special. Marlon Brando was lured by its tropical charm and we defy anyone not to come under its spell. Although its achingly beautiful vistas confound at every turn, it’s so much more than this. The only trouble you’ll have is leaving. Living in paradise though does not come cheap and there is a price attached to such extraordinary beauty. But we assure you, The Brando will not disappoint.

Have questions? Our knowledgeable team of experts are on-hand to take your call or if you prefer by Zoom. Talk to us about your holiday dreams or challenge us with your travel conundrums.

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