Called ‘The Godfather of all islands’ by Condé Nast Traveller, The Brando has been showered with accolades since opening in 2014.
The hotel featured in BBC’s Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond The Lobby and, more recently Martin Clunes: Islands of the South Pacific.
Now, viewers can journey inside this private Tahiti resort themselves. It’s won a world-class reputation for its ultra-luxe exclusivity and outstanding ecological credentials.
This Pacific paradise has fast become a favourite with the most discerning of travellers. Famous visitors include everyone from Pippa Middleton to Barack Obama, and it’s not hard to see why.
The glorious atoll of Tetiaroa – 30 miles off Tahiti – has long attracted an illustrious crowd to its shores. First the King of Tahiti’s family, and then Hollywood royalty Marlon Brando himself. The star made this island his personal retreat for many years, treading lightly on its unspoilt sands.
Sustainable luxury
Over the years, the A-lister welcomed ecologists and marine biologists to the shores. He showed a keen environmental awareness before such things were commonplace.
Before he passed away, Mr Brando gave his permission to build on his beloved island. Howerver, he specified that it had to be designed around an eco-friendly ethos. He also ensured that The Brando preserved the natural environment and acted as an example to other luxury resorts.
Well, this stellar resort is certainly honouring that legacy. It still hosts scientists year-round to undertake research into the unique biosphere.
In fact, the presence of experts is popular with guests here too. Curious about the world around you? On your visit, put your questions to an expert.
Some researchers will even offer lectures on their specialist area – a rare opportunity to gain insight into the scientific wonders behind the island’s beauty.
This environmental sensitivity continues into how the resort itself is designed and run. Some 35 low-rise luxury villas are all built with local materials and blend perfectly into the landscape, whilst still enjoying close access to a pristine beach.
In terms of energy use, The Brando really is a cutting-edge example of sustainable luxury. Sea Water Air Conditioning harnesses the low temperatures of the sea bed to cool buildings. For hot water, photovoltaic solar panels line the island’s airstrip and produce enough heat for all of the resort’s needs. The remaining energy deficit is made up by The Brando’s very own coconut oil ‘power station’!
Award-winner
If it was The Brando’s natural beauty and eco-credentials that first gained it notice when it opened in 2014, its world-class service levels and ultra-luxe facilities confirmed its place amongst luxury travel’s crème de la crème. A-list celebrities such as Leonardo Di Caprio and Barbara Streisand have already chosen to stay in the sumptuous surrounds here. Having already gained such accolades as a place on Condé Nast Traveller’s 2015 Hot List and the Tatler Travel Awards ‘Brains and Beauty’ title, it’s not hard to see why.
The island’s two restaurants offer contrasting environments in which to sample culinary delights. All of the island’s gourmet fare – much of it featuring ingredients grown in the organic garden – is overseen by two Michelin star chef Guy Martin, famous for his Parisian restaurant, Le Grand Véfour.
Guest can choose to look out over brilliant blue waters, and even dine right on the sands at the Beachcomber Café. Alternatively the elegant surrounds of Les Mutinès provide a unique experience in which guests feel as if they are floating on the lagoon itself.
The Varua Polynesian Spa adds yet another wow-factor to the island, inhabiting the very spot where Tahitian royalty once enjoyed their own beauty rituals. Offering a fusion of Polynesian tradition and modern techniques, the treatments here are simply divine. For those on a romantic escape, we recommend the special couples spa suite, with its private and privileged position up in the palm trees.
Utter luxury, all-inclusive
And the best news about this luxury French Polynesian paradise? The Brando is an ultra all-inclusive resort, with gourmet dining and Champagne ‘on tap’. Not only this, but guests can enjoy one indulgent spa treatment per room per day; access to the tennis court and fitness centre; complimentary bicycles; boat excursions to explore the island and so much more.
This is a place where your every need is catered to so comprehensively that you hardly need to ask for anything.
A world away
To conserve the teeming coral reefs that surround the atoll, no boats are permitted to approach Tetiaroa. Instead, guests arrive here in The Brando’s private aircraft. The journey takes only 20 minutes from Pape’ete Airport on Tahiti, where you can wait for your connection in the luxurious private lounge.
Cinematic and completely private – no wonder this is an A-lister’s hideaway.
You can find out more about The Brando on our website. Or, contact us to speak to one of our expert Travel Specialists.
Subscribe to our newsletter below for more luxury travel inspiration and to be the first to hear about our latest offers.