The Brando, Tetiaroa private Island
French Polynesia
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The Brando, Tetiaroa Private Island
BP 6014 – 98702 Faa’a
Tahiti French Polynesia
www.thebrando.com
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
N/A
Shareholders
Privately owned
Date of Creation
Opened July 1, 2014 as a new resort
Hotel General Manager
Since January 2023, Valérie Gachon is General Manager of The Brando. She had previously been at the head of the InterContinental Bora Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa and lived in French Polynesia for more than 10 years.
Hotel Positioning
De Luxe All Inclusive
Development strategy
Marlon Brando had a dream for Tetiaroa: a unique luxury resort co-existing with a center for scientific research, education and conservation. Opened in 2014, The Brando is the manifestation of that dream.
The first property in French Polynesia to receive a LEED Platinum certification, our exclusive private island resort proves that sustainable travel is possible without compromising comfort or luxury. The Brando’s luxuries are many—35 deluxe villas + 1 residence, each with their own private beach and plunge pool; a holistic spa; the unmatched service and hospitality of the Polynesian people.
And our location? Pristine, and picture-perfect. Enjoy it all without a care in the world. You can leave the caring to us—because we care deeply: about offering you a luxurious, authentic and enriching vacation experience while protecting Tetiaroa and the planet for future generations.
The Brando
History & Story
Tetiaroa Island
« The Polynesian people have a contribution to make to the rest of the world. Tahiti does not have the reputation it enjoys without reason. Tahiti is not pie in the sky, it is real. It is not a myth so much as a way of looking at life … a life that can be described as chiffon in the wind.«
– Marlon Brando
The Brando is much more than a hotel. It is the stuff of Robinson Crusoe, of the childhood desert island fantasies that most of us share. Tetiaroa is alive with history and energy. Over 4 kilometers wide (2.5 miles), it comprises twelve motu (coral islands, or islets) surrounded by a splendid turquoise lagoon. The motus are a study in diversity.
The Brando itself sits on the 78-hectares (193-acres) Motu Onetahi.
Motu Honuea boasts superb white sand beaches.
Tiaraunu, the largest motu, wears a dense mantle of coconut trees. A nursery of lemon sharks makes its home in the very north.
On Oroatera you will find paradisiacal beaches and a natural watering place in the shape of a seahorse. The birds come to nest on Tahuna Iti and Tahuna Rahi, true sanctuaries.
Aie is the smallest motu ; Reiono is the only islet that has preserved its primary forest. It is also the habitat of the « Kaveu, » the coconut crab.
Finally, it is on Rimatu’u that the first Europeans settled, establishing a coconut plantation, a village and a landing stage.
Marlon Brando was passionate about preserving Tetiaroa’s natural beauty, astonishing biodiversity and cultural richness. He also was a visionary, and had great plans for Tetiaroa as a model for sustainability and a place where world-shaping ideas might spawn.
We share Brando’s passion for Tetiaroa and are striving to implement his vision and go beyond.
Biodiversity
At least 167 fish species have been observed around the atoll, from colorful parrotfish and spotted eagle rays to blacktip sharks and bonefish. During the nesting season, turtles come in the hundreds to lay their eggs on the coral sands beneath the trees.
One of the motus surrounding the lagoon, Tahuna Iti, is an island of birds. Thousands roost here every evening. There are parrots and other land birds, but most are seabirds, including the noddy and the majestic great frigate. Every evening they are joined by an exodus of birds from Tahiti, making the short flight across the sea to roost in the safety of the dense vegetation, free from predators.
On the twelve motus there are 38 indigenous plants, six of them very rare. These plants range from very small flowers to the magnificent Puatea, pisonia grandis, stretching to 65 feet in height. No surprise that international plant hunters and botanists have organized at least nine expeditions to Tetiaroa since 1921.
One of the goals of the research station on Tetiaroa is to help study ways to preserve animal and plant diversity on tropical atolls notwithstanding the onslaught of modern civilization.
History
The stars have been guiding people to French Polynesia for millennia. The first people to follow guiding stars from Southeast Asia arrived 4,000 years ago, reaching the most easterly Society Islands by AD 500. They came in outrigger canoes with coconuts, bananas, breadfruit, chickens, pigs—and new gods.
Much later, the Europeans followed, searching for knowledge. Most famous among them was Captain Cook, who first came to French Polynesia in 1769. His second in command, Captain Bligh, returned years later to retrieve the local breadfruit plant to feed the far-flung British Empire and was overthrown by his crew, as recounted in “Mutiny on the Bounty.”
Despite these interruptions by European explorers, Tetiaroa remained sacred to the local people. They created a place of sanctuary, ritual, and tapu (taboo) on Tetiaroa, where the gods and ancestors were said to come down to earth to visit the marae (temples). Tetiaroa was also the favored retreat of Tahitian royalty. While Tahitian princes competed in archery tournaments and sharpened their war skills, the queens retreated to the deep shade of the coconut trees to be pampered, as they lightened their skin and became ever more voluptuous. These were the sacred pleasure gardens of Tahitian royalty.
Because of its rich history, Tetiaroa will forever be charged with meaning for Polynesian people.
Marlon Brando
“My mind is always soothed when I imagine myself sitting on my South Sea island at night. If I have my way, Tetiaroa will remain forever a place that reminds Tahitians of what they are and what they were centuries ago.” —Marlon Brando
Marlon Brando first came to Tetiaroa while filming Mutiny on the Bounty and was immediately smitten with the island’s beauty and the sense it gave of being closer to paradise. Enchanted by the Polynesian way of life (and especially by leading lady Tarita, the love of his life), he resolved to own the island and succeeded in this goal in 1967. It was in this natural wonderland that he settled down, and finally found a home.
Brando, Tarita and his Tahitian children lived on Tetiaroa for several years. During this time he had a number of visitors, including researchers, noted celebrities and friends. After a few years he built and ran a small inn on the island, Tetiaroa Village, with mixed success. He also built a small marine research station that was never used as he had hoped, and which eventually became a personal sanctuary and guest house.
Brando was passionate about preserving Tetiaroa’s natural beauty, astonishing biodiversity and cultural richness. In 1999 he asked Richard Bailey, a long-time resident of Tahiti who would create and operate some of the region’s finest resorts, to help him conceive a plan that would help Brando achieve his dream. Together, Brando and Bailey formed a partnership to pursue a vision of creating the world’s first and foremost post-carbon resort—an island where innovative new technologies would enable a self-sustaining luxury environment for hotel guests, scientific research and full-time residents. The Brando is the legacy of that partnership.
Main Strengths, Special Touch
The Brando is an exquisite luxury resort on French Polynesia’s breathtakingly beautiful private atoll of Tetiaroa, just 30 miles north of Tahiti. Tetiaroa is comprised of a dozen idyllic islands surrounding a spectacular lagoon. Tetiaroa has always been a place of stunning beauty, tranquility and rejuvenation — first for Tahitian royalty and later for Marlon Brando who chose it for his personal sanctuary. With access provided by private plane, the resort offers carefree luxury in the midst of pristine nature and is a special place of rare biodiversity and a natural sanctuary for birds and marine life. The all-inclusive resort features 36 deluxe villas each with its own private beach area and plunge pool, restaurants showcasing Polynesian and French cuisine, a luxurious Polynesian spa, a lagoon-view bar, beach bar, pool, organic garden, library, boutique and water sports. The Brando is one-of-a-kind and what makes this resort so unique is a pioneering model of sustainable technology featuring deep seawater air-conditioning, renewable energies such as solar energy and coconut oil, and a scientific research station.
Location
Tetiaroa is located 30 miles (60 km) north of the island of Tahiti and is surrounded on all sides by the great blue expanse of the South Pacific. The Brando is located on Onetahi a motu spanning 78 hectares (193 acres).
Access
The private atoll of Tetiaroa is part of the Windward Islands in the Society Archipelago and is located about 60 kilometers/30 miles north of Tahiti. Air Tetiaroa operates the spectacular 20-minute flight from Tahiti Faa’a International Airport, with a fleet of two 6-passenger Britten-Norman aircrafts and two 14-seater Twin Otters.
Charter flights via Ecureuil bi-turbine helicopter are also available. Departure is from the Air Tetiaroa Terminal. Upon arrival in Tetiaroa, guests are greeted on the runway of the private airfield by a Brando representative and whisked off to their villa in comfortable electric carts.
Key sites/activities in the area
The Brando offers a wide variety of activities to make each stay a succession of unexpected moments which will remain engraved in the memories. A concierge service, located at the entrance of the resort, organizes personalized itineraries for each of our guests and informs them about the activities of the atoll.
Activities and Excursions are abundant at The Brando and available every day. Discover the untouched private motus surrounding the lagoon with daily boat tours guided by our naturalist guides. Other activities include whale-watching, bicycling, snorkeling, bird watching, paddle boarding or kayaking. Experience the nature, the plants, birds, the old native forest, the lemon-shark nursery, and other marine life. You can also choose to peacefully swim at Mermaid Bay, relax at the Varua Te Ora Spa, or relax at the beach or pool.
Fun Facts
Being a Robinson Crusoe on your own private island but in the modern comfort of a luxury all-inclusive resort
Children’s Corner
Youth club “The Lagoon School” is dedicated to the education of conservation.
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
The 22 villas along West Turtle Beach and 13 along South Mermaid Bay have been carefully designed to reflect the Polynesian lifestyle and traditions, with luxurious furnishings, deluxe amenities including a private plunge pool, and windows as big as doors that let guests indulge in the sun, the breeze, and lagoon views. The villa’s timbered walls and native gardens are surrounded by exquisite scenery. The resort has been designed around clean, renewable energy sources, to protect this island paradise for generations to come.
24 One-Bedroom Villas
The interior of each 1,033-sq.-ft. (96-sq.-m) villa has been designed to enhance the serenity of the surroundings, with the feeling of the indoors and outdoors merged together. Pass beneath a covered porch and stroll the boardwalk that leads to the front door. Enter into a cozy sitting room in tasteful shades of ecru and taupe, furnished with soft and comfortable chairs and sofas. To the side is a media room to listen to music and watch movies on the TV/VOD. WiFi & Blue-tooth is accessible throughout the villa and its exterior sun decks. A walkthrough dressing area adjoins the spacious bedroom, where a king-size bed invites you to relax and gaze through a large window at the lagoon, visible through a screen of pandanus, miki miki, and coconut trees. The adjoining bathroom features an outdoor bathtub, set behind a wooden screen. Outdoors, the villa’s private, 603-sq.-ft. (56-sq.-m) terraced deck adorned with chaise lounges, leads to a 107-sq.-ft. (10-sq.-m) plunge pool. To the side, is a shaded table and chairs. Just beyond the natural boundary of the villa is private access to the white-sand beach.
4 Two-Bedroom Villas
All the appointments of a one-bedroom villa—plus many built-in extras—in any of the four, 1,808-sq.-ft. (168-sq.-m) two-bedroom villas. Inside, a large, airy living room combines all the features of the one-bedroom villa’s sitting and media rooms. The living room also provides a private dining area with seating for six, a kitchen for the resort’s Chef to use for private functions for villa guests, and a wide entryway onto a large, two-tiered deck. In these villas, the second bedroom is situated directly above the first. The downstairs bedroom features a private dressing area. Upstairs, as you gaze out over the lagoon, you’ll experience a sensation of floating above this opulent tropical vista. This bedroom also features its own dressing area, bathroom, and outdoor bathtub. Outside, the villa’s 1,658-sq.-ft. (154-sq.-m) private yard has a larger deck area and 140-sq.-ft. (13-sq.-m) plunge pool.
1 Three-Bedroom Villa
The 2,648-sq.-ft. (246-sq.-m) three-bedroom villa provides an opportunity for friends or a larger family to stay together. This villa has all the features of the two-bedroom villa but on an even larger scale, the dining area will accommodate up to 8 people. The third bedroom is separated from the main villa by an above-ground walkway, and includes its own dressing room, bathroom, and outdoor bathtub. The furnishings are upgraded in the private outdoor space, which includes an expanded deck and a 236 -sq.- ft. (22- sq.- m) pool.
1 four-bedroom Residence
1 Private Residence (« Teremoana ») with three bedrooms and one staff bedroom, for a total area of 558 m² (6,006 ft²), including 279 m² (3,003 ft²) of air‑conditioned interior space, and as much outdoor space with terrace and swimming pool of 23 m² (248 ft²). The Teremoana is the first of four residential villas, designed to provide an experience of unmatched exclusivity and intimacy in one of the most preserved places on the planet. Capacity : up to 6 people. The staff bedroom accommodates one adult or two children up to the age of 12.
6 Family One-Bedroom Villas
Located on Turtle Beach, of 1,033-sq.-ft. (96-sq.-m), are configured with additional bedroom space to accommodate families with children over 12 years old
Restaurants & Bars
New culinary experiences unfold as the innovative French chef Jean Imbert brings a signature culinary style to the resort’s dining, a fusion of Polynesian flavors and classical French techniques.
• Les Mutinés, an exclusive fine dining establishment open only for dinner, welcomes up to 26 guests in an elegant venue reminiscent of an overturned ship hull. Guests are invited on a culinary voyage inspired by the Bounty’s itinerary from England to Tahiti, designed by Chef Jean Imbert. Our world-class wine cellar sublimates the experience.
• The Beachcomber Café offers breakfast, lunch and dinner in a relaxed beach atmosphere and with a breathtaking view on the lagoon. The menu is inspired by Polynesian, French and international cuisine. The Beachcomber Café can host up to 80 guests, including 16 guests in its shaded exterior area, and 18 guests on the beach.
• Nami teppanyaki, headed by Chef Kaito Nakamura, offers a culinary voyage through the subtle and refined flavors of Japan. Two menus, as well as a selection of sake, are on offer for guests to enjoy a real Japanese experience. Dishes are prepared in front of the guests on a traditional teppanyaki cooking table. The Nami teppanyaki restaurant hosts up to 8 guests.
• Te Manu Bar, located on the first floor, this open-air bar presents spectacular views of the lagoon, distant motus and sunsets. In addition to the main lounge, there are several private tree-level seating areas that can be reached on walkways through the palm canopy.
• The Bob’s Bar, a casual setting on the beach for conversation and making friends, is named in memory of Marlon Brando’s factotum (assistant) on film sets. At the end of the day, Brando and Bob would wind up at the bar for long talks. Eventually the bar at Marlon Brando’s lodge, Tetiaroa Village, became known as Bob’s Bar. The Brando’s Bob’s Bar has retained the original bar from the lodge Brando built. We have kept the name in honor of Bob and all others who have worked, and continue to work, anonymously to bring Brando’s visions to life.
• As a guest of The Brando, you can dine at any time. In-Room dining is available 24 hours a day, to enjoy a meal in the privacy of the guest’s villa—either indoors, on their private deck, poolside, or on the beach.
Wellness
• Spa
Varua Polynesian Spa Is a natural haven of serenity nestled on the shores of a soothing pond in the heart of Motu Onetahi. Within this setting the finest holistic treatments are offered inspired by ancient Polynesian traditions coupled with modern techniques. The spa includes steam baths, a tea lounge and a relaxation room, a yoga shelter and a spa suite for couples.
• The Fitness Center at The Brando offers an air-conditioned area with cardio and strength training equipment and is accessible 24 hours a day.
• The Tennis Court is open 24h hours a day with the equipment for use and a personal trainer if needed.
Corporate & Celebration Events
Special Celebrations at The Brando will be arranged by our concierge for any special event as honeymoons, weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays.
Extra Notable Features
• Concierge & Library are installed in a one-story building, the Concierge helps guests plan activities at The Brando. Upstairs, in the Library, guests can read books about French Polynesia, attend lectures and demonstrations about Polynesian culture, history, and lifestyle.
• The main Infinity Pool of the resort is located on the beach. Around it, guests can relax on one of the deck chairs under the shade of an umbrella and enjoy the companionship of other guests.
• The Lounge is the quietest and more relaxed environment to read, watch TV, surf the Internet, and enjoy snacks and refreshments.
• EcoStation is a research station with a laboratory where scientists from around the world conduct field research relating to preserving and protecting Tetiaroa and its plant and animal life and helping preserve and protect tropical islands everywhere. The on-site research scientists will be delighted to talk to guests about their research and the birds and marine life found on the atoll.
• Organic Garden & Orchard is made for the Brando’s Chef who select fresh organically grown fruits and vegetables on Tetiaroa and prepare for guests in the dining venues. The honey is deliciously made by Tetiaroa Bees and is used in our cocktails but also in our delicate desserts.
• Luxury Pearl Shop presents the exclusive Tahitian Black Pearl jewelry by Hinerava, a local designer known for her “island chic” appeal.
• Resort Boutique offers everything from toiletry essentials to mementos. Among the items available are cosmetics, creams and suntan oils that are coral and lagoon-friendly, apparel and footwear, artwork, books and music, postcards and stamps, and snacks.
• The Meeting Room at The Brando offers a meeting room equipped with the latest presentation equipment.
• The Lagoon School is the place where the younger generation can gather to relax and enjoy games.
Hotel & Restaurants Awards – The Brando Awards
2024
• Forbes Travel Guide – Five-Star Recommended Resort
• Elite Travelers – “Top 100 Suites in the World”
2023
• Condé Nast Traveler – Readers’ Choice Awards – “Top 20 Resorts in Australia & Pacific”
• Elite Travelers – “Top 50 Eco Hotel Suites”
• Forbes Travel Guide – Five-Star Recommended Resort
2022
• Forbes Travel Guide – Five-Star Recommended Resort
• Fodor’s Travel Finest Hotels – The Best Hotels in Australia & Oceania
• World Travel Awards Oceania’s Leading Private Island Resort & French Polynesia’s Leading Resort
2021
• Forbes Travel Guide – « Five Star Hotel Award »
• Condé Nast Traveler – Readers’ Choice Awards – Top #4 Resort in Australia & the South Pacific
• Forbes Travel Guide – “Five-Star Hotel Award”
2020
• 2020 Best in Business Travel Awards – Best Luxury Resort
• 2020 Forbes Travel Guide – « Five-Star Hotel Award »
2019
• Condé Nast Traveler’s 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards – “Top 20 Resorts in Australia & the South Pacific”
• WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS – French Polynesia’s Leading Luxury Hotel Villa 2019
2018
• Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Travel Awards 2018 – “Best Hotel in Australasia & South Pacific”
2017
• Islands magazine’s 2019 All-Inclusive Awards – « Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts »
• ANDREW HARPER’S 20 FAVORITE HIDEAWAY HOTELS
• Condé Nast Traveler’s 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards – “Top Resorts in Australia & the South Pacific”• TRAVEL WEEKLY Magellan Awards
• TRAVEL + LEISURE – World’s Best Awards 2017: #1 Resort in the South Pacific and #2 Hotel in the World
• TRAVEL + LEISURE – World’s Best Awards 2017: #1 Resort in the South Pacific and #2 Hotel in the World
• Luxury Travel Advisor magazine – 2017 Awards of Excellence: Top Luxury Beach Hotel Worldwide
• Luxury Travel Magazine – 2017 Gold List: Best overseas luxury resort 2017 & Best overseas luxury romantic property 2017 categories
• BRIDES – 2016 & 2017 Best Honeymoons: The Top 10 Resorts in the South Pacific
• 2017 Travvy Awards – Silver Travvy for Best Honeymoon Hotel/Resort, Australia/New Zealand/South Pacific
2016
• Condé Nast Traveler’s 2016 Readers’ Choice Awards – The Brando #1 in the “50 Best Resorts in the World”
• LEED Platinum Certification
• WORLD SPA AWARDS – French Polynesia’s Best Resort Spa 2016
• TRAVEL + LEISURE – World’s Best Awards 2016: #1 Resort in the South Pacific and #20 Hotel in the World
• TATLER Spa Guide 2016 – Best for recharging
• LUXURY TRAVEL Magazine – 2016 Gold List Winners: Best Overseas Resort & Best Eco-tourism Property
2015
• Fenua Ma « Gold Turtle Award »
• CONDE NAST BRIDES – The 20 Best Honeymoon in the World
• TRAVEL WEEKLY Magellan Awards
• VIRTUOSO Sustainable Tourism Leadership Award
• ROBB REPORT – 2015 Best of the Best Guide
• CONDE NAST TRAVELER – HOT LIST 2015 : The World’s Best New Hotels
• LUXURY TRAVEL Magazine – 2015 Gold List Winners: Best Overseas Resort & Best Eco-tourism Property
• TRAVEL + LEISURE – IT LIST 2015: The Best New Hotels
• National Geographic – The Brando finalist of the World Legacy Awards
• TATLER TRAVEL AWARDS 2015 – « Brains and beauty » category
2014
• Fenua Ma « Gold Turtle Award »
• Hawai’i State Senate Honors The Brando & Richard Bailey
• « 15 Best Beaches for 2014” – Tetiaroa, French Polynesia Fodor’s Travel
2013
• « Global First Award » HotelsWorld First Award
• HEC Paris & 1.618 Sustainable Luxury Award
Number of employees
250