Dreaming of The Brando
by Jeff Hood, Luxury Travel Advisor
We all go through life seeking out that one destination that will leave you breathless, the one that will check all of your lifetime boxes, the one that will make you feel completely removed from the world, the one that will entice all of your senses, and the one remote island destination that you will long to come back to time and time again. Meet The Brando, Tahiti’s first ‘ultra inclusive resort’ on the Tetiaroa Atoll.
Once a retreat of Tahitian kings and later the private refuge of Marlon Brando, this property is recognized by National Geographic as one of the ‘Unique Lodges of the World’. Just a quick 20-minute jaunt from the resort’s private FBO in Papeete, Tahiti and you have arrived to one of most special places on this earth!
I was fortunate enough to recently spend three magical nights on this stunning oasis in French Polynesia. The resort is comprised of 35 villas on this private island and they are sprinkled about for maximum privacy. To say these villas are ‘ultra chic’ would be an understatement. Villas are designed with over the top electronics in your private ‘Media Room’, amazing views from every angle, and massive bathrooms that include an outdoor, enclosed tub! Nothing has been overlooked with these villas. Step out to your private lanai to find your infinity plunge pool and private outdoor living space. It feels like the beach is all yours when you are surrounded by the lush foliage and a most amazing stretch of beach that offers unsurpassed, jaw dropping blue hues of ocean water. A morning snorkel awaits you just outside your oasis, simply step outside your villa. Getting around couldn’t be easier; you have a choice of simply jumping on the bikes waiting outside of your door or ringing the concierge who will send a buggy to fetch you!
The two dining venues at the property are top notch, thanks to Brando’s amazing French chef and the resort’s own organic gardens and orchards. The menu changes with every season. Note, however, if in the mood for something different, ask and you shall receive. ‘No’ is simply not a word you will hear at The Brando. Should you wish to sleep in and be awakened only by the sound of the gentle waves? Not a problem. Breakfast will be delivered to your villa and set up within your outdoor paradise for you to enjoy in complete privacy. Later in the day there are two lounges to tempt you for cocktails. Belly up to Bob’s Bar in the sand for a “Dirty Old Bob”, the Brando’s signature cocktail. They also offer daily cocktail training classes (super fun) and wine tastings.
Have children in tow? No worries, there are numerous activities for them. The water sports alone will keep them entertained for days, but note that there are many educational opportunities for them as well. If you’ve ever had an interest in swimming with sea turtles, this is the place to do so November through April! Additional activities include the Tetiaroa ‘Ultimate Tour of the Atoll’ to check out the neighboring islands, going to the “river” for the natural sulphur scrub (amazing!), or searching for the elusive coconut crabs. A word of warning: these crabs are large and move quickly, as I soon discovered myself!
Yet another way to pass the time is the spa. Gorgeous and almost as large as the resort itself. Be sure to check out the Birds Nest Steam Room. I didn’t want to leave, but eventually had to catch my Coconut Oil Massage, which was a dream!
The Brando is situated in a place of rare biodiversity and is a natural sanctuary for birds and marine life. The property is dedicated to preserving this sanctuary. The SWAC (Salt Water Air Conditioning) is one of the ways they achieve this. Drawing water from 3,000 feet below the surface at 48° and recycling it through the resort is only one example of the resort’s successful, sustainable tourism efforts.
As I write this, there are really not enough words that can express what an experience The Brando gives you. I think it’s best summed up in Marlon Brando’s own words: “Tetiaroa is beautiful beyond my capacity to describe. One could say that Tetiaroa is the tincture of the South Seas.” I couldn’t have said it better myself.