The Brando is a new eco-resort that has been built of the site of Marlon Brando's private retreat and guest hotel, on Motu Onetahi on the atoll of Tetiaroa, and had its Grand Opening in July 2014.

 

The Resort has been inspired Marlon's vision for an eco-resort, being ultimately sustainable by using as many local resources as possible, and has an extremely in-depth enviromental programme.  They have solar energy for power, deep-seawater air conditioning, and a biofuel thermal power station to supplement the solar power, that burns coconut oil, thereby supporting the local community.  All waste is recycled, including all green waste and organic matter composted.  Kitchen waste is prepared for composting by using a natural bacteria digesting system, glass that isn't recycled back on Tahiti, is crushed and used in construction, and although they try to avoid using plastic wherever possible, any they do have is compacted, along with cans and cardboard, and returned to Tahiti for recycling.  Water is carefully controlled, and untreated water is used as much as possible, for example, for flushing toilets, to save potable water processing.

 

The resort has its own airline, Air Tetiaroa, that provides transfers from Papeete directly to Motu Onetahi in just 20  minutes.  The flight departs from a private terminal at Faa'a International airport, and uses 2 eight seater Britten Norman aircraft.  The flights are in addition to the nightly rates, but the private transfers from the airstrip to the resort are complimentary.

 

They have 35 secluded 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom villas, each with luxurious furnishings and amenities, set right on the beautiful white sand beachfront around the shore of the motu, and each has its own private plunge pool set on a private sundeck.

 

The 1-Bedroom Villas offer air conditioning, a large separate bedroom with a King bed, and large picture window with views of the lagoon, a spacious dressing area and ensuite bathroom with double designer vanities, outdoor tub and walk-in shower, cosy separate media room with large screen TV, DVD player, music system, Wi-Fi internet access, a work desk and chair, and a double sofabed, a large central living room with sofa and chairs, large opening doors out to the private sundeck and pool, with views across the white sand beach to the lagoon beyond, and to the side, a private covered dining area.

 

The 2-Bedroom Villa has the same luxury amenties as the 1-Bedroom Villa, but has slightly different floorplan.  There is one large central living room, with a sitting area, kitchen and dining area with large doors opening out to a larger, 2 tier terrace with private plunge pool, and the covered dining area to the side.  The 2 master suites are identical and are spread over 2 floors, with a dressing area and ensuite bathroom with outdoor tub, shower and double vanities, large bedroom with king bed and opening double doors to either a shaded private sundeck or a covered balcony,  both with great views of the lagoon.  Each suite also has its own separate stairs.

 

The 3-Bed Villa has the same layout as the 2-bed but with an additional master suite to the other side of the main building from the other 2 suites, but still giving views of the lagoon from the bedroom.

 

Dining at The Brando is all inclusive, so you have the choice of any of the restaurants or bars on site, or you have the option to dine privately in your villa, on your terrace or even on the beach.  Most drinks are also included, with the exception of ultra-premium wines, champagne and spirits.

 

The beachfront restaurant, The Beachcomber Cafe, offers great lagoon views from either inside the dining room or on the beach with a Polynesian/French inspired menu, using fresh local produce and seafood, and organically grown fruits and vegetables from their own gardens.  The fine dining restaurant, Les Mutines, is designed to be suggestive of Brando's famous Mutiny on the Bounty film, with the ceiling designed to look like an upturned boat.  The restaurant offers a more intimate dining experience with a menu created by an award-winning, Michelin starred French Chef, and an extensive fine wine cellar.  The open air Te Manu Bar is on the second floor of the main building which offers great views of the lagoon and distant islands and has an spacious, open seating area with several, private tree-high seating areas, accessed on raised walkways through the palm trees.  Bob's Bar is a casual beach bar, named after Marlon Brando's personal assistant, who spent many an evening after filming at the original bar at the lodge with Brando, and they have kept the original bar and the name, 'in honour of Bob and all others who have worked, and continue to work anonymously to bring Brando's vision to life'.

 

There are many complimentary activities to enjoy whilst staying at The Brando, from swimming, snorkelling and diving, to kite surfing, cycling, kayaking, and bird watching.  You could take an outrigger canoe to explore the lagoon and the outer motus around the lagoon, visit the research centre and talk with the scientists about their research on the rare birds and marine life in the area or attend some of the cultural and historical lectures in the Cultural Lounge and library.

 

And when you want to relax and chill out, you can visit the Varua Polynesian Spa, for many modern and historical holistic treatments, some of which are included free for your stay.

 

A stay at The Brando will not be a cheap vacation, but if your budget can accommodate it, this idylic haven is an exclusive, opulent resort on a deserted paradise island that is the stuff that dreams, and eternal memories, are made of!

 

Click HERE to visit the hotel's own website

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