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The Brando

Tetiaroa

A French Polynesian icon with A-list appeal

In a nutshell: The Brando’s reputation precedes it. A high-flyer on bucket lists across the globe, this storied resort has been considered the benchmark for uber-luxe beach breaks since its 2014 launch. Swerving flashy design tropes in favour of quiet splendour, this is elevated Pacific beauty at its finest – with innovative eco credentials to match.

A potted history: Set in the Tetiaroa atoll – some 30 miles off Tahiti – the island has been used as a retreat for Tahitian royalty as well as a hideout for Spanish explorers. It was during the Sixties, on the hunt for filming locations, that Marlon Brando stumbled upon it and fell in love. It took three years to convince the owner (a descendent of an American dentist it had been gifted to) to sell. In situ, Brando set in motion rigorous ecological practices and research projects to protect the fragile ecosystem of his precious private idyll that form the key tenets of the resort today.

Celebrity status: With cinematic good looks and first-class service, it’s little wonder The Brando has drawn Hollywood luminaries, chart-topping singers and European royalty into its warm embrace. The list is endless, but noteworthy guests include Barack Obama, who resided here – on the tried-and-tested advice of Leonardo DiCaprio – while he wrote his memoir.

Time to check in: Rising from the turquoise reef in a verdant frondescence, a sense of privacy reigns supreme across 36 lofty villas that hone in on the raw wonder of French Polynesia. Taking the all-inclusive concept to its furthest reaches – with daily spa treatments, superlative wines and activities all part of the rate – everything here is geared towards ensuring guests switch off from the daily grind from the get-go for the ultimate tropical escape.

A note on the food: The Edenic isle comes with a bountiful natural larder, which is paid due reverence by an expert team of chefs. It’s a globetrotting scene that runs the gamut from bona fide Polynesian to Japanese teppanyaki via everything in between. Not forgetting culinary icon Jean Imbert, who combines French technique with local flavours at Les Mutinés. A Dirty Old Bob cocktail at Brando’s OG bar is an essential part of any stay.

What else? A tropical playground of the highest order, the list of activities offered is among the most comprehensive you’ll find. Flowing from boat charters, whale watching, scuba diving and kayaking to ukulele lessons, birdwatching, weaving and cooking classes. And while there’s ample opportunity to explore the many ancient Ma’ohi temples that fleck the isle, catch a movie on the beach, spot nesting green turtles or play pickleball, no one could blame you for never leaving the dappled confines of your own private patch of paradise.

Key Information

• Rooms: 35
• Starting Rate: $800
• Dining: Les Mutinés
• Drinking: Bob's Bar
• At the Hotel: Beach, Pool
• Tetiaroa, Arue 98702, French Polynesia
• +689 40 86 63 00
• Visit The Brando's Website
• Visit The Brando on Facebook
• Visit The Brando on Instagram