THE BRANDO

FRENCH POLYNESIA

THE PERSONALITIES

Honeymooners. Castaways. Marine biologists. 

MOMENTS

White sand beaches. Untouched rich reefs. Coconut palms and turquoise lagoons. Polynesian charm. A tropical environment in its natural state.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

The high season is from May 1 to October 31, with mild temperatures, fewer rain showers and better visibility for divers. The low season is from November 1 to April 30 with less tourist traffic, but a higher chance of rain. 

COST

WHY STAY

Tucked away in French Polynesia’s pristine Tetiaroa atoll, The Brando is a remote luxury resort that feels like a secret whispered by the sea. Located about 30 miles north of Tahiti, the island was once a private retreat for Tahitian royalty and later captured the heart of Marlon Brando, who fell in love with its unspoiled beauty while filming Mutiny on the Bounty. Today, the atoll remains a protected sanctuary of white-sand beaches, coconut groves, and shimmering lagoons—accessible only by private plane. The surrounding coral reefs teem with marine life, while the interior is a haven for rare birds and native flora, offering guests a rare chance to immerse themselves in untouched island wilderness.

The Brando’s design is a seamless blend of sustainability and sophistication. The resort features 35 private villas, each tucked along the beach with its own plunge pool, outdoor bathtub, and shaded deck just steps from the turquoise water. Interiors are inspired by Polynesian traditions, with natural materials, soaring ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling glass that invites in the light and landscape. The villas offer serene privacy, while the resort’s innovative eco-technologies—like seawater air-conditioning and solar power—ensure the island stays as pristine as Brando envisioned. Whether you’re watching the sunrise from your hammock or gazing at the stars from your deck, the experience is immersive, tranquil, and deeply restorative.

Beyond the villas, The Brando offers a wealth of thoughtful amenities designed for relaxation and exploration. Guests can unwind at the Varua Te Ora Polynesian spa, kayak through quiet coves, or join guided nature tours to learn about the island’s ecology and conservation efforts. Dining options range from refined French-Polynesian fusion to beachside cocktails and freshly caught seafood, with menus crafted from ingredients grown in the resort’s organic gardens. A research station, led by the Tetiaroa Society, anchors the island’s commitment to sustainability, inviting guests to engage with ongoing environmental projects. The Brando isn’t just a place to escape—it’s a place to connect deeply with nature, history, and a slower, more meaningful way of living.

WHY WANDER

Experiences at The Brando go far beyond traditional luxury, offering guests a rare chance to engage with the island’s rich ecological and cultural legacy. At the heart of the resort is its deep commitment to conservation, led by the Tetiaroa Society. Guests can join scientists on immersive eco-tours, visit the on-site Ecostation, and learn about marine research, sea turtle preservation, and reef restoration firsthand. These aren’t passive activities—they’re participatory moments that invite guests to become part of the island’s ongoing story of sustainability and stewardship.

Cultural connection is another cornerstone of the Brando experience. Guests can take part in authentic Polynesian traditions, from coconut husking and weaving workshops to storytelling sessions that explore the myths and oral histories of Tetiaroa. Guided by local experts, visitors can also paddle traditional outrigger canoes through the lagoon or practice ancient navigation techniques under the stars. These experiences offer a deeper appreciation of the island’s heritage, inviting a meaningful connection to place that lingers long after departure.

For those seeking transformative quietude, The Brando offers rare moments of stillness woven with wonder. Swim in private coral gardens, snorkel alongside rays and reef sharks, or glide silently over the lagoon in a transparent kayak. Sunrise yoga sessions on a hidden motu, private dinners under a canopy of stars, or a day spent in solitude with a curated island picnic allow for total immersion in nature’s rhythms. Here, every experience is intentional—designed not just to delight, but to awaken a deeper sense of awe, balance, and belonging.

INDULGE IN

The culinary experience at The Brando is a celebration of French elegance, Polynesian tradition, and island-grown ingredients—all set against a backdrop of pristine lagoon views. Under the guidance of world-class chefs, including influence from the late Guy Martin of Paris’s Michelin-starred Le Grand Véfour, the resort offers refined yet deeply rooted cuisine. Guests can savor everything from freshly caught mahi-mahi and coconut-poached lobster to locally grown vanilla, mango, and breadfruit, harvested from the resort’s organic gardens.

GETTING THERE

Fly into Faa’a International Airport in Papeete, Tahiti and take a 20-minute flight to Tetiaroa. The transfer is complimentary for guests staying 7 nights or more and discounted for a stay of 5 nights or more. Get around the island by bike or a on a paddle board. 

WILD INITIATIVES

Brando is one of the most sustainable luxury resorts in the world, with barely any carbon footprint. The resort works hard to preserve the biodiversity of Tetiaroa and support Polynesian culture, operating on renewable energy, utilizing a cutting-edge seawater air conditioning system and solar panels to minimize its carbon footprint. Sustainable building materials and practices have been employed to ensure that the structures seamlessly blend with the natural surroundings. The Brando is also dedicated to marine conservation, with ongoing initiatives to protect the coral reefs and marine life around Tetiaroa. Guests are invited to engage in eco-friendly activities, from exploring the island's diverse ecosystems to participating in conservation efforts.

*Images property of The Brando, Photos by Tim Mc Kenna

MAITAI LAPITA VILLAGE

FRENCH POLYNESIA

The Personalities

People in search of the ultimate tropical tiki getaway, sailors, travel souls.

Moments

Tropical. Cool Drink. Flowers. Palms. Blue Water. Breeze. Repeat. At the slowest pace possible.

Best Visiting Months

December-March are the warmest months. Sunny and tropical all year round.

Cost

Why stay

A hotel with Maitai in the name? It had me at Maitai. This traditional Polynesian hotel village is located on Huahine Island, one of the many intriguing “Society Islands” in French Polynesia. These magic destinations, famous for their mystery and an air of true tiki paradise, are every tropic-hoppers’ dream. Huahine, said to be a Garden of Eden in the South Sea Islands, is true blue beauty. The vibe: your hut is reminiscent of ancient Polynesian canoes, surrounded by fragrant tropical flower gardens, over-looking lily-padded lagoons, and inside it's adorned with authentic island pottery. Vivid green mountains are your backdrop with intoxicating lush vegetation all around you. Pale waters and swaying palms are steps away.  Staring into this gorgeous space, your brain will become slushier than your frosty drink.

Why wander

Who needs to wander? You’re here. In paradise. But if you want to take a break from drinking out of a coconut: Tour a vanilla plantation. Visit a pearl farm. Go Lagoon fishing. Snorkel in the coral gardens.

Indulge in

Exotic cocktails.

Getting There

Fly from Bora Bora or Tahiti to Huahine Island… barefoot.

*Images property of MAITAI LAPITA VILLAGE