THE BRANDO

FRENCH POLYNESIA

THE PERSONALITIES

Tiki lovers. 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

A short flight away from Tahiti, resides one of the most private and untouched French Polynesian islands - Tetiaroa. The sanctuary is home to The Brando - a vision developed by Marlon Brando for one of the first sustainable luxury retreats in the world. 

Tetiaroa is composed of many small islands surrounding a beautiful lagoon, which used to serve as a vacation destination of Tahitian royalty. The Brando offers 35 oceanfront villas, reflecting Polynesian culture. Choose a one, two or three bedroom villa, with inside and outside masterfully merged together. Relax in an outdoor bathtub or cool off in a private plunge pool. Everything in your stay is part of the price, including daily spa services and activities, as well as one diving session. 

WHY WANDER

Tetiaroa is a protected and thriving natural environment. Take the Green Tour, where you will visit a researcher station, a baby shark nursery and learn about the resort's sustainable work. Take a day to paddleboard around the island or swim in Mermaid Bay. Snorkel or dive with turtles, manta rays, and possibly whale sharks. Take a boat tour of the lagoon or bike through the island's dense jungle and discover dozens of different bird species.

INDULGE IN

Polynesian and french inspired dishes from a 2 michelin star chef. Organically grown fruits and vegetables from Brando's own gardens and orchards. A special gourmet vegan menu. 

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

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