A unique luxury resort on a breathtaking private island in French Polynesia
The Brando is a unique luxury resort on French Polynesia’s breathtaking private island of Tetiaroa, an atoll composed of a dozen small islands surrounding a sparkling lagoon 30 miles north of Tahiti.
Tetiaroa is an atoll in the middle of nowhere—utterly indescribable, where everything just is, the way it was intended to be. A massive ring of coral surrounds 12 motus, creating a barrier to keep the raging ocean beyond at bay. Inside it is utter calm. In this quiet place, a renowned resort lives in harmony with nature, and the Polynesian people guide you through their lands. It’s hard to describe what you’ll feel when you’re here, other than to say connecting to a place and its people never felt so authentic, so real, so right.
Warm waters beckon you to wade in and discover. Meandering pathways call you to explore. And scheduled excursions take you to the edge of the atoll to experience life on land, in the air, and below the water. It is here where you’ll interact with the very life force of the atoll—the coral reef—as well as incredible species of land and marine wildlife, birds, and plant life that exist only on Tetiaroa. Tetiaroa Society guides are atoll experts who share their own Polynesian history, stories, and culture in a way that’s deeply personal and connected only to you and where you are, right here, right now.
The culture of Polynesia is woven into the very fabric of every visit to Tetiaroa. From weaving palm fronds into works of art, learning to strum a few chords on a Tahitian ukulele, or tying and dying a local sarong, when you’re here you belong. Even a group of local islanders singing, dancing, and playing instruments feels altogether different, less a spectacle to watch and more of an experience to take part in.
Villas
Spread across the Onetahi motu and set back just off the beach are 35 private villas and one private residence, each a retreat within this sanctuary called Tetiaroa, accessible only by private plane. There’s a flow to these spaces, where doors fold open to create breezeways to the outdoors, and transitions between rooms are subtle, open to entirely different spaces to live in.
One-Bedroom Villa
Just off the main path lies a thatched roof hut, your gateway to an elevated walkway that leads from public space to your private place. As you cross the threshold and close the door behind you, the beach and ocean come into view, the foliage wraps you in a gentle embrace, and too many places to count call you to relax and take it all in. At this moment it’s just you, secluded from everything but the ones you love. Accommodates 2 adults and 2 children (under 12).
Family One-Bedroom Villa
Ideal for families with kids, the family villas have ample room for everyone to relax together or apart. When it’s time for sleep, bedroom doors can be closed to allow you a bit of private time knowing your kids are right nearby, snug in twin beds. Accommodates 2 adults and 2 children (under 18).
Two-Bedroom Villa
With two ensuite bedrooms, one main level and one second level, private access, a bathroom with two sinks, shower, private outdoor bathtub and a private deck, the Two Bedroom Villa provides everything and more, with a little extra space. The Villa also features a living Room with large screen TV, kitchenette and dining area for six guests, mini-bar and coffee station, and an outdoor lounge area on deck, covered dining area and 140 s.f. / 13 m2 infinity pool. Sleep with the shades up to arise to the morning sun or block out the light to create a comfortable cocoon to recharge in. T
Three-Bedroom Villa
At the far reaches of the Onetahi motu lies a villa big enough for families or friends while offering plenty of places to get away and nap, relax or have a little you time. Staying here is like staying in your own private resort nestled amidst the palms and spread across the sand. Whether spending the afternoon together around the pool, or going your own separate ways, then coming back to meet at day’s end for a sunset cocktail before dinner, this is what life on Tetiaroa is all about. Accommodates 6 adults.
Teremoana Residence
At the end of the road, on the last stop on the right sits a magnificent home nestled into the lush tropical undergrowth. With multiple spaces inside and outside for hanging out, grabbing some sun, relaxing, dining and drinking, this home was built for time together, yet apart from the rest of the resort. When it’s time to be alone, you can retreat to any of the three ensuite bedrooms — each its own private place. Accommodates 6 adults + children under 12 or 1 staff member.
Dining
The Beachcomber Café offers exceptional lagoon and ocean views for savouring breakfast, lunch and dinner in a casually elegant setting. The menu features a variety of Polynesian-inspired dishes alongside classic French-style cuisine.
Les Mutinés is the resort’s fine dining restaurant, open only for dinner and seating a maximum of 20 guests. Along with a worldclass wine cellar, it offers a menu supervised by Guy Martin of the two Michelin starred restaurant Le Grand Véfour in Paris. All of the creations by the chefs at Les Mutinés feature the same regard for flavour and quality that has made Le Grand Véfour famous.
The Te Manu Bar, located on the upper level, offers spectacular views of the lagoon. In addition to the cozy main lounge, with its sofas and secluded spaces, there are several private tree-level seating areas that can be reached on walkways through the palm canopy. It’s the ideal place for admiring the sunset or enjoying a game of billiards.
Bob’s Bar is named in memory of Marlon Brando’s assistant on film sets. The original counter from the lodge that Brando built reigns over this beachfront lounge, perfect for relaxing with your feet in the sand or perched on a rustic wooden stool. The main Infinity Pool is located on the beach. Around it, guests can relax on deck chairs under the shade of an umbrella. Drinks and meals can be served here as well.
Varua Te Ora Polynesian Spa
Feel the heartbeat of Tetiaroa
Varua Te Ora Polynesian Spa is a sanctuary, the central beating heart of Tetiaroa. To enter is to step through a portal onto elevated pathways that wind through tropical undergrowth, diverging here and there like the branches of a tree, and leading to secret spaces for relaxation, meditation, contemplation, and treatment.
It is in this quiet place where you’ll feel mana, or energy, which holds the power to be connected. Long after your time on Tetiaroa, you’ll find you’re still connected—to nature, to family, and to the Polynesian culture and way of life.
Just up a few steps off the sand lies Fare Mana, where the setting is a simple platform, covered from the sun and rain, yet open to the holistic healing powers of the nature and water that surrounds you.
This sacred place represents the very essence of Tetiaroa, a place that cleanses your soul and sets the tone for mindful meditation, yoga, and sound baths. For you alone or with a handful of others, the guide is here to lead you wherever may you want to journey.
Getting There
Tetiaroa is a private atoll of the Society Islands located 30 miles (60 km) north of Tahiti.
Guests arrive by plane aboard an eight-passenger Britten Norman turboprop with a flight time of 20 minutes from Air Tetiaroa’s private terminal at Tahiti’s Faa’a International Airport.
After landing on the resort’s private airstrip, guests are greeted by a representative of The Brando and escorted to their villa by electric vehicle.
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Monday – Friday: 9am – 5:30pm
Saturday: 10am – 4:00pm
1 Market Place Mews, Gardiner Place,
Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 2AH