Stay in the very lap of luxury at The Brando – a gorgeous, exclusive retreat spread across the islands of Tetiaroa in French Polynesia. The former home of Hollywood star, Marlon Brando, experience his glamorous lifestyle at this tropical island resort.
Why you'll love it here
- Marlon Brando fell in love with the island of Tetiaroa while filming and bought it
- The Brando was the world’s first and foremost post-carbon luxury resort and island
- Indulge in a three-hour spa experience in the Fare Maru suite nestled in the treetops
- Join naturalist guides for daily bird discovery and reef exploration tours
Best For
- Honeymoon, Family, Kids (4-12),
Ricky
Travel Specialist
Your holiday always includes
- Premium lounge passes at UK airports
- VIP meet & greet service at departure
- Private transfers to and from your hotel
- Personal concierge service throughout
- 24/7 assistance when travelling
- The first-hand knowledge of our team
Full accommodation information
Hotel information
Close your eyes and picture a paradisiacal scene of fine white sand, gin-clear seas and lavish beach villas set beneath a brilliant blue sky...welcome to The Brando.
This private island beach resort is named after Marlon Brando, who bought Tetiaroa in 1966 after falling in love with its pristine, natural beauty. Today, The Brando is one of the most sought-after retreats in the South Pacific – a stunning blend of first-class luxury and authentic local experiences, with a particular emphasis on sustainability and respect for French Polynesian communities.
The hotel possesses 36 gorgeous villas set on the beach, watersports equipment, a spa shielded by palm trees, private pools, complimentary bicycles to borrow and a restaurant helmed by Michelin-star chef Pierre Lecorne.
There’s plenty to do too, including stand-up paddle boarding, snorkelling over coral gardens, birdwatching and learning about French Polynesia in the Explorer Centre. Feel at one with nature as you explore the unspoilt scenery of Tetiaroa, looking out for local wildlife such as Sea Turtles, Manta Rays and Reef Sharks beneath the water’s surface, and intriguing bird species above it.
Indulge in spa sessions, romantic candlelit dinners and private island-hopping tours. Immerse yourself in local culture by trying Polynesian dance, music and art workshops, or simply unwind in your exquisite thatched villa in total privacy.
The Brando really does feel like something straight out of a Hollywood movie.
Room Options
Starting at 96sq m in size and thoughtfully decorated in local styles, the huge villas at The Brando embody French Polynesian chic. Each is clad with thatched roofs, soft cream walls and polished wooden floors, and has its own plunge pool, sprawling sundeck and even an outdoor bathtub, not to mention easy access to the beautiful beach. A media room, lounge, bikes and Wi-Fi complete the picture.
One Bedroom Villa
Sleeps: 2 Adults , 2 Children
- View Floor Plan This grand, 96sq m villa is equipped with a king or twin bedroom, living room, media room and luxe terrace complete with a private pool and access to the stunning beach beyond. The bathroom is partly al fresco, with a bathtub set out in the open and shielded by wooden screens.Two Bedroom Villa
Sleeps: 4 Adults
- View Floor Plan For more space to sprawl out in, opt for the 168sq m Two Bedroom Villa, which has all the features of the One Bedroom option as well as a dining area, kitchen, split-level terrace, dressing rooms and a larger pool.Three Bedroom Villa
Sleeps: 6 Adults
- View Floor Plan This villa is the most lavish of the lot, flaunting an incredible 246sq m where you’ll find all the features of classic Brando villas plus a larger pool, deck and third bedroom.The Residence
The three bedroom Residence at The Brando offer 3,000 sq ft of luxurious indoor space plus around 3,000 sq ft of outdoor decking and pool area. This eco-conscious three-bedroom Polynesian style residence offer multiple dining and entertainment areas.Facilities/Amenities
You cannot experience The Brando without discovering its utterly serene Varua Te Ora Polynesian Spa, where locally inspired treatments will take you to a whole new level of relaxation. While here, enjoy the steam bath, tea room, waterfall and al fresco lounge, framed by lush island vegetation. Also at the resort is an outdoor, lagoon-shaped swimming pool, gym, Explorer Centre, tennis court and bikes to borrow, not to mention miles of bone-white beach to unwind on.
Restaurants & Bars
Beachcomber Café
Dig your toes into the sand while savouring a profusion of French and Polynesian delicacies, such as just-caught fish from the surrounding waters and island-grown vegetables. The view of the lagoon is impossible to beat.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Nami
Feast on Japanese delights at this Teppanyaki restaurant, where Chef Nakamura draws on the land and sea to create a choice of three distinct menus, whipped up before your very eyes in a sophisticated dining space.
- Dinner
Les Mutinés
You’ll feel as though you’re dining aboard a luxurious yacht here at Les Mutinés, thanks to the elegant cream on white design and domed wooden roof, all surrounded by the water. Sample the finest fare from Executive Chef Pierre Lecorne for a taste of France here in the South Pacific.
- Dinner
Te Manu Bar
Admire the far-reaching sea views from this elevated bar and lounge, clad in wood and also featuring private corners set amidst the treetops.
Bob’s Bar
A casual beachfront bar that has it all; great cocktails, friendly staff and sublime views too.
Activities & Entertainment
It may feel like a desert island paradise, but there’s no shortage of active, cultural and relaxing things to do at The Brando. Hop on your bicycle to pedal across the island, go snorkelling and scuba diving or try an afternoon of stand-up paddle boarding and canoeing. Dive into the Explorer Centre to learn all about life in French Polynesia via lectures and tours with on-the-ground naturalist experts.
The list carries on with tennis, deep-sea fishing and keeping fit with a personal trainer or group class. You can then go island-hopping to see as much of this divine destination as you can, or engage with Polynesian culture by learning traditional dances, artistic techniques like weaving and dyeing, cookery and music; and don’t miss the weekly dance performances either.
Seriously Special
Holiday like a Hollywood movie star at The Brando and embrace the unspoilt natural beauty of French Polynesia. Enjoy ultimate privacy with villas boasting ensuite pools – perfect for couples celebrating a special anniversary or honeymooning newlyweds.
Dine on gourmet cuisine across several outstanding restaurants, including Les Mutinés by Michelin-star chef, Guy Martin. Indulge in Polynesian treatments at Varua spa – a tradition established by the Royal family who used to frequent the resort.
And if all that isn’t enough to highlight the truly special status of The Brando, take it from the man himself: “Tetiaroa is beautiful beyond my capacity to describe”.
French Polynesia travel information
When to visit French Polynesia
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
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Best time
Good time
Ok time
- Time zone: -10 GMT
- Flight time: 22-26 hours
- Recommended airlines: Air Tahiti Nui, Air France, United Airlines
- Currency: CFP Franc
- Tipping guideline: Optional, but not expected
- Health considerations: There is a risk of dengue. There is a very low risk of Zika virus. There is no risk of yellow fever in French Polynesia, however, yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
- Capital: Papeete
- Population: 311383
- National languages: French, Tahitian
- Electricity and plugs: Type E (C, E), 220V
- Mobile phone coverage: Good coverage
- UK passport visa requirements: You don't need a visa for French Polynesia if you have a British passport - for a maximum of 90 days
Want to know more?
Call our Travel Specialists for a chat with our French-polynesia experts. They'll share their first-hand insights so you can find your perfect holiday.
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Ricky
Travel Specialist
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