The Brando

The atoll of Tetiaroa, a ring of twelve motu inside a coral reef north of Tahiti, has always been a place of rare beauty and calm. It was once the retreat of Tahitian royalty, and later became the private sanctuary of Marlon Brando. Today it is home to The Brando, one of the most exclusive private-island resorts in the world.

The resort stands on motu Onetahi and is reached by a 20-minute scenic flight from Tahiti with Air Tetiaroa. Just 35 villas and one private residence share the island, each set just back from a white-sand beach. Luxury here goes hand in hand with care for the atoll: the resort draws much of its energy from the sun, cools its buildings with deep seawater, and works alongside the scientists of Tetiaroa Society.

The Brando has 35 private villas and one private residence, all beachfront and all designed to reflect Polynesian life while keeping you close to nature. Every villa has its own infinity plunge pool, an outdoor bathtub, a media room and a private stretch of beach.

Two Bedroom and Three Bedroom Villas add a kitchenette and a larger pool, and the Teremoana Residence, with three bedrooms, a full kitchen and its own sandy garden, is the most private address on the island. For a honeymoon, we recommend:

•  One Bedroom Villa – 1,033 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor living for two, with a king bed, an infinity plunge pool and an outdoor bathtub steps from the lagoon.

The Brando has three restaurants and two bars. Les Mutinés is the resort’s fine-dining restaurant, serving Polynesian-inspired cuisine at dinner in a room that recalls the voyage of the Bounty. Nami Teppanyaki seats a handful of guests around a single Japanese grill for sushi and teppanyaki. Beachcomber Café is the relaxed choice for breakfast, lunch and dinner, indoors, outdoors or right by the water.

Bob’s Bar, on the beach, serves lunch, dinner and cocktails, and Te Manu Bar is a lounge raised above the sand for a drink before or after dinner. Vegan dishes are offered in every restaurant, and in-villa dining is available around the clock.

For a special honeymoon evening, we recommend:

•  Private dining – A table for two at the water’s edge, sunset cocktails on a deserted motu or a picnic on a beach of your own.

Days at The Brando can be as active or as lazy as you like. The resort has a large swimming pool, tennis and pickleball courts, bicycles, beach volleyball and a fitness center with classes and private yoga. On the lagoon you can snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, paddle an outrigger canoe or scuba dive.

Guided excursions with Tetiaroa Society naturalists take you across the atoll by boat, kayak and bicycle to see nesting seabirds, coral gardens and ancient Polynesian sites, and the Green Tour shows how the resort runs behind the scenes. In season you can watch for whales offshore and see sea turtles come ashore to nest. Polynesian dance, weaving, pareu dyeing and ukulele lessons bring the culture to life.

Varua Te Ora Polynesian Spa is a haven of calm in the heart of the motu. Its most romantic space is Fare Manu, a treatment suite for two set high in the treetops.

When you book with Remarkable Honeymoons, your package includes VIP assistance through immigration on arrival, a fresh flower lei greeting, round-trip resort transfers, your choice of villa and a farewell shell lei.

The Brando offers two rate plans, All-Inclusive and Villa & Breakfast. What each plan covers can change by season, so we will confirm the exact meals, drinks, excursions and spa treatments included for your dates when we prepare your quote.