The Brando
The Brando - Tetiaroa is beautiful beyond my capacity to describe.
One could say that Tetiaroa is the tincture of the South Seas.”
------ Marlon Brando
The exquisite Polynesian atoll of Tetiaroa, located 30 miles north of Tahiti, has always been a place of stunning beauty, tranquility and rejuvenation — first for Tahitian royalty, who chose this ...
The Brando - Tetiaroa is beautiful beyond my capacity to describe.
One could say that Tetiaroa is the tincture of the South Seas.”
------ Marlon Brando
The exquisite Polynesian atoll of Tetiaroa, located 30 miles north of Tahiti, has always been a place of stunning beauty, tranquility and rejuvenation — first for Tahitian royalty, who chose this island above all others for their summer retreat, and later for Marlon Brando who chose it for his personal sanctuary.
On July 2014, the new luxury resort The Brando, opened on this breathtakingly beautiful private atoll. The Brando is unique in concept and scope, combining environmental purity, luxury and Polynesian charm into an exceptional experience.
The Brando is a unique luxury resort on French Polynesia’s breathtakingly beautiful private island of Tetiaroa – an atoll composed of a dozen small islands surrounding a sparkling lagoon 30 miles northeast of Tahiti. The Brando offers carefree luxury in the midst of pristine nature. With access to the island by private plane, the resort features 35 villas on white-sand beaches frequented by sea turtles, manta rays and exotic birds. The resort was designed to reflect Polynesian lifestyles and culture.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide one of the most luxurious, authentic and enriching travel experiences available anywhere in the world in an environmentally sensitive, sustainable and culturally rich manner.
We are committed to preserving and protecting the natural splendor and precious biodiversity of Tetiaroa; respecting and supporting Polynesian culture, hospitality and traditions; and achieving a negligible carbon footprint.
We will support research, education and outreach aimed at increasing the knowledge of and appreciation for the natural and cultural heritage of tropical islands and their people. And we will use, encourage and support innovation to address local and global environmental and sustainability issues.
As stewards of Tetiaroa, we are committed to preserving and protecting the atoll and being a responsible member of both our local and global communities. We will deal fairly and honestly with our staff and suppliers in an atmosphere of mutual trust, accountability and reward.
We will strive to be a model for the rest of the world. We will leave Tetiaroa a better place than when we came and continually seek to enhance the lives of all those who visit.
One Bedroom Villa
(30 Villas)
Inside your 1,033-sq.-ft. (96-sq.-m) villa you will feel right at home. We’ve carefully designed each villa to blend into and enhance the serenity of your surroundings, so you’ll feel as though indoors and outdoors have merged together. The cozy sitting room is furnished with soft and comfortable chairs and sofas. To the side is a media room, where you can listen to music, watch a movie, or use WiFi to keep in touch with friends and family.
A walkthrough dressing area adjoins your spacious bedroom, where a king-size bed invites you to relax and gaze through a large window at the lagoon, visible through a screen of pandanus, miki miki, and coconut trees.
The adjoining bathroom features an outdoor bathtub, set behind a wooden screen. The deck leads to a private, 107-sq.-ft. (10-sq.-m) plunge pool.
Two-Bedroom Villas
(4 Villas)
Enjoy all the appointments of a one-bedroom villa—plus many built-in extras—in any of our four, 1,808-sq.-ft. (168-sq.-m), two-bedroom villas.
Inside, a large, airy living room combines all the features of the one-bedroom villa’s sitting, while giving you the sensation of spaciousness. The living room also provides you with a private dining area with seating for six, a kitchen, and a wide entryway onto a large, two-tiered deck.
In these villas, the second bedroom is situated above the first. The downstairs bedroom features a private dressing area. Upstairs, as you gaze out over the lagoon, you’ll experience a sensation of floating above this opulent tropical vista. This bedroom also features its own dressing area, bathroom, and outdoor bathtub.
Your sense of spaciousness and privacy extends to your 1,658-sq.-ft. (154-sq.-m) private yard, with its larger deck area and 140-sq.-ft. (13-sq.-m) plunge pool.
Three-Bedroom Villa
The 2,648-sq.-ft. (246-sq.-m) three-bedroom villa provides an opportunity for friends or a larger family to stay together. This villa has all the features of the two-bedroom villa but on an even larger scale.
The third bedroom is separated from the main villa by an above-ground walkway, and includes its own dressing room, bathroom, and outdoor bathtub.
We’ve also upgraded the furnishings of your private outdoor space, which includes an expanded deck and a 236 sq. ft. (22 sq. m) pool.
Rates
Our “all inclusive” package offers:
- All meals in our restaurants, at Bob’s bar or your villa:
Breakfast: Served at any time of the day, composed of a wide selection of fruits, pastries, fresh fruit juices, meats, cheeses, cooked eggs of your choice, waffles, pancakes…
Lunch: 2 different menus offering local products, seafood, specialties from French Polynesia and beyond. A vegan menu is also available
Dinner: 2 venue choices available to you :
The BeachComber Café restaurant offers you an international and light menu.
Fine dining restaurant “Les Mutinés”, in partnership between our Executive Chef Bertrand Jeanson and the award-winning cuisine of Guy Martin of the two-star Michelin restaurant “Le Grand Véfour” in Paris, offers you a gourmet menu of refined and delicate flavors.
Room Service: available at any time (note a surcharge will be applied for all orders between 10:00pm and 06:00am.)
- A wide selection of non-alcoholic and alcoholic* beverages without restriction on our beers, spirits, and house wines and champagnes at any time of day
- Mini bar replenished daily
- Nightly turndown services
- Unlimited WIFI internet access in your villa and public areas
- Access to the fitness center and tennis court at any time
- Certain activities, such as an introduction to scuba diving, boat excursions to explore the island, paddle board and canoe lessons, local crafts (weaving and “pareo” painting), or discovery of the eco-station. Please consult with your Concierge for more information or to arrange any bookings.
- Bicycles at your disposal during your stay to explore the island
- A 50 minute spa treatment for one person per room per day
* Some services and items (premium wines and other selected products on our luxury goods menu) are not part of the all-inclusive offer but are available at an additional fee.
Getting There
Airlines from around the world offer flights to Faa’a International Airport in Papeete, Tahiti. From Tahiti it’s a short but spectacular 20-minute flight to Tetiaroa onboard Air Tetiaroa. Our concierge will arrange this portion of your trip with you.
Air Tetiaroa
Travel from Tahiti to Tetiaroa is by private aircraft operated by Air Tetiaroa — the exclusive provider of passenger service to the island. Air Tetiaroa operates two eight-passenger Britten Norman aircraft which depart from a private terminal at Faa’a International Airport in Tahiti.
When your international or domestic flight arrives at Faa’a International Airport, you’ll be transferred to Air Tetiaroa’s private terminal for your 20-minute flight to paradise. Although the flight is brief, it will provide you an unforgettable introduction to Tetiaroa.
Explore
At The Brando, you will find an abundance of activities from bicycling, snorkeling and bird watching to diving and paddle boarding.
Here you are not just observing nature; you are in it. You can don a snorkeling mask and witness underwater life at a coral garden firsthand, encountering such marine life as sea turtles, rays, reef sharks and a dazzling array of tropical fish. Or you can explore the spectacular lagoon or other motus by Polynesian outrigger canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. Or simply swim at Mermaid Bay or relax on the beach or by the pool. You may spend all your time on the main island or explore any of the untouched private islands surrounding the lagoon.
You can also visit our Library and Explorer Center, where you can read books about French Polynesia and attend lectures and demonstrations about Polynesian culture, history, and lifestyle. And the onsite research scientists will also be delighted to talk about their research and the amazing birds and marine life found on the atoll.
Outdoor and Sports Activities
- Gym, aqua gym, fitness and stretching lessons
- Snorkeling in the coral gardens and entire lagoon
- Exploration of the lagoon by kayak or Polynesian outrigger canoe (va’a)
- Exploration of Motu Onetahi on a naturalist trail
- Scuba lessons in the lagoon and open ocean scuba diving outside the reef
- Tennis
- Biking
Biologist of the Day Excursions with Naturalist Guides
- Bird discovery tour
- Reef quest
- Turtle Night (November to March)
Tetiaroa ultimate tour
- A unique tour of the atoll on a comfortable roofed boat with a naturalist guide
Research Station
- Guided tour with researcher
Art and Culture
Art and Culture
- Polynesia dance lessons
- Polynesian music lessons with ukulele, pahu or toere
- Polynesian handicraft lessons
- Pareu dyeing
- Food, wine and cocktail lessons
- Tahitian cuisine demonstrations and lessons
Varua Polynesian Spa
- Modern and Polynesian spa treatments
Yoga
Lagoon School
- Especially designed for children from 6 to 12 years old
Whale Watching
- Whale watching tours August to October with naturalist guide and professional scuba diver
Deep Sea Fishing
- Deep sea fishing in the open ocean off the reef
Photo Safari
- A private photographic safari with a professional photographer
Meals / Dinner shows
- Private romantic dinner on the beach
- Traditional Tahitian dance shows weekly
After Dinner Entertainment On The Beach
- Music at Bob’s Bar outdoor lounge on the beach
- Movie at Bob’s Bar outdoor lounge on the beach
- Naturalist lectures presented by a scientist or one of our naturalist guides
- Storytelling: stories and tales from French Polynesia and Tetiaroa
Day Tour to Tahiti or Moorea
- Full day tour of either island.
Note: Activities are subject to weather conditions and may be changed without notice.
Spa
Varua Polynesian Spa is a natural haven of serenity nestled on the shores of a soothing pond in the heart of Motu Onetahi. This is the spot on Tetiaroa where the Tahitian royal family retreated to relax and indulge in beauty rituals.
Within this setting you can enjoy the finest holistic treatments inspired by ancient Polynesian traditions coupled with modern techniques. The spa includes private massage and treatment villas around the pond, steam baths, a tea and relaxation lounge overlooking the pond, a yoga shelter and a special spa suite for couples high up in the palm trees.
Dining
The resort’s two restaurants showcase Polynesian-inspired dishes, East/West fusion and classic French cuisine. The award-winning cuisine of Guy Martin of the Michelin two star restaurant Le Grand Véfour in Paris is featured in both dining venues and in-room dining.
At all our dining venues you will enjoy the freshest of ingredients. Our chef will select for the day’s dishes organically grown fruits and vegetables from our own gardens and orchards. These may include mangos, papayas, tomatoes, green beans, lettuce, cucumbers, squash, avocados, breadfruit, bananas, limes, watermelon and more. We feature fish and shellfish from Polynesian waters.
Beachcomber Café
Our Beachcomber Café restaurant offers exceptional lagoon and ocean views, whether you decide to dine indoors or on the beach. Dishes include a varied menu of Polynesian-inspired dishes alongside classic French cuisine.
Les Mutinés
This intimate venue features elegant décor in beautiful tones of tropical light and sand and a moat that surrounds the restaurant provides the sensation of floating on a lagoon. The restaurant also includes a world-class wine cellar in a carefully climate-controlled glass enclosure. A menu with the same regard for flavor and quality that has made Le Grand Véfour one of the most respected dining establishments in Paris is showcased.
Te Manu Bar
Located on the second floor, this open-air bar features spectacular views of the lagoon, distant motus and sunsets. In addition to the main lounge, there are several private tree-top seating areas that can be reached on walkways through the palm canopy.
Bob’s Bar
This is a relaxed and casual setting on the beach for conversation and making friends. The bar is named for Marlon Brando’s factotum on film sets. At the end of many days, Brando and Bob would wind up at the bar for long talks and laughs. We have named the bar in honor of Bob and all others who have worked, and continue to work, anonymously to bring Brando’s visions to life.
Room Service
You can enjoy a meal whenever you want, 24 hours a day, at your villa—either indoors, on your private deck alongside your pool, or on the beach in front of your villa.
Flora and Fauna
The reef surrounding Tetiaroa and the large and spectacular coral beds in the inner and outer lagoons provide a perfect place for marine life to flourish. At least 167 fish species have been observed around the atoll, from colorful parrotfish and spotted eagle rays to blacktip sharks and bonefish. Whales often pause at Tetiaroa during their annual migrations, and dolphins frequently play off the reef. During the nesting season, large sea turtles come to lay their eggs on the coral sands beneath the trees.
Beautiful tropical birds are found throughout Tetiaroa, but one of the motus, Tahuna Iti or “Bird Island”, is a favorite. Thousands of birds roost here every evening. There are parrots and other land birds, but most are seabirds, including the noddy and the majestic great frigate. Every evening the “permanent residents” are joined by an exodus of birds from Tahiti, which make the short flight across the sea to roost in the safety of the dense vegetation, free from predators.
On the twelve motus there are 38 indigenous plants, six of them very rare. These plants range from very small flowers to the magnificent Puatea, pisonia grandis, rising up to 65 feet in height. It is no surprise that international plant hunters and botanists have organized at least nine expeditions to Tetiaroa since 1921.
Stewardship
We consider ourselves stewards of Tetiaroa, and believe that we have the responsibility to treat it with the highest level of care and respect. Almost all of Tetiaroa is being protected and preserved forever in its natural state. We have touched the motu on which the resort sits as lightly as possible. The Brando and all the villas have been designed without beach obstructions to blend harmoniously into the trees. We have used local materials extensively in the design and construction. All building materials used are of local or certified origin, renewable, or incorporate recycled components. We are using a pioneering deep seawater air-conditioning system to reduce energy demands and rely entirely on renewable energy sources including solar power and coconut oil. Setting a new world standard, the resort is carbon neutral and close to self-sustainable. We have built and gifted an Ecostation to Tetiaroa Society, the nonprofit organization established to lead the scientific and cultural mission to protect the atoll and to inspire sustainable interdependence on Tetiaroa and around the world.
Renewable Energy
At the Brando we have implemented a number of innovative programs and new technologies to help us achieve our goal of carbon neutrality:
- Sea Water Air Conditioning (SWAC) harnesses the cold of the ocean depths to provide low-energy, highly efficient cooling for all the buildings, reducing energy demands by almost 70%.
- Solar energy produced from photovoltaic solar panels along the airstrip provide over half of the resort’s remaining energy needs (showing how to make typically unused space like this productive) and solar heating provides all of the resort’s hot water.
- A coconut oil (biofuel) power station provide the other half of the resort’s energy needs. Fueled by locally produced coconut oil, this renewable power source will also support the local economy.
- Flow-batteries for storage of energy generated from solar power are made primarily from recyclable materials and have a service life of thousands of deep discharge cycles.
Sea Water Air Conditioning
Our Sea Water Air Conditioning (SWAC) takes advantage of the cold naturally stored in deep ocean water by running the deep ocean water throughout the resort and using it to create the cold for our air conditioning system.
It’s a simple idea—but one that took many years to put into effect. A man ahead of his time (and always curious about outside-the-box ideas), Marlon Brando had heard of the principle as early as the early 1970s. He dreamed of making sea water cooling a reality on Tetiaroa for aquaculture—specifically, the farming of lobsters. He suggested the idea of SWAC to Richard Bailey when the two were trying to resolve the dilemma of relying on renewable energy without compromising on luxury. Richard Bailey’s company Pacific Beachcomber then conceived, developed and installed the world’s first air-conditioning system using SWAC. Brando did not live to see this pioneering idea become a reality, but his vision led to the system we have today.
Carbon Neutral
On Tetiaroa, we are committed to keeping our wildlife thriving, the air we breathe clean, and our lagoon pristine. Toward that end, we have set a goal of net zero carbon impact. We are proud to say we are coming close to achieving that ambitious goal with the resort.
To reduce or eliminate guest travel-related carbon emissions, all our vehicles will ultimately be powered by the sun and we will provide bicycles to all our guests as an option for moving around the island (and for fun!). In addition, we plan to propose a carbon-offset purchase program for inter-island transportation. We encourage you to purchase carbon offsets for your international flights.
Ecostation
Tetiaroa is a rare jewel that we believe can touch people’s consciousness about our interactions with our ecosystems. In the 1970s, Marlon Brando dreamed of building a “university of the sea” on Tetiaroa that would educate others about the many facets of this jewel.
In pursuit of his dream, we established an Ecostation on the island, and gifted it to Tetiaroa Society. The Ecostation – named “Te Fare rauihi” (The House of Multiple Sciences) as part of Tetiaroa Society’s blessing ceremony — is a hub where scientists from around the world can lead research into sustainable interdependence, implement these lessons on Tetiaroa, and teach them globally to improve our relationship with nature. It is a cornerstone of the project Brando envisioned but was unable to complete.
The Ecostation consists of two buildings: one with wet and dry laboratories for research and the other providing accommodations for the scientists and researchers.
Pacific Beachcomber, a key partner in The Brando, has entrusted the operation of the Ecostation to Tetiaroa Society, a nonprofit scientific and cultural organization dedicated to its mission to inspire sustainable interdependence through education, conservation, and creative science.
Platinum LEED Building
Our goal for Tetiaroa is to become the first resort in the world to obtain LEED Platinum certification, the organization’s highest accolade, as a new construction in the campus category. We believe we will achieve this.
Organic Garden
The resort has an organic garden nestled under shade providing palm trees. Most of the fruits and vegetables used in the resort will come from this garden.
When visiting you can see firsthand how we grow vegetables and fruit on this sun-drenched sand-and-coral island. We have implemented some innovative farming techniques that we will be pleased to share with you.
Water & Conservation
The Brando will utilize low-energy water independence and is installing an innovative wastewater management system for irrigation. In addition to water conservation, the resort is implementing a robust recycling and composting program.
The Brando - Tetiaroa is beautiful beyond my capacity to describe.
One could say that Tetiaroa is the tincture of the South Seas.”
------ Marlon Brando
The exquisite Polynesian atoll of Tetiaroa, located 30 miles north of Tahiti, has always been a place of stunning beauty, tranquility and rejuvenation — first for Tahitian royalty, who chose this island above all others for their summer retreat, and later for Marlon Brando who chose it for his personal sanctuary.
On July 2014, the new luxury resort The Brando, opened on this breathtakingly beautiful private atoll. The Brando is unique in concept and scope, combining environmental purity, luxury and Polynesian charm into an exceptional experience.
The Brando is a unique luxury resort on French Polynesia’s breathtakingly beautiful private island of Tetiaroa – an atoll composed of a dozen small islands surrounding a sparkling lagoon 30 miles northeast of Tahiti. The Brando offers carefree luxury in the midst of pristine nature. With access to the island by private plane, the resort features 35 villas on white-sand beaches frequented by sea turtles, manta rays and exotic birds. The resort was designed to reflect Polynesian lifestyles and culture.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide one of the most luxurious, authentic and enriching travel experiences available anywhere in the world in an environmentally sensitive, sustainable and culturally rich manner.
We are committed to preserving and protecting the natural splendor and precious biodiversity of Tetiaroa; respecting and supporting Polynesian culture, hospitality and traditions; and achieving a negligible carbon footprint.
We will support research, education and outreach aimed at increasing the knowledge of and appreciation for the natural and cultural heritage of tropical islands and their people. And we will use, encourage and support innovation to address local and global environmental and sustainability issues.
As stewards of Tetiaroa, we are committed to preserving and protecting the atoll and being a responsible member of both our local and global communities. We will deal fairly and honestly with our staff and suppliers in an atmosphere of mutual trust, accountability and reward.
We will strive to be a model for the rest of the world. We will leave Tetiaroa a better place than when we came and continually seek to enhance the lives of all those who visit.
One Bedroom Villa
(30 Villas)
Inside your 1,033-sq.-ft. (96-sq.-m) villa you will feel right at home. We’ve carefully designed each villa to blend into and enhance the serenity of your surroundings, so you’ll feel as though indoors and outdoors have merged together. The cozy sitting room is furnished with soft and comfortable chairs and sofas. To the side is a media room, where you can listen to music, watch a movie, or use WiFi to keep in touch with friends and family.
A walkthrough dressing area adjoins your spacious bedroom, where a king-size bed invites you to relax and gaze through a large window at the lagoon, visible through a screen of pandanus, miki miki, and coconut trees.
The adjoining bathroom features an outdoor bathtub, set behind a wooden screen. The deck leads to a private, 107-sq.-ft. (10-sq.-m) plunge pool.
Two-Bedroom Villas
(4 Villas)
Enjoy all the appointments of a one-bedroom villa—plus many built-in extras—in any of our four, 1,808-sq.-ft. (168-sq.-m), two-bedroom villas.
Inside, a large, airy living room combines all the features of the one-bedroom villa’s sitting, while giving you the sensation of spaciousness. The living room also provides you with a private dining area with seating for six, a kitchen, and a wide entryway onto a large, two-tiered deck.
In these villas, the second bedroom is situated above the first. The downstairs bedroom features a private dressing area. Upstairs, as you gaze out over the lagoon, you’ll experience a sensation of floating above this opulent tropical vista. This bedroom also features its own dressing area, bathroom, and outdoor bathtub.
Your sense of spaciousness and privacy extends to your 1,658-sq.-ft. (154-sq.-m) private yard, with its larger deck area and 140-sq.-ft. (13-sq.-m) plunge pool.
Three-Bedroom Villa
The 2,648-sq.-ft. (246-sq.-m) three-bedroom villa provides an opportunity for friends or a larger family to stay together. This villa has all the features of the two-bedroom villa but on an even larger scale.
The third bedroom is separated from the main villa by an above-ground walkway, and includes its own dressing room, bathroom, and outdoor bathtub.
We’ve also upgraded the furnishings of your private outdoor space, which includes an expanded deck and a 236 sq. ft. (22 sq. m) pool.
Rates
Our “all inclusive” package offers:
- All meals in our restaurants, at Bob’s bar or your villa:
Breakfast: Served at any time of the day, composed of a wide selection of fruits, pastries, fresh fruit juices, meats, cheeses, cooked eggs of your choice, waffles, pancakes…
Lunch: 2 different menus offering local products, seafood, specialties from French Polynesia and beyond. A vegan menu is also available
Dinner: 2 venue choices available to you :
The BeachComber Café restaurant offers you an international and light menu.
Fine dining restaurant “Les Mutinés”, in partnership between our Executive Chef Bertrand Jeanson and the award-winning cuisine of Guy Martin of the two-star Michelin restaurant “Le Grand Véfour” in Paris, offers you a gourmet menu of refined and delicate flavors.
Room Service: available at any time (note a surcharge will be applied for all orders between 10:00pm and 06:00am.)
- A wide selection of non-alcoholic and alcoholic* beverages without restriction on our beers, spirits, and house wines and champagnes at any time of day
- Mini bar replenished daily
- Nightly turndown services
- Unlimited WIFI internet access in your villa and public areas
- Access to the fitness center and tennis court at any time
- Certain activities, such as an introduction to scuba diving, boat excursions to explore the island, paddle board and canoe lessons, local crafts (weaving and “pareo” painting), or discovery of the eco-station. Please consult with your Concierge for more information or to arrange any bookings.
- Bicycles at your disposal during your stay to explore the island
- A 50 minute spa treatment for one person per room per day
* Some services and items (premium wines and other selected products on our luxury goods menu) are not part of the all-inclusive offer but are available at an additional fee.
Getting There
Airlines from around the world offer flights to Faa’a International Airport in Papeete, Tahiti. From Tahiti it’s a short but spectacular 20-minute flight to Tetiaroa onboard Air Tetiaroa. Our concierge will arrange this portion of your trip with you.
Air Tetiaroa
Travel from Tahiti to Tetiaroa is by private aircraft operated by Air Tetiaroa — the exclusive provider of passenger service to the island. Air Tetiaroa operates two eight-passenger Britten Norman aircraft which depart from a private terminal at Faa’a International Airport in Tahiti.
When your international or domestic flight arrives at Faa’a International Airport, you’ll be transferred to Air Tetiaroa’s private terminal for your 20-minute flight to paradise. Although the flight is brief, it will provide you an unforgettable introduction to Tetiaroa.
Explore
At The Brando, you will find an abundance of activities from bicycling, snorkeling and bird watching to diving and paddle boarding.
Here you are not just observing nature; you are in it. You can don a snorkeling mask and witness underwater life at a coral garden firsthand, encountering such marine life as sea turtles, rays, reef sharks and a dazzling array of tropical fish. Or you can explore the spectacular lagoon or other motus by Polynesian outrigger canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. Or simply swim at Mermaid Bay or relax on the beach or by the pool. You may spend all your time on the main island or explore any of the untouched private islands surrounding the lagoon.
You can also visit our Library and Explorer Center, where you can read books about French Polynesia and attend lectures and demonstrations about Polynesian culture, history, and lifestyle. And the onsite research scientists will also be delighted to talk about their research and the amazing birds and marine life found on the atoll.
Outdoor and Sports Activities
- Gym, aqua gym, fitness and stretching lessons
- Snorkeling in the coral gardens and entire lagoon
- Exploration of the lagoon by kayak or Polynesian outrigger canoe (va’a)
- Exploration of Motu Onetahi on a naturalist trail
- Scuba lessons in the lagoon and open ocean scuba diving outside the reef
- Tennis
- Biking
Biologist of the Day Excursions with Naturalist Guides
- Bird discovery tour
- Reef quest
- Turtle Night (November to March)
Tetiaroa ultimate tour
- A unique tour of the atoll on a comfortable roofed boat with a naturalist guide
Research Station
- Guided tour with researcher
Art and Culture
Art and Culture
- Polynesia dance lessons
- Polynesian music lessons with ukulele, pahu or toere
- Polynesian handicraft lessons
- Pareu dyeing
- Food, wine and cocktail lessons
- Tahitian cuisine demonstrations and lessons
Varua Polynesian Spa
- Modern and Polynesian spa treatments
Yoga
Lagoon School
- Especially designed for children from 6 to 12 years old
Whale Watching
- Whale watching tours August to October with naturalist guide and professional scuba diver
Deep Sea Fishing
- Deep sea fishing in the open ocean off the reef
Photo Safari
- A private photographic safari with a professional photographer
Meals / Dinner shows
- Private romantic dinner on the beach
- Traditional Tahitian dance shows weekly
After Dinner Entertainment On The Beach
- Music at Bob’s Bar outdoor lounge on the beach
- Movie at Bob’s Bar outdoor lounge on the beach
- Naturalist lectures presented by a scientist or one of our naturalist guides
- Storytelling: stories and tales from French Polynesia and Tetiaroa
Day Tour to Tahiti or Moorea
- Full day tour of either island.
Note: Activities are subject to weather conditions and may be changed without notice.
Spa
Varua Polynesian Spa is a natural haven of serenity nestled on the shores of a soothing pond in the heart of Motu Onetahi. This is the spot on Tetiaroa where the Tahitian royal family retreated to relax and indulge in beauty rituals.
Within this setting you can enjoy the finest holistic treatments inspired by ancient Polynesian traditions coupled with modern techniques. The spa includes private massage and treatment villas around the pond, steam baths, a tea and relaxation lounge overlooking the pond, a yoga shelter and a special spa suite for couples high up in the palm trees.
Dining
The resort’s two restaurants showcase Polynesian-inspired dishes, East/West fusion and classic French cuisine. The award-winning cuisine of Guy Martin of the Michelin two star restaurant Le Grand Véfour in Paris is featured in both dining venues and in-room dining.
At all our dining venues you will enjoy the freshest of ingredients. Our chef will select for the day’s dishes organically grown fruits and vegetables from our own gardens and orchards. These may include mangos, papayas, tomatoes, green beans, lettuce, cucumbers, squash, avocados, breadfruit, bananas, limes, watermelon and more. We feature fish and shellfish from Polynesian waters.
Beachcomber Café
Our Beachcomber Café restaurant offers exceptional lagoon and ocean views, whether you decide to dine indoors or on the beach. Dishes include a varied menu of Polynesian-inspired dishes alongside classic French cuisine.
Les Mutinés
This intimate venue features elegant décor in beautiful tones of tropical light and sand and a moat that surrounds the restaurant provides the sensation of floating on a lagoon. The restaurant also includes a world-class wine cellar in a carefully climate-controlled glass enclosure. A menu with the same regard for flavor and quality that has made Le Grand Véfour one of the most respected dining establishments in Paris is showcased.
Te Manu Bar
Located on the second floor, this open-air bar features spectacular views of the lagoon, distant motus and sunsets. In addition to the main lounge, there are several private tree-top seating areas that can be reached on walkways through the palm canopy.
Bob’s Bar
This is a relaxed and casual setting on the beach for conversation and making friends. The bar is named for Marlon Brando’s factotum on film sets. At the end of many days, Brando and Bob would wind up at the bar for long talks and laughs. We have named the bar in honor of Bob and all others who have worked, and continue to work, anonymously to bring Brando’s visions to life.
Room Service
You can enjoy a meal whenever you want, 24 hours a day, at your villa—either indoors, on your private deck alongside your pool, or on the beach in front of your villa.
Flora and Fauna
The reef surrounding Tetiaroa and the large and spectacular coral beds in the inner and outer lagoons provide a perfect place for marine life to flourish. At least 167 fish species have been observed around the atoll, from colorful parrotfish and spotted eagle rays to blacktip sharks and bonefish. Whales often pause at Tetiaroa during their annual migrations, and dolphins frequently play off the reef. During the nesting season, large sea turtles come to lay their eggs on the coral sands beneath the trees.
Beautiful tropical birds are found throughout Tetiaroa, but one of the motus, Tahuna Iti or “Bird Island”, is a favorite. Thousands of birds roost here every evening. There are parrots and other land birds, but most are seabirds, including the noddy and the majestic great frigate. Every evening the “permanent residents” are joined by an exodus of birds from Tahiti, which make the short flight across the sea to roost in the safety of the dense vegetation, free from predators.
On the twelve motus there are 38 indigenous plants, six of them very rare. These plants range from very small flowers to the magnificent Puatea, pisonia grandis, rising up to 65 feet in height. It is no surprise that international plant hunters and botanists have organized at least nine expeditions to Tetiaroa since 1921.
Stewardship
We consider ourselves stewards of Tetiaroa, and believe that we have the responsibility to treat it with the highest level of care and respect. Almost all of Tetiaroa is being protected and preserved forever in its natural state. We have touched the motu on which the resort sits as lightly as possible. The Brando and all the villas have been designed without beach obstructions to blend harmoniously into the trees. We have used local materials extensively in the design and construction. All building materials used are of local or certified origin, renewable, or incorporate recycled components. We are using a pioneering deep seawater air-conditioning system to reduce energy demands and rely entirely on renewable energy sources including solar power and coconut oil. Setting a new world standard, the resort is carbon neutral and close to self-sustainable. We have built and gifted an Ecostation to Tetiaroa Society, the nonprofit organization established to lead the scientific and cultural mission to protect the atoll and to inspire sustainable interdependence on Tetiaroa and around the world.
Renewable Energy
At the Brando we have implemented a number of innovative programs and new technologies to help us achieve our goal of carbon neutrality:
- Sea Water Air Conditioning (SWAC) harnesses the cold of the ocean depths to provide low-energy, highly efficient cooling for all the buildings, reducing energy demands by almost 70%.
- Solar energy produced from photovoltaic solar panels along the airstrip provide over half of the resort’s remaining energy needs (showing how to make typically unused space like this productive) and solar heating provides all of the resort’s hot water.
- A coconut oil (biofuel) power station provide the other half of the resort’s energy needs. Fueled by locally produced coconut oil, this renewable power source will also support the local economy.
- Flow-batteries for storage of energy generated from solar power are made primarily from recyclable materials and have a service life of thousands of deep discharge cycles.
Sea Water Air Conditioning
Our Sea Water Air Conditioning (SWAC) takes advantage of the cold naturally stored in deep ocean water by running the deep ocean water throughout the resort and using it to create the cold for our air conditioning system.
It’s a simple idea—but one that took many years to put into effect. A man ahead of his time (and always curious about outside-the-box ideas), Marlon Brando had heard of the principle as early as the early 1970s. He dreamed of making sea water cooling a reality on Tetiaroa for aquaculture—specifically, the farming of lobsters. He suggested the idea of SWAC to Richard Bailey when the two were trying to resolve the dilemma of relying on renewable energy without compromising on luxury. Richard Bailey’s company Pacific Beachcomber then conceived, developed and installed the world’s first air-conditioning system using SWAC. Brando did not live to see this pioneering idea become a reality, but his vision led to the system we have today.
Carbon Neutral
On Tetiaroa, we are committed to keeping our wildlife thriving, the air we breathe clean, and our lagoon pristine. Toward that end, we have set a goal of net zero carbon impact. We are proud to say we are coming close to achieving that ambitious goal with the resort.
To reduce or eliminate guest travel-related carbon emissions, all our vehicles will ultimately be powered by the sun and we will provide bicycles to all our guests as an option for moving around the island (and for fun!). In addition, we plan to propose a carbon-offset purchase program for inter-island transportation. We encourage you to purchase carbon offsets for your international flights.
Ecostation
Tetiaroa is a rare jewel that we believe can touch people’s consciousness about our interactions with our ecosystems. In the 1970s, Marlon Brando dreamed of building a “university of the sea” on Tetiaroa that would educate others about the many facets of this jewel.
In pursuit of his dream, we established an Ecostation on the island, and gifted it to Tetiaroa Society. The Ecostation – named “Te Fare rauihi” (The House of Multiple Sciences) as part of Tetiaroa Society’s blessing ceremony — is a hub where scientists from around the world can lead research into sustainable interdependence, implement these lessons on Tetiaroa, and teach them globally to improve our relationship with nature. It is a cornerstone of the project Brando envisioned but was unable to complete.
The Ecostation consists of two buildings: one with wet and dry laboratories for research and the other providing accommodations for the scientists and researchers.
Pacific Beachcomber, a key partner in The Brando, has entrusted the operation of the Ecostation to Tetiaroa Society, a nonprofit scientific and cultural organization dedicated to its mission to inspire sustainable interdependence through education, conservation, and creative science.
Platinum LEED Building
Our goal for Tetiaroa is to become the first resort in the world to obtain LEED Platinum certification, the organization’s highest accolade, as a new construction in the campus category. We believe we will achieve this.
Organic Garden
The resort has an organic garden nestled under shade providing palm trees. Most of the fruits and vegetables used in the resort will come from this garden.
When visiting you can see firsthand how we grow vegetables and fruit on this sun-drenched sand-and-coral island. We have implemented some innovative farming techniques that we will be pleased to share with you.
Water & Conservation
The Brando will utilize low-energy water independence and is installing an innovative wastewater management system for irrigation. In addition to water conservation, the resort is implementing a robust recycling and composting program.
