THE BRANDO
Motu Onetahi, Tetiaroa Private Island, French Polynesia

Our Thoughts on The Brando
Named after Marlon Brando who spent a great deal of time on Tetiaroa having “discovered” the atoll during the filming of “Mutiny On The Bounty” then acquiring ownership in 1967.

Tetiaroa Atoll is an amazing place.  The atoll is to the north of Tahiti and Moorea, 20 minutes by light aircraft and sits in solitary splendour out in the Pacific Ocean.  As is the case with atolls, the 12 individual motus (islands) of Tetiaroa formed around the top of a long-extinct underwater volcano with the individual coral islands having grown around the wide crater rim of the original underwater mountain.  Each of these motus is a low-lying picturesque, natural gem and when you stay at The Brando you have access to every one of them by paddle board, kayak or canoe, although the far side of the atoll is quite a distance away. Every motu has a totally natural interior dotted with tropical trees – Coconut Palms, Pandanus and many rare flowering trees and shrubs.  One motu is a special roost for birds of many kinds, turtles frequent most motus, the surrounding lagoon teems with tropical fish and whales visit during their migration season. 

Onetahi Motu, on which The Brando and the Tetiaroa Airport are both located, is one of these natural wonders.  The beaches and bays are perfect and the interior of the motu has been maintained in its natural state.  The interior of Onetahi Motu is flat and ideal for cycling and walking.  The Resort itself has been built to strict environmental standards and it shows.  The individual Villas blend in with the surroundings so well and the normal peace and tranquillity of the island has been perfectly maintained, even the tennis court has been placed a distance back from the villas in order to minimise the sound of the thwack of the tennis ball against the racquet for the residents of the villas. They’ve thought of everything when developing The Brando.

As you would expect from a 6 Star property every detail has been thoroughly planned and every service and facility is absolutely top class.  The Villas have every conceivable comfort within their tropical ambience.  Dining is a special treat at The Brando.  The resort has 2 main restaurants, The Beachcomber Café and the intimate Les Mutinés.

Quoting The Brando:
“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.

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 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.”

When The Brando opened in 2014, the resort offered only a “Fully-Inclusive” tariff, this still exists, but due to popular demand since, a Villa and Breakfast-Only” rate option is also available now.

 Included in the tariff at The Brando:
● Your stay in a luxurious private Beachfront Villa.
The All-Inclusive Tariff includes:
● Dining in all dining venues (Deluxe items are available
     at an additional charge)
● The option of 24-hour dining in the privacy of the Villa
     - Deluxe items are available at an additional charge.
     - A surcharge is payable for villa service meals served
       between 10:00pm and 6:00am.
● Most beverages - bottled water, soft drinks, beers, wines,
     French champagne, spirits - premium wines, premium
     French champagnes and premium spirits are available
     at an additional charge).
● One excursion per person and per day from the
     Concierge's activities list (Shared basis)
● One 50 minute Spa Treatment daily per Villa with the
     1 bedroom Villa.
● Two 50 minute Spa Treatments daily per Villa with the
     2 bedroom Villa.
● Three 50 minute Spa Treatments daily per Villa with the
     3 bedroom Villa.
● Access to the Fitness Centre and tennis court.
● A Bicycle per person (including kids) at the Villa
● Access to beach equipment - Kayak, Paddle Board, 
     Outrigger Canoe, Snorkelling Gear.
● Unlimited internet access at the Villa and public areas.
● 24/7 unlimited online access to a selection of
     world-wide newspapers and magazines.

The Accommodation and Breakfast Tariff includes:
● American Breakfast either taken at the restaurant or in
      the privacy of your Villa
● Access to the Fitness Centre and tennis court.
● A Bicycle per person (including kids) at the Villa
● Access to beach equipment - Kayak, Paddle Board, 
     Outrigger Canoe, Snorkelling Gear.
● Unlimited internet access at the Villa and public areas.
● 24/7 unlimited online access to a selection of 
     world-wide newspapers and magazines.
Note: The Accommodation and Breakfast rate is not 
     offered for stays over The Festive Season

What The Brando Say About Themselves
“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 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.

The Brando combines luxury and environmental sustainability like no other resort in the world. Guests can enjoy exceptional, six-star facilities and services—along with the satisfaction of knowing that all of these facilities are 100% energy independent.

Private villas are located along the coasts of the motu Onetahi, set back from beach amid the atoll’s lush vegetation for maximum privacy. Guests can dine in one of two restaurants on the atoll, indulge themselves at the Bird’s Nest Spa located over a freshwater lagoon, and discover the motu’s thriving landscape, including the organic vegetable garden and fruit orchard.

The island’s electricity requirements are met by a combination of solar panels (35%) and coconut oil-fuelled generators (20%), while the sea water air conditioning system (45%) will use deep sea water pumped from 950 meters (nearly 3,000 feet) below the surface to cool rooms efficiently and economically."

 The List of Activities Available at The Brando:
Note: Activities are subject to weather conditions and may be changed without notice.
Charges may apply.
Library and Explorer Center
● Read books about French Polynesia and attend lectures and demonstrations about Polynesian culture, history, and lifestyle. 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
● Snorkeling in the coral gardens and entire lagoon
● Paddle boarding (lessons available)
● Exploration of the lagoon by kayak or Polynesian
     outrigger canoe (va’a)
● Exploration of Motu Onetahi on a naturalist trail
● Naturalist guided tours
● Scuba lessons in the lagoon and open ocean scuba diving
     outside the reef
● Tennis
● Cycling
● Gym, aqua gym, fitness and stretching lessons
Biologist of the Day Excursions with Naturalist Guides
● “Birds of Tetiaroa”
● “The Coral Reef of Tetiaroa”
● “Green Sea Turtles of Tetiaroa” (October to March)
Tetiaroa “Big Five” Tour 
● A unique tour of the atoll on a comfortable roofed boat
     with a naturalist guide
Varua Polynesian Spa
● Modern and Polynesian spa treatments
● Yoga
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
Meals / Dinner shows
● Private picnic on an islet (motu)
● 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 the naturalist guides
● Storytelling: stories and tales from French Polynesia
     and Tetiaroa
● The night of the stars: get to know the Polynesian sky
● Lagoon School - Especially designed for children from
     6 to 16 years old
Photo Safari
● A private photographic safari with a professional
     photographer
Whale Watching
● Whale watching tours July to November with naturalist
     guide and professional scuba diver
Deep Sea Fishing
● Deep sea fishing in the open ocean off the reef
Research Station
● Guided tour with researcher.
Day Tour to Tahiti or Moorea
● Full day tour of either island.

Your Accommodation Options
The Brando’s Central Facility is built on the south-western point of Onetahi Motu with “Bob’s Bar” located right on the point.  The villas are spread out along beautiful, natural beaches on each side of the point with the South Villas facing Mermaid Bay and the West Villas (famous for their view of the sunset) face either west over Sunset Beach or north-west over Turtle Beach.  Of the 35 Villas, 30 are 1 Bedroom Villas, 4 are 2 Bedroom Villas and there is one 3 Bedroom Villa.  All are beachfront and presented at a 6 Star standard. Each features timber plank flooring, high cathedral ceilings with natural thatched roof, a modern white/beige/taupe décor, air-conditioning, Wifi, extensive decking and a private plunge pool.

The Brando has a minimum 2 consecutive nights stay policy year-round with a change happening for the Festive Season 2017/2018 when, for stays 21 December 2017 to 10 January 2018, the minimum stay requirement is 5 consecutive nights.

Room Categories
 1 Bedroom Villas:
At 96m² the 1 Bedroom Villas offer plenty of space for a couple or a small family.  The Villa is split-level with the bedroom and walk-through dressing room up 3 steps from the lounge and media room providing direct access to the 10m² private plunge pool and deck off the lounge while the raised bedroom provides a superb, private view through the Pandanus and Coconut Palms to the beach and the lagoon bay beyond. 
The bathroom is a work of art with a rain shower and spacious vanity and a stand-alone outdoor bathtub set behind a wooden screen. The cosy 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 and make use of the Wifi connectivity.
Maximum Occupancy: 2 Adults or 2 Adults and 2 Children aged up to 17 years.
Existing Bedding: 1 King Bed or 2 Single Beds.
Additional Bedding: The Sofa in the Media Room can fold out to provide a bed for 2 children sharing.

 2 Bedroom Villas:
2 Bedroom Villas are 168m² and feature all the appointments of the 1 Bedroom Villas – with extras such as a private dining area with 6 seat dining setting, a kitchen and a two-tiered deck with a 13m² plunge pool and a walled private courtyard as well.
In these villas, the second bedroom is situated above the first. The downstairs bedroom features a private dressing area and bathroom with outdoor bathtub. The upstairs bedroom also features its own dressing area, bathroom, and outdoor bathtub.
Maximum Occupancy: 4 guests
Existing Bedding: 1 King Bed in each bedroom.
Additional Bedding: No additional bedding provided.

 The 3 Bedroom Villa:
An exceptional villa at 246m², with a 22m² private plunge pool, the 3 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, including kitchen and dining, 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 and the villa’s 3^rd ensuite bathroom which also has an outdoor bathtub.
Maximum Occupancy: 6 guests
Existing Bedding: 1 King Bed in each bedroom.
Additional Bedding: No additional bedding provided.

Getting To and From The Brando
Access between Tahiti and 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. On arrival at Faa’a International Airport on your international or domestic flight, guests are transferred to Air Tetiaroa’s private terminal for a 20-minute scenic flight to Tetiaroa Airport. Tetiaroa Airport is located on Onetahi Motu which it shares with The Brando. Viewing the whole Tetiaroa Atoll from the air as you approach the island is one of the many highlights of a stay at The Brando.

 Special Hotel Rates for transit stays in Tahiti
Special rates are available for day room or overnight stays at InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa immediately before and/or after a stay at The Brando.

Our Specialists take care of arrangements for transfers as required/agreed to make connections as seamless as possible.

Kids’ Policy
Children are welcome at The Brando all year.
Children in 1 Bedroom Villas:
Up to 2 children aged under 12 years staying with up to 2 adults and sharing the fold-out Sofa Bed in the villa’s Media Room stay free of charge.
Up to 2 Children aged 12 to 17 years inclusive, staying with up to 2 adults and sharing the fold-out Sofa Bed in the villa’s Media Room stay and dine at a minimal additional cost.
Children in 2 and 3 Bedroom Villas:
2 and 3 Bedroom Villas have a flat-rate tariff for up to 4 or 6 persons respectively irrespective of whether guests are adults or adults and children sharing.

The Brando offers a unique “Lagoon School” especially for young people aged 6 to 16 years.

 Kids Lagoon School
The Brando offers a unique “Lagoon School” which is open daily on request from 8:30am to 4:30pm especially for young people aged 6 to 12 years.

“Programs are devised to educate children using various fun pedagogic activities and board games.  They will also participate in lectures, visits, treasure hunts and discoveries in the field.  Our goal is to educate the future generations to become eco-citizens.  All of that including various information on the atoll of Tetiaroa with many fun surprises”.

Babysitting is easily arranged at a nominal hourly rate.

 Kids Meals:
As with adults, kids’ meals are included in the nightly tariff on the "Fully Inclusive" Rate.  While there is no specific kids menu offered The Brando staff will go out of their way to satisfy children dining needs.

Check-in/Check-out
Check in time is 3:00pm
Check out time is 11:00am
Check-ins prior to 3:00pm and checkouts after 11:00am are available at a charge
Transit/overnight packages to connect are available at a special rate at InterContinental Resort Tahiti and The Brando strongly recommends guests contemplating same-day connections between Tahiti and Tetiaroa make use of an overnight stay in Tahiti.

The information on this page is correct as at 27 August 2018 and is based on our supplier contracts which are valid for stays to 31 March 2019.  All information shown is subject to change without notice.