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Tahiti’s Newest Luxury Resort: The Brando

  • Updated: January 27, 2015

With no overwater bungalows at The Brando (Marlon Brando banned them in favor of keeping the atoll in its pristine state), it’s easy to imagine yourself as the Tahitian royalty who used to summer on the untouched motus in the 1700s.

Air Tetiaroa, the island’s private airline, has its own terminal at Tahiti’s international airport. The flight, on an eight-passenger Britten Norman, is 20 minutes of pure eye candy. Courtesy The Brando
After a Tahitian welcome, head to the beach. The beach bar to be exact. One sip of the Dirty Old Bob (get the recipe here) and all your worries will be forgotten. Lori Barbely
The ocean or your own private plunge pool — that’s the hardest choice you’ll have to make while you’re at the Brando. Lori Barbely
Keeping with the resort’s sustainable mission, coconut oil and solar panels are used to power the island. Sea Water Air Conditioning (SWAC), a technology that takes advantage of chilled deep-sea water, is used to keep interior spaces cool. Lori Barbely
Though there are 35 villas on the island, odds are good you may never see your neighbor. Privacy was crucial to Marlon Brando, and it’s evident in the design of the resort. Lori Barbely
Spend a day with a naturalist guide and explore the uninhabited motus. The small islands are home to coconut crabs and a number of species of birds, including the red-breasted black frigate. Lori Barbely
Don your mask and fins to join sea turtles, reef sharks and rays in the lagoon’s coral garden. Courtesy The Brando
The Fare Manu suite at the resort’s Varua Polynesian spa is the perfect place to experience a traditional Polynesian massage complete with local tamanu oil. The oil’s healing properties make it a favorite among Tahitians. Courtesy The Brando
Indulge in an all-natural spa treatment first enjoyed by Tahitian royalty and later, the Brando family. Scoop handfuls of clay from beneath the sand and spread it over your skin for a skin-softening mask. Lori Barbely
With two restaurants (featuring the cuisine of Michelin two-star chef Guy Martin), two bars and 24-hour room service, you’ll never go hungry. Lori Barbely
Saying farewell is the hardest part, but if you’re like most guests (including me), you’ll be planning your next visit before you even leave the island. Lori Barbely
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