Hotels · Arue, France
The Brando
ARUE, FRANCE
Our take
Tetiaroa is Marlon Brando's private atoll, and it still feels that way — 36 pool villas, no day-trippers, no noise beyond the reef. The organic garden feeds the kitchens; the EcoStation isn't greenwashing, it's the actual heartbeat of the island. Come here if you want total erasure from the world, Polynesian spa rituals, and three serious restaurants without leaving paradise. If you need a nightlife scene, shopping, or anything resembling a city pulse, this will feel like exile. It isn't for everyone. That's precisely the point.
Notable Features
- Private island exclusive to guests
- 36 ocean-view pool villas
- Three gourmet dining options
- Varua Te Ora Polynesian Spa
- Large organic garden and EcoStation
💡 Insider Tip
"Book a massage in the Fare Manu treetop bungalow for an unforgettable, serene experience surrounded by nature."
Overview
The Brando is the ultimate private island resort located on French Polynesia’s breathtakingly beautiful atoll of Tetiaroa. Tetiaroa spans a spectacular three-mile wide lagoon surrounded by small islands (motus) that are exquisitely pristine and exclusive only to our resort guests' and visiting researchers.
One of only two Forbes 5-star resorts in French Polynesia, access to the island of Tetiaroa is provided by Air Tetiaroa via a quick 20-minute private plane flight from Papeete, Tahiti (PPT). Our private island resort features just 36 expansive pool villas & residences (1,033 SF - 6,800 SF), each featuring an ocean-view pool, expansive outdoor decks and secluded white-sand beach (1,600 SF - 3,400 SF) with lagoon access frequented by sea turtles, tropical fishes, and exotic birds.
The Brando offers three restaurants showcasing Polynesian-inspired dishes, East/West fusion, classic French cuisine and Japanese specialties. The all-day Beachcomber Cafe is the perfect place to capture sunsets; Michelin fine-dining is featured at Les Mutines; and Nami is an intimate, eight-seat venue serving classic teppanyaki prepared by Japanese Chef Kaito Nakamura.
Varua Te Ora Polynesian Spa is the one-of-a-kind spa at the heart of the motu. Here you will find the iconic Fare Manu ("Bird's Nest") massage bungalow in the treetops, indoor treatment villas and an open-air massage pavilion, all perched on a serene lily-covered pond. A steam room, relaxation area and 24-hour fitness center add to the spa experience.
The Brando also boasts one of the largest organic gardens in French Polynesia where a wide variety of fruits and vegetables for the resort’s restaurants are grown; a lagoon-view bar, Te Manu, in the canopy of the palm trees; the funky-chic Bob's Bar on the beach near a large infinity pool is a social hot spot at the resort; a natural grass tennis court; Polynesian cultural center; two boutiques; and a comprehensive environmental research station run by the Tetiaroa Society team.
There are over 18 unique diversions and activities available to our guests. Guests can snorkel or dive with tropical fishes, sail or paddle board to a neighboring motu (island), kayak above coral gardens, test their skills at deep-sea fishing and fly-fishing in the lagoon, explore Bird Island & visit the Queen's bath in our secret lagoon, or enjoy a guided tour of our pioneering sustainable technology and scientific EcoStation. Each beach villa also features a bicycle for each guest to explore at leisure the various pathways around the island, take a picnic to a favorite beach and discover Jack's Cold Plunge, the ultimate wellness ritual using ice cold sea-water for a refreshing and therapeutic cold water immersion.
Come see our private island paradise and rediscover what makes you truly happy!
Sustainability Initiatives +
The Brando is a world leader in sustainable hospitality and holds the distinction of being the first LEED Platinum-Certified resort in French Polynesia. Our passionate commitment to the protection of the environment is carried out by programs and technologies such as:
- Groundbreaking Sea Water Air Conditioning (SWAC) system that uses deep sea water to cool all resort villas, residences, restaurants, bars, spa & boutiques.
- The use of biofuels for power,
- A 5,000 panel solar energy complex,
- An expansive water reclamation, retention and desalination complex,
- Focused and strategic recycling programs that have enabled the resort to win the prestigious "Tortue d'Or" award,
- Consistent use of recycled and/or local materials for construction,
- Creation of the Tetiaroa Society to protect the ecology and culture of the island, conduct research and carry out educational programs,
- A dedicated research EcoStation.
Also consider
If The Brando is full — or not quite it
France, designed around you.
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