The Brando in French Polynesia Was Once Home to Marlon …

Life should be celebrated with the people we love, and we all know creating memories ranks higher than buying material goods in today’s society. The number of people planning special experiences for milestone celebrations is continuing to rise.

For a next-level celebration experience, consider the ultimate privilege of renting a private island — to be enjoyed exclusively by your group for a few days, or even a week.

Look no further than The Brando, a private island resort in the heart of the Tetiaroa Atoll. Here, you can enjoy an oasis of Polynesian history, tranquility, and environmental stewardship. The resort is all-inclusive, meaning your package will include all meals, snacks, most beverages — including wines, Champagnes, and spirits — a mini bar, and in-villa dining, as well as daily spa and activities. 

This haven was once a cherished retreat of Pomare royalty, and then became home to the legendary actor Marlon Brando from 1966 into the 1990’s. Now, this one-of-a kind sanctuary could be your base for an out-of-this-world celebration.

Who Can Join You

The Brando has a total of 36 pool villas, each holding between one and four bedrooms. Private resort buyouts are available and typically cater to 40 to 80 guests.

If you want to bring your little ones, The Brando has a Lagoon School specifically designed for kids, featuring island activities, from snorkeling to educational forest walks, so parents can relax in paradise.

Getting There

French Polynesia is easily accessible from the West Coast, so it’s not as hard to get to as you might think. With direct flights to Papeete, Tahiti, from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and now Seattle, you can expect to be greeted by a dedicated driver who will escort you to The Brando’s private, air-conditioned lounge. After a short safety briefing, you will board a 20-minute scenic seaplane flight to Tetiaroa — where the views are incredible.

Culinary Experiences

The property has three restaurants and two lounges, with menus designed by chef Jean Imbert, whose restaurant at Paris’s Plaza Athénee was awarded a Michelin star. His cuisine is a fusion of Polynesian delights and global influences.

Things to Do

Your program can be fully customized to ensure everyone is entertained and the activities are perfectly crafted to your party’s preferences and needs.

Daytime activities include fly fishing in a century-old lagoon, kayaking in the pristine waters, and cooking classes (you can learn to make poisson cru, the Polynesian version of ceviche, made with limes, coconut milk, and freshly caught bluefin tuna).

During the evening, indulge in barefoot dinners in the sand, movie nights on the beach, and spectacular stargazing.

For the water lovers, you can explore, swim, and snorkel around the coral reefs, which create a protective barrier around the island’s white sand beaches and lagoon.

Lastly, spa lovers will adore The Varua Polynesian Spa, where you can enjoy a blend of ancient local traditions mixed with modern wellness practices.

Sustainability

The resort is meticulously designed to minimize resource use, eliminate waste, mitigate environmental impact, and optimize lifecycle efficiency.

When to Go

Tetiaroa sits just below the equator and does not have a hurricane season, ensuring warm weather year-round. 

Island buyouts have a minimum three-night stay starting at $149,196 per night plus taxes. Seaplane charters are not included. 

Want to craft an unforgettable celebration in paradise? Kemi Wells-Conrad is a featured A-Lister for Australia, French Polynesia and New Zealand, and can help bring your dream vision to life. kemi@wellsluxurytravel.com