Paradise Found: The Brando
Updated: Jul 8, 2021
The Brando
There are some hotels that tug at your heartstrings from the very first photo. I knew from the moment that I was introduced to The Brando that I was destined to stay there. Lucky for me, my 10th Wedding Anniversary presented the perfect opportunity.
We arrived into Fa’a’a airport from our stay in Bora Bora at the St. Regis and Four Seasons. After collecting our luggage we made our way to the Air Tetiaroa terminal.
Aie Tetiaroa has their own private terminal and their planes serve one and only one destination, Tetiaroa, also known as Marlon Brando’s private island, or simply The Brando.
I am a fan of traveling, but not so much of flying, so I was a little hesitant about the small plane, but thankfully the views are gorgeous and it is a short flight.
Upon arrival at The Brando, all guests are greeted with music and dancing, have their photographs taken, and are whisked away on golf carts to their villas.
We spent seven nights in a One Bedroom Villa which is a generous 1,033-sq.-ft. (96-sq.-m). The resort also offers two and three bedroom villa options. The Brando is a new build from the ground up and the villas reflect a thoughtful and balanced design; neither to heavy on form, nor on function.
There is a media room with flat screen television, sofa, and desk. This opens into a living room with dining table, mini-fridge, and coffee / tea area. You then proceed up a short flight of stairs to the bedroom with attached dressing area and bathroom with tub outside, for baths while stargazing.
The best part about the villa, however, was the outside. The views were stunning, the grounds were lush and private, the plunge pool deep and cool.
It is truly an eco-friendly resort that doesn’t compromise on luxury. Cold air conditioning from sea water, plenty of hot water in your shower from the sun, rain water in the toilets.
They don’t play lip service to an environmental ethic with a stupid placard on your bed whose sole purpose is to save the hotel money, nor do they skimp on providing the quality level that guests expect.
In fact, their groundbreaking non-toxic mosquito eradication project means that you are almost guaranteed a bite free vacation. No repellent required!
If you book the all-inclusive plan then all meals and drinks are included in your rate, as well as activities and spa treatments (the number of which depends on the length of your stay). I absolutely loved having the spa treatments included as I don’t normally indulge in multiple spa visits.
View from the Varua Spa
There are two restaurants and two bars at The Brando, and far and away our favorite was Bob’s Bar. It truly is one of the word’s great beach bars. They have a great mixology program, and some addictive bar snacks.
Finished with your cocktail? How about a dip in the pool? There is only one on property, yet hardly anyone was ever there. On an island where everyone has their own beachfront pool, there is no shortage of swimming opportunities.
In short, it is a unique and exclusive experience that you cannot have anywhere in the world. Contact us today to discuss your next vacation at The Brando.
Exclusively for Virtuoso guests:
For 2016 & 2017
Upgrades are not applicable with this participant
Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two in room guests
100 EURO Resort or Hotel credit per villa to be utilized during stay (cannot be used at Hinerava Pearl Shop, not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
