The Brando

The Brando sits on the impeccable atoll of Tetiaroa, 30 miles north of Tahiti, surrounded by pristine beaches and aquamarine waters. 

There are 35 secluded and self-sufficient thatched-roof villas at The Brando, ranging from one to three bedrooms, each assuming the appearance of an authentic Polynesian hut from the outside, but with spacious and contemporary interiors. All of the villas are on their own glorious patch of white-sanded beach and have outdoor bathtubs, a private pool and a deck for private evening dining or simply sunbathing.

Carefully selected and hand-picked ingredients, including fresh fruit and vegetables from the organic gardens, make up the daily menus at the hotel's exceptional restaurants, where locally-inspired Polynesian dishes appear alongside French and Japanese classics. Expect quality and flavour at the highest level, alongside a world-class wine cellar and a selection of Sake wines.

The Beachcomber Café has a pergola on the beach, while Les Mutinés is surrounded by a moat, giving diners the sensation of floating on a lagoon, while the Nami teppanyaki restaurant is intimate and elegant. Delicious and innovative vegan options are available too, inspired by cuisine from around the globe.

Enjoy sunset drinks at Te Manu, overlooking the lagoon, where you'll find several private treetop spots, reached on walkways through the palms, or at Bob's (named after a friend of Brando's), which is right on the beach.

The blissful spa, nestled in the tropical gardens, with massage and treatment villas set around a lily-covered pond, offers a range of holistic treatments inspired by traditional Polynesian techniques, and has a steam bath, a waterfall, a tea lounge and several tranquil relaxation areas. There's also a large infinity pool by the beach and a tennis court.

Marlon Brando himself was practically an honorary Tahitian, referring to Tetiaroa as his personal paradise. Discover what he loved so much about this corner of the world by biking along the palm tree-fringed paths that lace through the island (each villa is provided with bicycles) and finding a secluded spot for a picnic, diving alongside manta rays, reef sharks and sea turtles around nearby coral reefs, or paddle-boarding around the neighbouring motus to fully appreciate the islets in all their glory. Between July and October you can go whale watching with a naturalist guide. 

Find out more about Polynesian culture and the island's exotic marine life and birds at The Brando's library and the Explorer Centre, which holds lectures and demonstrations by local research scientists, and you can get involved with Polynesian dance, music, weaving and cooking lessons.