What To Expect From Tetiaroa: The Marlon Brando Island?

Welcome to Tetiaroa Island, the private Island of Marlon Brando in French Polynesia!

 

What can you expect from Brando Island?

 

Let’s take a look!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The Brando Resort offers 35 luxurious villas, each with a private pool, beach access, and eco-friendly design.

 

• Eco-friendliness: The resort is a model of sustainability, using solar power, coconut biodiesel generators, and innovative seawater air conditioning (SWAC).

 

• Price: Staying at The Brando comes with a premium cost, starting at €3,609 / $3,909 per night for a one-bedroom villa. The exclusive Teremoana residence costs €22,253 / $24,107 per night.

 

 

 

Overview of Brando Island

• 🌴 Exclusive luxury: The Brando Resort – Tetiaroa Island
• 💎 Luxurious bedrooms: private villas with pools – starting at €3,609/$3,909 per night
• 🐠 Snorkeling paradise: coral reefs and marine life – Tetiaroa Lagoon
• 🎥 Hollywood legend: Marlon Brando’s private retreat – a piece of film history
• 🌋 Fascinating geology: volcanic origins and stunning atoll structure – Tetiaroa
• ☀️ Best time to visit: July to October – dry season with ideal weather
• 🦜 Birdwatching paradise: rare bird species – Motu Rimatuu & Motu Oroatera
• 🌿 Eco-friendly escape: sustainable villas
• 🏞️ Scenic trails: hiking coconut groves – Motu Onetahi & Motu Tahuna Iti

 

Tetiaroa = Marlon Brando’s Private Island

Marlon Brando discovered Tetiaroa, a small island in the South Pacific while scouting locations for his 1962 film Mutiny on the Bounty (IMDB, 7.2).

 

During this time, he met Tarita Teriipia, a Tahitian actress who became his third wife.

 

Marlon Brando was amazed by the beauty of French Polynesia, so he wanted to make a piece of it his own.

 

His dream led him to Tetiaroa, an island steeped in history and natural wonder.

 

Historically, Tetiaroa belonged to Tahitian royalty. Over time, the atoll passed into private hands, making Brando’s purchase difficult.

 

After years of negotiation, he secured a 99-year lease in 1966, granting him exclusive rights to 2 motus on Tetiaroa Island (the rest is preserved from any construction)

 

For Brando, Tetiaroa became an escape from the pressures of Hollywood.

 

In 1970, he started the construction of a small village on Motu Onetahi, including an airstrip to provide access to the Island without damaging the reef around the Island with boats.

 

In 2004, when Brando died, his Tetiaroa Village Hotel was closed, and the atoll became inaccessible to tourists.

 

Eventually, Brando’s company entrusted the construction rights to Pacific Beachcomber SC, which specializes in sustainable resorts in French Polynesia.

 

In July 2014, The Brando Resort opened under the watchful eye of the family, combining luxury with eco-sustainability.

 

 

Why visit Tetiaroa?

Visiting Tetiaroa feels like visiting paradise.

 

Celebrities like Beyoncé, Oprah, the Obama family, and Leonardi Di Caprio have stayed at this luxury resort in the past.

 

If you have checked the video at the top of our article, you’ll see turquoise water, palm trees right next to the ocean, luxury amenities, a world-class spa, top hiking trails, and restaurants…

 

The Brando Island offers unparalleled privacy and seclusion as there are no other tourists on the whole Island (78 hectares) except for The Brando guests.

 

Tetiaroa isn’t just about relaxation; it’s an island full of activities. You can go snorkeling, paddleboarding, hiking excursions, etc. There are even cultural and historical tours (more on this below).

 

DID YOU KNOW: Tetiaroa (Brando Island) is a fantastic place for STARGAZING? Due to its remoteness, no light pollution, and often a clear sky, you can see the Milky Way in amazing detail!

 

Location of Tetiaroa Island

Tetiaroa, also known as Tetiʻaroa in French or, more famously, the Marlon Brando Island, is an atoll in the Windward group of the Society Islands in French Polynesia.

 

Tetiaroa Island is 59 kilometers (37 miles) north of Tahiti.

 

How to get to Tetiaroa

The atoll is accessible only through exclusive air transport.

 

Air Tetiaroa, the resort’s PRIVATE air service, offers 20-minute flights from Tahiti’s main Faa’a International Airport (they have a private lounge to wait before boarding).

 

Flights operate only during the day, so if you arrive in Papeete after 3 p.m., you must arrange an overnight stay before continuing to Tetiaroa.

 

You can take a look at the flight schedules through Air Tetiaroa’s website.

 

You can also charter helicopter services to reach the Island.

 

Both flights provide amazing aerial views of the turquoise lagoon and surrounding 12 islets.

 

 

The Brando Resort Experience

This renovated luxury eco-resort is a worldwide model for eco-friendly luxury.

Accommodation at Brando Island

The Brando resort features 35 villas that offer privacy, comfort, and a connection to nature.

 

Each private villa comes with its own private plunge pool and a private beach and is constructed to the highest environmental standards (LEED Platinum Certification).

 

These are the different types of rooms:

• One-bedroom villas (96 square meters / 1,033 square feet) include a living room, a media room/office with a pullout bed, a bathroom with dual vanities, an outdoor tub, and a private pool.

 

• Two-bedroom villas (168 square meters / 1,808 square feet) include a shared living and dining space, a fully equipped kitchen, and two master bedrooms, each with direct access to the beach.

 

• Three-bedroom villas include a two-bedroom layout but house a third bedroom and bathroom.

 

INSIDER TIP: Mermaid Bay is the best side of the Island to stay on. You can request a room on that side.

 

The family one bedroom even has an OUTDOOR BATHTUB!

 

EXTRA: Every villa has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a media space.

 

Dining at the Brando Island

Brando Island has a few top-notch restaurants with fresh and local ingredients.

 

1) Les Mutinés: The resort’s fine-dining restaurant has a French-inspired menu designed by Jean Imbert infused with Polynesian flavors.

 

2) Beachcomber Café: This casual all-day dining spot serves everything from burgers and salads to Polynesian traditional dishes, all paired with ocean views.

 

3) Nami Teppanyaki: Managed by Japanese chef Kaito Nakamura, this 8-person dinner-only restaurant features three menus with land and sea delicacies, prepared in front of you. Rumor has it that they make the best Wagyu beef in the world…

 

VEGAN: The Brando offers a plant-based menu using fresh produce from its on-site organic gardens.

 

Wellness: Varua Te Ora Polynesian Spa

After your lunch or a perfect way to end your day, enjoy a spa treatment.

 

The Varua Te Ora Polynesian Spa is a luxury retreat inspired by traditional Polynesian healing practices.

 

Located in the tropical gardens of Brando Island, the spa offers treatments to restore balance and rejuvenate your body and mind.

Signature treatments include:

• Holistic Polynesian massages using natural oils and techniques passed down through generations.
• Yoga sessions in a serene outdoor setting, helping you connect with the Island’s peaceful energy.
• Treatments that incorporate local, sustainably sourced ingredients, such as tamanu oil and vanilla.

 

INSIDER TIP: Book a sunset treatment at the spa’s overwater pavilion. The sounds of the lagoon and golden hour make it a magical experience.

Awards and recognition of Brando Island

Brando Island is also internationally acclaimed. It has won several prestigious international prices.

 

Sustainability award

The Brando Resort achieved the highest price i.e. the LEED Platinum Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for its environmentally conscious design and operations. It stands as one of the few resorts globally to receive this honor

 

Luxury travel and hospitality awards

• Forbes 2024 Travel Guide Five-Star Award: Recognized for its impeccable accommodations and world-class amenities.

 

• The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024 Award: Chosen by 600 international experts, this award places The Brando in the spotlight for its luxury, sustainability, and world-class hospitality.

 

• Condé Nast Traveler Gold List: Frequently featured as one of the best hotels in the world, praised for its combination of opulence and environmental stewardship.

 

Media endorsements

The Brando has also been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Vogue, and The New York Times and is celebrated as the ultimate luxury eco-tourism in all of them.

 

 

Activities at the Brando Island

The Brando Island is more than just luxury.

 

The Island offers water activities, hiking tours, and even birdwatching opportunities.

 

Water activities

One of the best things to do at Tetiaroa island is snorkeling around the coral reefs filled with tropical fish, rays, and sea turtles.

 

INSIDER TIP: The best snorkeling spots are near the western motus, where the reefs are healthiest and marine life is most alive.

 

The calm waters are also perfect for paddleboarding, offering stunning views of the motus and the Pacific Ocean, next to the white sand beaches that are perfect for relaxing and taking Instagram-worthy pictures.

 

You can also book scuba diving tours that will take you to hidden spots within the lagoon, where you can enjoy untouched marine ecosystems.

 

Hiking and landscape tours

Tetiaroa Island also has lush landscapes that can be explored.

 

Trails on Motu Onetahi, the largest and most developed motu, lead you through coconut groves and vegetation.

 

For a more secluded experience, visit Motu Tahuna Iti.

 

INSIDER TIP: Wear comfortable footwear and book a morning hike to avoid the midday heat. You will often hear stories along the hike of ancient Polynesian marae (sacred sites).

 

Birdwatching opportunities

Tetiaroa is also a bird sanctuary, offering some of the best birdwatching in French Polynesia.

 

The eastern motus, particularly Motu Rimatuu and Motu Oroatera, are prime spots to observe red-footed boobies and frigatebirds, and other exotic birds.

 

These areas are undisturbed by human activity, providing the perfect place for nesting and feeding.

 

DID YOU KNOW: Tetiaroa has no mosquitoes, thanks to a pesticide-free control program? This makes the Island safer if you are concerned about diseases like Zika.

Day trip to Tetiaroa Island by catamaran

If you cannot stay overnight at the island, you can still visit it on a day trip to Tetiaroa Island by catamaran.

 

This trip offers a unique opportunity to explore Marlon Brando’s private Island without spending a fortune.

 

For a full look at the tour, you can use our widget below!

What to expect

The journey begins with a catamaran departure from Tahiti, offering views of the Pacific Ocean taking 2.5-hour by sail (42 kilometers / 26 miles).

 

The catamaran is designed for luxury, with spacious decks perfect for lounging and enjoying the scenery.

 

Upon arrival at Tetiaroa, you’ll have several hours to explore the lagoon’s crystal-clear waters and its surrounding motus.

 

Activities typically include snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, or nature tours.

 

A traditional Polynesian lunch is served on one of the Motus.

 

Booking details

This day trip is available through GetYourGuide for €185.00 / $201.65 USD per person.

 

To book a trip, visit Tetiaroa Island by sailing a catamaran from Tahiti.

The formation of Tetiaroa

Tetiaroa began as a volcanic island formed by undersea volcanic activity 2–3 million years ago.

 

Over time, as the volcanic activity decreased and the Island’s central peak eroded, coral reefs grew around its edges, forming a barrier reef.

 

As the volcanic Island sank due to subsidence, the coral reef continued to grow upward, keeping pace with the rising sea level. This resulted in a lagoon encircled by a ring of coral islets known as motus.

 

Tetiaroa now consists of 12 motus surrounding a stunning turquoise lagoon, a hallmark of its atoll structure.

 

For more on the science behind atoll formation, explore resources like the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program.

 

Sustainability practices at Brando Island

The Brando Island Resort aims to be 100% energy-independent, minimizing its carbon footprint:

 

• Energy sources: Over 4000 solar panels provide 35% of electricity, while 20% comes from coconut biodiesel-powered generators. Seawater air conditioning (SWAC), where cold deep-sea water is pumped and circulated throughout the buildings to provide cooling, cutting energy usage by 90 percent.

 

• Tetiaroa Society: The Brando resort collaborates with this local organization to support research, education, and conservation. Their on-site research center welcomes global scientists and funds educational programs for students and visitors.

 

• Green Tour: You can explore the resort’s sustainability practices, including energy systems, desalination processes, and on-site organic gardens.

 

This Platinum LEED-certified resort offers a luxury model in harmony with the environment.

Best time to visit Brandos Island in French Polynesia

The ideal time to visit Brando Island is during the dry season from July to October when the Southern Hemisphere’s winter brings lower humidity, mild breezes, and minimal rainfall.

 

Between July and October, you’ll have paradise at its best.

 

Temperatures remain year-round in the mid-80s°F (29–30°C), ensuring a warm, tropical climate regardless of the season.

 

Conclusion: The allure of Tetiaroa

Tetiaroa is more than just an island; it’s a sanctuary of luxury, sustainability, and natural beauty.

 

From its turquoise lagoon and marine life to its eco-conscious Brando Resort, Tetiaroa offers an unparalleled escape from the ordinary.

 

Whether you come for privacy, adventure, or sustainability, Tetiaroa leaves a lasting impression—a reminder that luxury and environmental responsibility can coexist harmoniously.

 

 

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