Stay on Marlon Brando's Private Island
(c) @tim-mckenna.com/tahitiflyshoot
Eco-friendly resort The Brando Debuts in French Polynesia
The Brando—an all-inclusive eco-resort in French Polynesia, owned by the estate of Marlon Brando—opened its doors to guests today.
The Brando occupies an idyllic atoll called Tetiaroa, which is located approximately 30 miles north of Tahiti. Tetiaroa, made up of a dozen small islands, has long been an object of mystery. Brando, an enigma himself, came across the atoll in 1960, while scouting filming locations for “Mutiny on the Bounty.” He was instantly overcome by its beauty and purchased the property as soon as the government allowed (this was no easy feat). He famously made Tetiaroa his sanctuary and withdrew from the glitz and glam of Hollywood.
“It’s very elemental here,” said Brando in a rare interview that took place on Tetiaroa. “You have the sky, the sea, trees, the crabs, the fish, the sun … the basics.”
(c) @tim-mckenna.com/tahitiflyshoot
The newly opened resort on Tetiaroa draws upon Brando's original vision: He wanted to create a sustainable development that resonates with visitors and allows them to get to know both the destination and the people of French Polynesia.
(c) @tim-mckenna.com
As Brando himself would have wanted, the resort offers guests seclusion and tranquility. The Brando features 35 spacious villas, each with its own private beach area and plunge pool. Around the property, guests will find a lagoon-view bar beach bar, an organic garden and an environmental research station.
(c) @tim-mckenna.com/tahitiflyshoot
The Brando is working closely with Te Mana O Te Moana, a Tahiti-based nonprofit organization devoted to the conservation of marine wildlife—particularly the green sea turtle on Tetiaroa, but also marine mammals, sharks, rays and coral reef across French Polynesia.
(c) @Te mana o tel moana
Soft-opening rates, through Sept. 30, start at approximately $2,460 for a one-bedroom villa. Epic lagoon views are free of charge.
(c) @tim-mckenna.com/tahitiflyshoot
Find out more about The Brando, rates and amenities here. "Conversations With Brando" by Lawrence Grobel was the only in-depth interview given by the legendary-actor-turned-recluse. The interview took place on Tetiaroa, over the course of 10 days in 1978, when Brando stilled lived there with his family.