Love To Explore Rating: First Class
The Brando is an award-winning, luxurious eco-resort located on Tetiaroa, a private atoll in French Polynesia, about 30 miles north of Tahiti. This exclusive retreat is named after legendary actor Marlon Brando, who fell in love with the island while filming before purchasing the atoll in 1967. Since opening in 2014, the resort regularly features on shortlists for the best hotels in the world.
Today, The Brando is renowned for combining high-end luxury with environmental responsibility. The resort has 35 private villas and one residence, each with beachfront views, private pools, and direct access to the turquoise lagoon. Each villa feels secluded, surrounded by tropical foliage, with a private deck area and an outdoor dining area for private dining.
The resort has four restaurants, including refined dining by chef Jean Imbert at Les Mutines and more casual dining at the Beachcomber Café. For an unforgettable evening cocktail, Te Manu serves personalised cocktails from a raised position with stunning views across the beach. The hotel also has an extensive spa. The Varua Te Ora Polynesian Spa feels like a tranquil haven from the moment you enter, and offers a range of treatments that blend modern technology and traditional Polynesian techniques.
The surrounding atoll has rich biodiversity, with vibrant coral reefs and a variety of marine life, including sea turtles and reef sharks. Guests can explore the tropical environment through guided nature walks, snorkelling, paddleboarding, and bicycle tours, as well as learn about Polynesian history and traditions through local guides.
At Love To Explore, we would recommend the lodge for these unique selling points:
- Ultimate luxury
- Boutique size with personal service
- Excellent sustainable travel credentials
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FAQs
Why book a tailor-made holiday with a luxury travel specialist?
The best trips feel effortless, but behind every seamless journey is thoughtful planning and genuine expertise. A luxury travel specialist brings first-hand destination knowledge, trusted recommendations and personalised service to every itinerary, ensuring your holiday is shaped around you. From choosing the finest hotels and experiences to managing all the finer details, tailor-made travel allows you to make the most of your time away without the stress of organising it yourself.
What types of holidays do you specialise in?
Love To Explore specialises in thoughtfully crafted journeys designed entirely around each individual traveller. From slow, sun-drenched escapes on idyllic Indian Ocean islands to immersive, adventure-led safaris through the African wilderness, every trip is shaped by personal style and pace. While Africa and the Indian Ocean remain at the heart of what we do, our trusted network of local experts allows us to extend far beyond, opening the door to extraordinary destinations across the globe.
How far in advance should I book a holiday?
There is no single rule when it comes to booking your next escape, as every journey is completely bespoke. Whether you’re planning a special milestone trip years in advance or seeking a spontaneous last-minute escape, we can help shape it at any stage. That said, for the best choice of boutique lodges and the most sought-after properties, we recommend beginning the planning process around nine months to a year ahead, allowing the widest possible access to availability and experiences. For certain safari lodges and iconic seasonal moments, such as Japan’s cherry blossom season, we would advise planning up to two years in advance.