You may have recently read about President Obama’s three week visit to The Brando Island, the most suitable and stylish location to begin his memoirs. An epic island retreat, not just for former Presidents….a refresher to remind you of its charms!
From the air, Tetiaroa Island is nary a speck of tall swaying coconut and vivid green palm fronds surrounded by the palest of brilliantly clear turquoise seas visible from your private plane that transports you from Papeete to the private island. Your first glimpse is of startling gem blue seas contrasted by white sandy beaches punctuated with miles and miles of jade green palms – a beautiful necklace of sea surrounding the pristine white beaches. A quick 25 min. hop, just barely skimming above the transparent seas and through huge billowy clouds; before you know it, the short runway appears on the edge of the sandy atoll.
Tetiaroa
Legends abound about the lure of Tahiti from painters Gauguin and Matisse, to the writers Jack London, Melville and R.L. Stevenson. The brilliant light, the mighty sea and the allure of beautiful Polynesian women enticed many to this balmy paradise. You might be aware and possibly intrigued by Marlon Brando’s dreamy paradise, his paparazzi hideaway. If you need such distance, this is the most enchanting escape. I truly felt I had left civilization behind – the real world was merely 25-air minutes away, yet it felt a million miles away.
Photos provide glammy perspective, however the absolute beauty of the warm indigo seas, the stillness, occasionally interrupted by native birdsong, the natural beauty of the island must be experienced. A rare combination of nature and a man’s love for an island he called home for many years. The Brando experience is unlike any other – imagine balmy breezes, warm gentle seas teeming with flamboyant tropical fish and curious turtles, black night skies filled with thousands of stars, the Southern Sky is also a star at The Brando.
To begin, a guest feels like royalty, casual understated royalty; however, your desires and needs are met before you even think of asking. The staff is extremely efficient and beyond friendly – they are fun and they seem to be genuinely pleased to assist in any matter.
The Villas – in total, 35 stand alone unobtrusive villas, secreted on the beach with glorious water views, and nudged into a private thatch of shrubs, fragrant tropical flowers and swaying coconut palms. If you enjoy seclusion, even while knowing there are villas nearby, this should become your tropical paradise. Each day, I saw more guests at dinner, however I felt like it was my own private pristine island as I rarely encountered other guests during the day. Even at dinner the tables are isolated, you won’t be privy to others conversation. And nary a phone or tablet other than a few photographs- unplug and detach; no rules, nature seems to be the ruler here.
The Villas – elegant and chic and decorated in understated refined earth tones. Villas include a library with media room, massive light filled baths and a sumptuous outdoor tub for soaking and stargazing. Traditional Polynesian thatched roofs and floor to ceiling windows frame the gorgeous indigo lagoon. Infinity pool on wide expansive decks, terrace-dining tables, a rocker to idle away an afternoon- sublime comforts. My splash pool was a refreshing respite each afternoon, a brilliant après dip after snorkeling in front of my Villa. Several two-bedroom villas and a three-bedroom villa can be reserved for families.
The gorgeous island is expansive and the bicycles at each villa allow you to pedal on paved paths to the spa or to dining. I love the fact that each Villa has a few bicycles randomly assigned to its own bike villa and no matter how many times I abandoned my bike at the spa or at dinner – I, fearful of an Isadora Duncan demise, picturing my sundress wrapped in the spokes, left my bike strewn somewhere every evening. Each morning, no matter the time, my bikes had mysteriously returned to their sandy perch. This is only one example of the unobtrusive level of service at The Brando. If you prefer a golf buggy, ring reception and a buggy will materialize in a matter of moments.
Dining – You won’t find a typical breakfast buffet here; a la carte service on your terrace or in the Beachcomber Café. Healthy smoothies, tropical fruit and honey from the island to smother the scrumptious croissants and freshly baked bread. Highly recommend the scrambled eggs – prepared to perfection. Next January, construction starts on a third restaurant, modifying The Beachcomber Cafe with the addition of a Teppanyaki table, as well as a pergola to cover the beach area in front of the restaurant.
Lunch is served at the Beachcomber or at Dirty Bob’s Bar- just caught fish and excellent fresh vegetables and organic salads. One tuna dish in particular, elicited begging every day for a repeat! The delicious bread – try to abstain, as it is bountiful and a very bad habit to start, as it seems to be baked all day long! See my fun post on Dirty Old Bobs Bar: http://www.gwenbooks.com/2015/06/dirty-old-bobs-bar-the-brando/
Dinner options from the Café served at scattered tables along the sea or tucked discretely amid the greenery, private and discreet no matter how many guests. For fancier fare, doll up for fine dining at Les Mutinés Restaurant, which is overseen by Guy Martin, chef at the three-Michelin star Le Grand Véfour in Paris. Extensive French cuisine and and a sizable wine cellar. Scrumptious!
Spa – this is a spa worthy of a separate post…. So gorgeous, relaxing and stunning architecture…http://www.gwenbooks.com/2015/09/varua-spa-at-the-brando/ Please see Spa Post.
The Brando is a fully inclusive Sanctuary: meals and beverages, a spa treatment each day and an excursion. No cash or credit cards needed until check out. Even the boutiques and jewelry shop- wrap and deliver your packages to your room sans credit card. A wallet is an unnecessary swim suit accessory.
Activities: Tennis, snorkeling with marine biologists, classes teaching traditional Polynesian crafts, and in the dark clear evening skies, Southern sky stargazing is magical! Bicycling, swimming, stand up paddle, off island visits to explore other islands, cultural lectures; be active or be lazy – The Brando is pure paradise. If planned in advance, fly-fishing day trips with Teihotu Brando are a marvelous adventure. Walk through the warm surf and cast out in the salt flats – I loved my quiet day despite being unlucky in fishing! Sunset ceremonies, traditional Polynesian music and dance…despite being marooned, you might be immersed in activities if you please.
Spa, daily activities, the brilliant knowledgeable staff behind the scene, the technology created to make The Brando a natural sanctuary…..
Logistics: it is only an 8-hour flight from LAX to Tahiti – and a private 25 min flight in The Brando puddle jumper to Tetiaroa Island…or try the new helicopter service!
Paradise is closer than you think! Stunning natural beauty, authentic experiences, divine dining and spectacular spa…
Highly Recommend The Brando!
The Brando Plane
Interior photos, exterior entrance photo and pool photos courtesy of the Brando: Photo credit Tim-mckenna.com
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