Sustainable Luxury in the Heart of Polynesia

Situated on the secluded Tetiaroa atoll, a 20-minute flight from Tahiti, The Brando resort represents the epitome of sustainable luxury. This exclusive retreat, which opened its doors in 2014, is the realisation of a vision first conceived by legendary actor Marlon Brando, who purchased the island in 1967 after being captivated by its untouched beauty during the filming of Mutiny on the Bounty.

Marlon Brando’s commitment

Tetiaroa, a breathtaking atoll, offers visitors an unparalleled connection to nature. The island is a haven for wildlife, with 167 species of fish, as well as dolphins, whales, and turtles populating its waters. The terrestrial environment is equally rich, hosting a diverse bird population and 38 species of indigenous plants, including some that are incredibly rare.

Marlon Brando, known for his deep commitment to environmental and cultural conservation, saw Tetiaroa as more than just a personal retreat. He envisioned it as a sanctuary that would preserve the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Polynesia. Brando's dedication to protecting this paradise was unwavering, and he dreamed of creating a resort that would harmonise luxury with environmental responsibility.

In the late 1990s, Brando shared his dream with Richard Bailey, an American hotelier with a passion for sustainable development. This partnership laid the foundation for The Brando resort, which would take 15 years to come to fruition. When The Brando finally opened in 2014, it embodied both luxury and a pioneering approach to sustainability that set new standards in the hospitality industry.

Sustainably built

The resort features 35 private villas, each designed to offer an intimate experience of Tetiaroa’s natural splendour. These villas, ranging from one to three bedrooms, blend seamlessly into the surrounding vegetation and are constructed using materials that are either locally sourced or sustainably produced. The emphasis on sustainability extends to every aspect of the resort’s design and operation.

A key highlight of The Brando's commitment to sustainability is its innovative use of renewable energy. The resort’s villas are cooled using seawater drawn from the ocean’s depths, an energy-efficient method that eliminates the need for traditional air conditioning systems. Additionally, over half of the resort’s energy needs are met by solar panels installed along the airstrip, while any supplementary power is provided by generators running on coconut oil, a renewable biofuel. This dedication to green energy, combined with comprehensive waste management and water conservation strategies, has enabled The Brando to achieve a near carbon-neutral status. The resort is the first in the world to earn the prestigious LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum Certification, recognising its outstanding commitment to reducing its environmental impact.

Luxury amenities

Guests at The Brando can indulge in a range of luxurious amenities, including three gourmet restaurants, each offering a unique dining experience. Whether enjoying casual beachfront dining at the Beachcomber Café, savouring Japanese teppanyaki at Nami, or experiencing the fine dining of Les Mutinés by Guy Martin, the culinary options are as diverse as they are exquisite. The resort also features a lagoon-view bar, a spa set amidst a freshwater pond, and a host of recreational activities, from diving and kayaking to guided nature tours.

One of the standout features of The Brando is its dedication to environmental research and conservation. The resort hosts a research station operated by the Tetiaroa Society, an initiative inspired by Brando's original vision of creating an educational and conservation-focused institution on the island. The station is actively involved in studying and protecting Tetiaroa’s fragile ecosystem, including efforts to conserve marine life, promote sustainable fishing practices, and preserve the atoll’s cultural heritage.

The Brando stands as a testament to Marlon Brando’s legacy, merging luxury with an unwavering commitment to sustainability. By achieving near carbon-neutral status and integrating comprehensive environmental practices, it offers an unparalleled experience where guests can enjoy the beauty of Polynesia while knowing they are contributing to the preservation of this unique environment for future generations.