French Polynesia: Marlon Brando’s private isle opens as luxe resort

To say Brando slept here is an understatement. In the 1960s, Marlon Brando bought the string of islets in French Polynesia known as Tetiaroa and made it his home. The Brando, an exclusive luxury resort accessible only by plane, opened Tuesday on the late actor’s personal slice of paradise.

“There is nothing like The Brando in the world, and we look forward to sharing this paradise with our guests and making their stays with us truly memorable and life-enriching,” the resort’s general manager Silvio Bion said in a statement.

It was all part of Brando’s vision to transform Tetiaroa into a sustainable resort that would benefit visitors and locals. The all-inclusive resort has 35 villas with private beach areas and little plunge pools set on a lagoon with crystal-clear waters about 30 miles from Tahiti.

Everything here accents nature. One-, two- and three-bedroom villas on the islets are set apart to offer maximum privacy as well as capitalize on the natural beauty. Snorkeling, scuba diving, Polynesian canoeing and paddleboarding are offered as well as activities that allow visitors to explore the nearby islets.

On the luxury side, Guy Martin of Paris’ Le Grand Vefour created the resort’s cuisine offerings. Two restaurants -- Les Mutines and the Beachfront Cafe -- feature “Polynesian-inspired” food as well as East-West fusion dishes and classic French food.

The Varua Polynesian Spa employs some ancient Polynesian traditions in its treatments. Massage and steam baths are offered in spa suites, including one located up in palm trees.

Part of Brando’s vision also involved protecting Tetiaroa’s cultural traditions and natural habitat. For example, there’s an eco-station at the resort run by the Tetiaroa Society where scientists perform ocean research and interact with visitors. The resort also works with another nonprofit dedicated to protecting marine wildlife and habitat.

Prices start at $2,463 a night for a one-bedroom bungalow to $7,390 a night for a three-bedroom villa that sleeps up to six people. It includes all meals and some activities.

Info: The Brando