Located 30 miles north of Tahiti, The Brando is one of the most exclusive private island retreats. Opened in 2014, it was named in honor of actor Marlon Brando, who purchased the island after falling in love with it while filming "Mutiny on the Bounty." His dream was to create a sustainable luxury resort that also operates as a scientific research center, and it became just that. Oyster was lucky enough to visit the stunning property and get an inside look at its luxury villas and facilities. It also operates sustainable practices. But with nightly rates in the thousands, it's more of a bucket-list destination; so if you can't book a stay at it yet, scroll down to see some truly breathtaking photos.
The Beach
This is our kind of beach — free of crowds, with stunning clear water and white sand. The calm ocean is perfect for paddle boarding or canoeing.
The Pool
Guests spend a large portion of their time relaxing at the huge infinity pool, which overlooks the lagoon. Black metal loungers and tan umbrellas aren’t quite as luxe as we’d expect from a hotel of this caliber though.
The Villas
The majority (30) of the villas have one bedroom (1,033 square feet), and there are four Two-Bedroom Villas and one Three-Bedroom Villa available to house larger parties and families. The modern Polynesian-style design features vaulted ceilings with thatched rooftops, muted color palettes, wood floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
The bedrooms feature king-size beds, dressing areas with vanities, and spa-like bathrooms that have white marble walk-in showers. Outdoor tubs are behind wooden privacy screens. They also have separate living spaces furnished with ivory-tone sofas, a table and two chairs, and media areas with flat-screen TVs and sound systems.
Each villa has an outdoor deck with a private plunge pool, and a separate dining area set on a platform beneath a tiki-style roof.
The Spa
The Varua Spa is composed of unique huts surrounding a tranquil lagoon. Traditional taurumi massage treatments incorporate local monoï oil, while facials use Algotherm products. In addition to the cocoon-like spa suites, guests can opt for couples treatments in fare manu, a tree-house style suite perched in the tree canopy. The spa also has quiet spaces for relaxation, a steam bath, and a tea lounge.
The Food
All meals are included in the room rate. The casual Beachcomber Café is open for all three meals and has tables overlooking the lagoon and beach. Les Mutinés, overseen by Guy Martin, chef at the two-Michelin star Le Grand Véfour in Paris, is the more formal restaurant.
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