THE BRANDO
It’s easy to see why late Hollywood legend Marlon Brando fell in love with French Polynesia while filming 1962’s Mutiny On The Bounty. According to the resort’s website, the Oscar winner was “enthralled by the Polynesian way of life – and leading lady Tarita [Teriipaia, his third wife]. He resolved to find a way to own this piece of paradise and succeeded in his goal in 1967.” Marlon bought the island of Tetiaroa for just R22 500 and settled there with his wife (now 75).
In the ’90s the ageing star, who was said to be passionate about maintaining the island’s natural beauty and heritage, set about creating an ecofriendly resort. His dream came to fruition 10 years after his death when The Brando, described as “the world’s first and foremost post-carbon resort”, was opened in 2014. The lavish retreat has features such as seawater air conditioning, solar electricity and generators that run on coconut oil. It boasts 35 secluded villas for guests – who often include politicians, celebrities and royals – each with its own private pool.
For prices ranging from R43 500 to R178 350 a night, guests can indulge in cuisine at two restaurants, sip drinks in a bar nestled in the canopy of palm trees and enjoy watersports in a turtle-filled lagoon. The real highlight though is the Varua Spa, “hidden away in the coconut palms and offering sensual Polynesian treatments”, according to The Telegraph’s travel review.
“Despite the name there’s little Brando theming and the ambience is decidedly luxe castaway, with nature providing the flamboyance.”