The Brando, French Polynesia

Marlon Brando was arguably the greatest actor of his generation, and his private atoll of Tetiaroa is arguably the star of the show in French Polynesia.

Located just 30 miles north of Tahiti, Tetiaroa is a perfect slice of pristine farawayness that Brando fell in love with while filming Mutiny on the Bounty in 1960. It’s easy to see why he was smitten. This once-in-a-lifetime beach resort offers 35 slick beachfront villas with thatched roofs and super seclusion (apart from when you want to dance under the stars). Enjoy romantic sunset cruises, private helicopter flights over the islands, or just soak up the region’s “mana”.

A high point is Varua Spa, nestled in the coconut palms with a menu of Polynesian treatments. It’s no wonder Barack Obama escaped here to begin writing his presidential memoir. We’re packing our notepads, with our bikinis too …