Stay Where Marlon Brando, Obama & Beyoncé Escaped: Inside The Ultra-Luxe Eco Island Resort

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Approximately eight hours by direct flight from the popular restaurants and red carpets of Hollywood lies a secluded resort on a tiny private island. This is the location where Barack Obama wrote his post-White House memoirs, where Kim Kardashian hosted her controversial pandemic-era 40th birthday party (costing around $1 million), and where Britney Spears found tranquility before releasing her memoir, just before the storm.

The destination? It’s The Brando, situated approximately 30 miles to the north of Tahiti on the atoll of Tetiaroa, which consists of twelve islands. Marlon Brando purchased this paradise after he fell in love with the area while filming the movie “Mutiny on the Bounty” in 1962. With over a decade of history, this resort has been graced by many celebrities. Villas start from $4,000; for more booking and price options, visit Hotels.com or Expedia.com.

Originally a secluded retreat for locals and a personal vacation spot for the Brando family, Tetiora underwent a transformation starting in 1999, five years before the legendary actor’s passing at age 80. Collaborating with Pacific Beachcomber CEO Richard Bailey, the Godfather star envisioned a resort that would embody ecological responsibility and sustainability. Exactly ten years after his demise, on July 1, 2014, the Brando resort opened its doors to visitors, who all arrived via private aircraft, marking the commencement of its operations.

The Brando swiftly gained popularity as a cherished sanctuary among celebrities and affluent visitors due to its total seclusion and privacy, not forgetting its breathtaking natural splendor, opulence, and innovative commitment to sustainability. A distinguished lineup of past patrons includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Jay-Z and Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres – the list goes on.

This exclusive island can only be reached via private aircraft. It offers as much seclusion as desired, featuring only 35 villas tucked away from the sea (a deliberate contrast to Bora Bora’s renowned overwater bungalows, aimed at preserving coral reefs). Gaze along the beach and you’re unlikely to spot another person during a specific time on this unspoiled island, dotted with coconut palms and encircled by tranquil lagoon waters.

Tucked between lush greenery and the shores, these villas boast expansive living spaces, private dipping pools, and direct paths to the beach, as well as open-air dining areas and inviting hammocks for relaxing or dozing off while enjoying the soothing sounds of birds and the gentle pounding of waves in the distance beyond the lagoon. The architecture combines high-end modern features with authentic Polynesian motifs.

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The villas, situated on the coastline amidst greenery, offer spacious interiors, private plunge pools, and easy access to the beach. They also feature outdoor dining areas and comfortable hammocks for enjoying a good book or a nap accompanied by the melodious songs of birds and the rhythmic sound of waves hitting the shore outside the lagoon. The design seamlessly merges contemporary luxury with traditional Polynesian charm.

book villas at the Brando at Hotels.com

Outside the villas, there’s plenty of peacefulness and solitude. Hop on one of our complimentary bicycles for a relaxing ride around the island, following the marked concrete path that ensures you won’t get lost. Alternatively, unwind at the expansive Varua Te Ora Polynesian Spa, nestled within the natural surroundings. Here, locker rooms and treatment areas are designed to resemble graceful bird’s nests, providing a harmonious blend of luxury and nature.

When visitors are comfortable engaging, there’s a more welcoming ambiance at the resort center, boasting two types of bar areas (one inspired by Brando’s original beach hut, and another more refined with a pool table, a second floor balcony overlooking the beach), along with three dining options.

The Beachcomber Café provides a relaxed, dining choice that’s open all day with both indoor and beachfront seating options. Nami presents an intimate teppanyaki Japanese dining experience for eight guests. Meanwhile, Les Mutinés serves exquisite French cuisine in a waterfront venue adorned like a jewel box (with the option of private in-villa dining as well).

At Brando’s, many visitors opt for an all-inclusive pricing plan, typically costing around $4,000 per night for a couple or $6,000 for a family of four. This comprehensive package covers meals, various activities such as snorkeling adventures, boat tours around the atoll, spa services, and cultural experiences like learning to dye pareos and play the ukulele – all with a Polynesian touch.

Going beyond mere elegance and opulence, The Brando stands out for its genuine, comprehensive dedication to environmental sustainability, making it an appealing choice for Hollywood’s eco-conscious crowd. This resort incorporates advanced green technologies, such as a deep seawater cooling system for air conditioning. A substantial amount of the resort’s energy is sourced from renewable resources like solar power and biofuel derived from coconut oil. Moreover, The Brando actively supports conservation efforts and scientific research programs to protect the atoll’s distinctive ecosystem. Guests are given the opportunity to explore these initiatives and the research lab on a guided “green tour” using bicycles.

Without a doubt, the Brando offers an otherworldly getaway away from the bustle of Hollywood and Los Angeles (as well as the 405 freeway), but surprisingly, it’s accessible with a direct flight from LAX, followed by a brief 15-minute interisland transfer from Tahiti’s international airport. Given its celebrity-friendly pricing, we would strongly recommend considering the Brando for your next vacation.

If you’re thinking about arranging a luxury holiday inspired by the A-list? Consider booking The Brando via hotels.com or expedia.com online. Also, check out some must-have items for your trip below.

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2025-05-19 02:55