Elite Traveler Spring 2020

EXPLORE TOP SUITES

The Brando THREE-BEDROOM VILLA, FRENCH POLYNESIA

After filming Mutiny on the Bounty in the 1960s, actor Marlon Brando purchased a private atoll, Tetiaroa, where he founded a small, no-frills eco-lodge. In 1999, he enlisted Richard Bailey, a longtime resident of Tahiti and CEO of Pacific Beachcomber, a luxury tourism operator, to conceptualize a luxury zero-carbon-emission resort to preserve the island. In 2014, nearly 10 years after Brando’s death, The Brando opened and, true to the late movie star’s wishes, the resort is nearly carbon neutral. Stay in the Three-bedroom Villa, a mini-compound comprised of four connected villas: a main house and three en-suite bedroom villas. Each structure is made with thatched roofing, wood and stone, and is surrounded by leafy palm trees and tropical greenery. The main house has a kitchen and living and dining rooms, and it connects to an outdoor deck with sun loungers, a pool and a dining gazebo. You couldn’t get any closer to the ocean if you tried: The villa sits right on the beach, meaning lapping ocean waves will lull you to sleep each night. The villa is enclosed by floor-to-ceiling windows, and it has glass balconies and modern-meets-island decor. The resort is sustainably powered by solar panels and Sea Water Air Conditioning technology, and also uses coconut oil biofuel. The Brando was also the first resort in French Polynesia to receive LEED Platinum certification. Giving back Conservation doesn’t stop at reducing emissions. The Brando created an Ecostation, which has laboratories dedicated to help scientists and researchers find conservation solutions. The hotel has programs committed to maintaining coral reefs; preserving local fish, coconut crab and sea turtle populations; and education initiatives. The resort also started the Tetiaroa Society nonprofit organization to encourage a positive relationship between people and the planet. Rate from $11,000 per night for a minimum two-night stay Contact Cindy Grigaut, reservations manager, reservation@thebrando.com, +689 4086 6300, thebrando.com

Photos Michael Turek