Visiting The Brando, an eco-resort on Marlon Brando's private island of Tetiaroa, was a dream come true for this writer. What initially seemed like a clichéd "find myself in paradise" experience turned out to be so much more – it was truly the epitome of environmentally-focused luxury.
At the heart of the resort lies Bob's Bar, an unassuming beach shack serving up creative cocktails and bites that feel like they were penned by Brando himself. The menu is an imagined travel journal left behind in the 1970s, filled with quirky anecdotes and stories about Brando's favorite pastimes. One can almost picture him kayaking around the island, enjoying a tub of ice cream as he floats by.
But what truly sets The Brando apart is its warm and welcoming atmosphere – you really do feel like part of the family here. From the bartenders to the pool staff, everyone seems to go above and beyond to make their guests feel at home. Even on a stormy day when our flight was delayed, we found ourselves chatting with other guests and staff about our impending departure while sipping on some of the best cocktails I've ever tasted.
The attention to detail is impressive, from the friendly bartender who kindly informed me that Bob wasn't just a mysterious figure, but actually Brando's friend and island manager. And when Lambert, from the pool desk, magically appeared with fresh towels while we were sitting there, it felt like they knew exactly what I needed – even if I didn't say a word.
While our stay was cut short by bad weather, The Brando left an indelible mark on my heart and soul. It's clear that this eco-resort is more than just a luxury getaway – it's a genuine effort to minimize its carbon footprint through exploration, discovery, education, and conservation. If you're looking for a truly immersive experience in French Polynesia, look no further than The Brando.
At the heart of the resort lies Bob's Bar, an unassuming beach shack serving up creative cocktails and bites that feel like they were penned by Brando himself. The menu is an imagined travel journal left behind in the 1970s, filled with quirky anecdotes and stories about Brando's favorite pastimes. One can almost picture him kayaking around the island, enjoying a tub of ice cream as he floats by.
But what truly sets The Brando apart is its warm and welcoming atmosphere – you really do feel like part of the family here. From the bartenders to the pool staff, everyone seems to go above and beyond to make their guests feel at home. Even on a stormy day when our flight was delayed, we found ourselves chatting with other guests and staff about our impending departure while sipping on some of the best cocktails I've ever tasted.
The attention to detail is impressive, from the friendly bartender who kindly informed me that Bob wasn't just a mysterious figure, but actually Brando's friend and island manager. And when Lambert, from the pool desk, magically appeared with fresh towels while we were sitting there, it felt like they knew exactly what I needed – even if I didn't say a word.
While our stay was cut short by bad weather, The Brando left an indelible mark on my heart and soul. It's clear that this eco-resort is more than just a luxury getaway – it's a genuine effort to minimize its carbon footprint through exploration, discovery, education, and conservation. If you're looking for a truly immersive experience in French Polynesia, look no further than The Brando.