Teti’aroa Island’s Royal Past

The atoll of Teti’aroa was a special place for Polynesian royalty in French Polynesia. The island was a place they could enjoy themselves with music, dance, fishing, celebration and deep relaxation. While Tahiti’s young chiefs (ma’ohi) engaged in archery tournaments and sharpened their fighting skills, the princesses (arii vahine) relaxed in the deep shadows of the coconut trees. Teti’aroa was the sacred pleasure garden of the Tahitian high chiefs.

The Marlon Brando Island

Captivated by the Polynesian way of life, Marlon Brando vowed to find a way to own this piece of paradise and accomplished his dream in 1967 of leasing Teti’aroa. Brando visited Teti’aroa whenever he could, often spending months at a time on the island. Brando even went so far as to design the so-called Tetiaroa Village Hotel, consisting of an airstrip and a few rustic cottages for visitors searching for an adventure. Now you can follow in the wake of kings and Hollywood royalty with a quick 15-minute private charter from Tahiti or Bora Bora.

Top Reasons to Visit Tetiaroa Island

An Unforgettable Atoll, A Stone’s Throw Away from Tahiti

With limited ways to get to this island, the best method is to join a weekend cruise departing from Papeete to access this fragile but preserved island, which serves as a bird sanctuary. The island is looking to be granted a special status of a natural reserve in order to regulate access and promote best practices for a sustainable and responsible approach of excursions.

Tetiaroa – A Bird Sanctuary

Tetiaroa shelters one of the largest colony of birds in The Islands of Tahiti. White terns, brown boobies, frigate birds, red-tailed tropic birds and the amazing great crested birds – whose colony is the only one in the Windward Islands – all coexist in Tetiaroa. Birds come to breed in this uninhabited haven, and their environment has to be respected and preserved in all possible ways.

The Brando: A New High-end Eco-Hotel

Launched in 2014 on Motu Onetahi, The Brando Restort is operated by Pacific Beachcomber and is setting new standards for luxury accommodations in The Islands of Tahiti. It is unique in all respects and relies entirely on renewable energy with solar panels and coconut oil. Seawater air conditioning (SWAC) is a key element by producing cold air with ocean water from 3,150 ft. deep (960 meters). Nearly invisible from the sea, the 35 villas are beautifully integrated with the magnificent landscape.

A scientific research eco-station is contributing to the research, conversation and education related to Tetiaroa and its incredible biodiversity. A desalination plant will provide the resort with fresh water, while rainwater is collected from the technical area buildings. The resort is confident that it will soon obtain LEED platinum certification, the highest accolade of this most respected program for assessing the environmental impact of new constructions. The other islets remain undeveloped and are serving as a field for scientific observation and data collection.  

In addition to the ecological features of the Brando Resort, guests get to experience a high level of luxury. The Varua Te Ora Polynesian Spa is a unique haven of serenity. Bob’s Bar offers food and drink with exceptional lagoon and ocean views.