The Brando

YOUR STAY

The villas sit among the tropical landscape, with plenty of greenery between you and the rest of the resort. From your own space, you can step outside, find a lounger and settle in for the afternoon.

Inside, the design feels distinctly Polynesian without being overly traditional. Thatched roofs, local timber and natural materials are combined with comfortable contemporary furnishings.

You can choose between one-, two- and three-bedroom villas, depending on the size of your group. The larger options give families and friends more room to stay together while still having their own bedrooms and private areas.

Large doors open towards the outdoor spaces, making it easy to move between the bedroom, living area and beach. Most of the time, you probably will not want to close them.

Your private plunge pool sits just beyond the villa. Take a dip before breakfast, cool off after time on the beach or come back later in the day when the heat starts to ease.

TETIAROA & LIFE ON THE LAGOON

There is plenty to see beyond your villa. Tetiaroa is surrounded by a large lagoon, with small islands and stretches of beach giving you somewhere new to explore.

Take a boat out onto the lagoon and spend some time looking for marine life. Snorkelling, paddleboarding and outrigger canoeing give you different ways to get onto the water, depending on how active you feel.

If you would rather stay dry, walk around the island and see more of the natural landscape. Bicycles make it easy to get from one part of the resort to another without having to wait for transport.

The Ecostation is another part of the island worth visiting. Scientists and naturalists work there, and you can join activities that give you a closer look at the wildlife and conservation work around Tetiaroa.

Perhaps you want a proper day out on the water. Arrange a lagoon excursion, spend a few hours exploring and come back as the afternoon starts to cool.

Then again, there is nothing wrong with staying on the beach all day. You have your own pool, the lagoon in front of you and plenty of time.

WELLNESS & RELAXATION

Varua Te Ora Polynesian Spa sits among the trees and gives you somewhere quiet to spend a few hours. Treatments draw on Polynesian traditions and locally inspired ingredients.

The spa also has spaces for steam treatments, cooling off and simply sitting quietly between appointments. You can book a treatment when you need it or leave the day completely open.

Back at your villa, the pace is even slower. Your private pool is only a few steps away, while the beach gives you another place to stretch out.

For something different, head up to the treetop treatment area. Being surrounded by palms and open air makes the experience feel quite different from a conventional spa room.

You could also spend some time at the Fare Manu wellness pavilion or find a shaded spot near the beach. There is no need to fill every hour.

FOOD & EVENINGS

Meals at The Brando make good use of the setting and the produce available in French Polynesia. Breakfast starts the day, while lunch could be as simple as something enjoyed outside after a morning in the water.

When you want a change of scenery, head to one of the resort's dining spaces. Fresh seafood, local ingredients and French influences feature across the menus.

Bob's Bar is the place to go when you want a drink and somewhere informal to sit. Grab a cocktail, find a seat outside and watch the evening come in.

Dinner can be more relaxed or more formal depending on the night. You might sit down for a longer meal, then move outside for another drink afterwards.

Later, put on a film in the cinema or head back towards the beach. The island becomes particularly quiet once most of the day's activity has finished.

And if you would rather do nothing at all, go back to your villa. Open the doors, sit beside your pool and listen to the lagoon.

PRIVACY & SERVICE

The villas are spaced around the island, with tropical vegetation helping to keep each one feeling private. You have your own outdoor areas and plunge pool, so there is no need to share your space with other guests.

A dedicated team looks after the practical details of your stay, from housekeeping and dining to excursions and activities.

Your hosts can help arrange boat trips, wildlife experiences, watersports and visits to the Ecostation. Tell them what you are interested in and they can build the day around it.

Families also have plenty of flexibility. The two- and three-bedroom villas give larger groups somewhere to stay together, while the island itself provides enough space for everyone to disappear for a while.

Once you have finished exploring, you can come back to your villa and settle into your own routine. Swim before dinner, have a drink outside and let the evening take its time.