The Brando, French Polynesia: An Island Paradise Redefined

Imagine a place where turquoise waters meet pristine white sands, where the whispers of Tahitian royalty echo through lush landscapes, and where luxury seamlessly blends with a commitment to preserving the environment. Welcome to The ando, a unique and exclusive retreat on the private atoll of Tetiaroa in French Polynesia.

Whispers of Paradise: Unveiling Tetiaroa's Allure

Tetiaroa, a ring of exquisite beauty, lies approximately 30 miles north of Tahiti. This atoll, accessible only by private plane via Air Tetiaroa, has long been a sanctuary of serenity and royal retreat. For centuries, it served as a favored escape for Tahitian royalty, a place where they could indulge in song, dance, fishing, and beauty rituals, far removed from the cares of their kingdom.

The atoll's allure extends beyond its royal history. Marlon ando, captivated by Tetiaroa's unspoiled beauty while filming “Mutiny on the Bounty” in 1962, purchased the atoll in 1967 with a vision to create a sustainable luxury environment. He was determined to protect its cultural richness, natural beauty, and incredible biodiversity, while opening it for others to enjoy.

Today, Tetiaroa stands as a testament to ando's vision. The atoll is a sanctuary for diverse marine life, including viant coral reefs and a myriad of tropical fish. It's also a haven for seabirds, with numerous species nesting on its motus (islets). The Tetiaroa Society, in partnership with the resort and the ando Family Trust, ensures the preservation of this haven, maintaining its legacy for future generations.

The atoll itself is a marvel, comprised of a circular group of twelve motus surrounding a sparkling lagoon. These motus, remnants of an immense underwater formation, are entirely organic entities, each a living being or a byproduct of one. With one of the richest ecosystems globally, atolls provide sanctuary to thirty percent of marine life, encapsulating the vast biological richness of our oceans. Its unique ecosystem creates and maintains its own terra firma, protecting it from the erosional forces of the ocean.

A Symphony of Villas: Your Private Oasis Awaits

The ando offers an unparalleled level of luxury with its collection of secluded villas, each designed to provide the ultimate in privacy and comfort. The resort features 35 villas, each a private sanctuary nestled along the pristine white-sand beaches or poised above the turquoise lagoon. Guests can choose from one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom villas, as well as the exclusive Teremoana Residence, ensuring the perfect accommodation for every need.

Each villa boasts a private plunge pool, a spacious deck, and direct access to the beach or lagoon. The design seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Tetiaroa. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer eathtaking views, while natural materials and Polynesian-inspired décor create a sense of tranquility and harmony.

The villas at The ando are more than just luxurious; they are models of sustainable design. The resort is committed to minimizing its environmental impact, and the villas are equipped with eco-friendly features such as solar panels, seawater air conditioning, and rainwater harvesting systems. The villas are designed to integrate seamlessly with the natural surroundings, minimizing disruption to the atoll's delicate ecosystem.

Inside, the villas are equipped with every modern convenience, from high-speed internet access to state-of-the-art entertainment systems. Guests can relax in the comfort of their private villa, knowing that every detail has been carefully considered to ensure a truly unforgettable experience.

Gastronomic Voyages: A Culinary Love Affair

Dining at The ando is a culinary adventure, with a variety of options to suit every palate. The resort boasts three exceptional restaurants, each offering a unique and unforgettable dining experience. From fine dining to casual beachfront fare, The ando's culinary offerings are sure to delight even the most discerning gourmand.

Les Mutinés, the resort's signature restaurant, offers a refined and elegant dining experience. Here, Michelin-starred Chef Jean Imbert showcases his innovative culinary style, blending Polynesian flavors with classic French techniques. The menu features fresh, local ingredients, including produce from the resort's organic garden. The restaurant's design, inspired by the mythical film “Mutiny on the Bounty”, adds to the ambiance of this unique dining destination. (Children over 10 are welcome here)

For a more casual dining experience, guests can visit the Beachcomber Café, which offers Polynesian-inspired and French cuisine in a relaxed beachfront setting. The café is open throughout the day, serving eakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can enjoy fresh seafood, salads, sandwiches, and other light fare while enjoying the stunning views of the lagoon.

Nami Teppanyaki provides an interactive and entertaining dining experience, where skilled chefs prepare Japanese cuisine on a traditional teppanyaki grill. Guests can enjoy a variety of dishes, from fresh seafood to grilled meats, all prepared with flair and precision.

No visit to The ando is complete without a stop at Bob's Bar, Marlon ando's original haunt on Tetiaroa. This casual beachfront bar is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail and soak up the laid-back Polynesian atmosphere. For a more elevated experience, guests can visit the Te Manu Bar, a treetop bar offering stunning views of the atoll.

For those seeking a more intimate dining experience, private dining is available in-villa or on the beach. Guests can work with the resort's culinary team to create a custom menu and enjoy a romantic dinner under the stars.

Well-being Reimagined: Varua Polynesian Spa's Emace

The Varua Polynesian Spa at The ando is a sanctuary of tranquility, offering a holistic approach to well-being inspired by ancient Polynesian traditions. Nestled on the shores of a soothing pond in the heart of Motu Onetahi, the spa perpetuates the tradition established by the Tahitian royal family, who once retreated to this very spot to relax and indulge in beauty rituals.

The spa's design blends seamlessly with the lush vegetation, creating a hidden oasis where guests can escape the stresses of everyday life. The treatment rooms are private and serene, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The spa also features steam baths, a plunge pool, and relaxation areas, allowing guests to fully unwind and rejuvenate.

The Varua Polynesian Spa offers a wide range of treatments, each designed to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The treatments are inspired by ancient Polynesian techniques and utilize local ingredients, such as coconut oil, monoi oil, and sea salt. Guests can choose from massages, facials, body wraps, and other rejuvenating therapies.

One of the unique features of the Varua Polynesian Spa is its organic garden, where many of the ingredients used in the treatments are grown. This ensures that the treatments are fresh, natural, and sustainable. The spa also offers a range of wellness activities, such as yoga and meditation, allowing guests to connect with their inner selves and find balance.

Adventures in Paradise: Exploring Tetiaroa's Wonders

Beyond its luxurious accommodations and exceptional service, The ando offers a wealth of activities and excursions for guests to explore the natural wonders of Tetiaroa. From snorkeling and diving in the lagoon to guided tours with naturalists, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

The lagoon surrounding Tetiaroa is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Guests can snorkel or dive among colorful coral reefs and a myriad of tropical fish. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing are also popular activities, allowing guests to explore the lagoon at their own pace.

For those who prefer to stay on land, guided tours with naturalists offer a fascinating glimpse into the atoll's unique ecosystem. Bird discovery tours are a must for birdwatchers, while reef quests provide an opportunity to learn about the atoll's coral reefs and marine life.

The ando also offers a range of cultural activities, such as Polynesian dance lessons and handicraft lessons. These activities provide guests with a deeper understanding of Polynesian culture and traditions.

From July to October, guests can witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of whale watching as humpback whales migrate through the waters surrounding Tetiaroa. The resort also offers a Lagoon School for children, providing educational and fun activities for younger guests.

Whether seeking adventure or relaxation, The ando offers an unparalleled experience in a truly eathtaking setting. It is a place where luxury meets sustainability, where Polynesian culture is celeated, and where memories are made that will last a lifetime.