The Brando

My husband and I have been to the Brando in the past to celebrate our birthdays. This year we returned with our multi generational family, our married children and their 7 , 7 10,10 year old children. We stayed in one Villa and two Family Villas next to each other on Turtle Beach. The accommodations were outstanding and beautifully appointed with Tahitian feel throughout. We loved the ability for everyone to walk out of their villas into the lagoon where the children could safely swim and snorkel. The excursions ( Bird Island, Ultimate Tour and a private snorkel experience) were all outstanding as were the boats and the guides. All staff were very attentive and welcoming not only to us but to our children and grandchildren . The Brando provides excellent snorkeling equipment as well as bicycles for all. Our grandchildren had their first taste of autonomy riding their bikes on the island and walking on the beach to the restaurants. The daily massage in the most beautiful tranquil of Spas were equally outstanding, As was the Tahitian Dance and Fire Show. The menu was equally flexible to meet the needs of adults and children and everyone loved the Teppanyaki experience with seating for 8. Each family had room service outside of their Villas and felt that this was their most favorites of trips… our children and grands wanted to make this a yearly get away.

I am a resident of French Polynesia, and I was fortunate enough to receive a stay at this sanctuary as a gift for my 50th birthday. As someone already accustomed to the excellent hotels available on Bora Bora (the Conrad, the Four Seasons, etc.), I must admit I had always been skeptical regarding the price difference at The Brando. This was because, in reality, I had been focused on comparing service standards rather than the very nature of the experience itself. Beyond the high level of service (exceptional for French Polynesia), beyond the fantastic quality of the food—remarkable for such a remote location—and beyond the comfort and immaculate cleanliness of the villas, what truly stays with me is the extraordinary sense of exclusivity. Intertwined with this feeling is an incredible closeness to the local biodiversity. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the work of the Tetiaroa Society, which has been working on these islands for years to help restore them to their pristine, natural state. The true added value of this experience lies precisely there: a return to one’s roots, a sense of profound relaxation, and a deep connection with one’s inner self. And that—I have never experienced anywhere else in my entire life. I would like to give a special mention to the exceptional work of the Spa Therapist (Chloé); her massage techniques far surpassed anything I have ever experienced at any hotel, anywhere in the world. It was truly of "Palace" standard. I would also like to commend Kealoha, our guide from the Tetiaroa Society, for the archaeological excursion; I have rarely met anyone so knowledgeable and passionate. In conclusion, for anyone who is still hesitating: don't.

Just Wow. There is a reason that the price correlates with the experience. This is a true 10/10 stars. Very hard to exceed my expectations and that’s exactly what this property did! Highly recommend carving out sometime at this bucket list property

My husband and I stayed 6 nights at the Brando. People may tell you that is too long, but don’t believe it! I dove 2 days, we enjoyed intimate meals with new friends, and the spa was well-run and peaceful. The rooms are very private and your private beach is enormous (maybe 1/4 acre?). I always use Pacific for Less when booking French Polynesia. Travel is flawless and they are always available for support. Claudia and Cathi know everything South Pacific. I have been to FP 13 times, but this was my first to the Brando. I have already booked a return trip to bring family in September for whale watching!

A unique and beautiful experience! Not to be missed if you can afford to go. We went with our adult son and family that included an 11 year old and 13 year old. They had a great time, too, even though the resort might seem more for adults. We were on the lagoon side by the spa (in the 100’s). Our one-bedroom was very roomy and clean. A/c was great, view was nice. Family two-bedroom had a kitchen area that was helpful but not used much except for coffee, fridge and snacks. That view and pool area was fantastic. Excursions were great and the staff were all very welcoming and friendly. They really made it all great. Food options were very good. The pool was great. Snorkeling right off the beach in the coral garden area is not to be missed. Spa sessions were relaxing and staff very pleasant but I think I would spend my time in the water as it is so special there.