Getting there already sets a certain distance from the rest of French Polynesia. From Papeete you have to take a flight of about 20 minutes oroperated by Air Tetiaroa. As you approach, you observe the circular layout of the atoll: a lagoon protected by the reef, small islets covered with coconut trees and a very limited amount of development. The hotel is concentrated on Onetahi, one of the motus, while a large part of Tetiaroa remains undeveloped.
Those who seek a decorative fantasy of Polynesia may find more ostentatious proposals elsewhere. The Brando works with deliberately discreet architecture, integrated among the vegetation and raised in some spots to reduce its impact on the land. Its 35 villas and the Teremoana residence have private pools and direct access to the beach; the doors open fully to favor cross-ventilation and erase, within reasonable bounds, the separation between interior and exterior.
Privacy is probably the real luxury here. The vegetation separates the units and the beaches appear to be incorporated into each accommodation. Bicycles for getting around, sandy paths and very little hotel scenery in view.
The rest of the program is carefully measured: three restaurants, two bars, freshwater pool, fitness center, diving and the Varua Te Ora spa, tucked away among the vegetation. The cuisine blends Polynesian produce and flavors with French technique.
