I Stayed at The Ultimate Private Island
- natalie30661
- Nov 21
- 5 min read
Set on its own secluded private-island, The Brando is an ultra-exclusive French Polynesian resort of private villas and pristine beaches.
My First Client Visited The Brando, Now I’ve Experienced It Too
Back in February, the very first client of Posh Trips Travel chose The Brando.
At the time, it felt surreal. My client was going to this ultra-exclusive, off-the-grid resort in French Polynesia, a hotel of my personal dreams. I remember thinking, “Wow, Posh Trips is really doing the thing.”
When they set on their way...the weather turned...their connecting island flights got canceled. Everything that could go wrong, kind of did. But, as you would expect, The Brando handled everything so smoothly, and my clients had an incredible time.
Fast forward to now: The Brando invited me to come stay. That same dream trip I planned for my clients became my own reality. Definitely a pinch-me moment!
What’s the Big Deal About The Brando?
This is not your average hotel.
The island of Tetiaroa is only accessible by The Brando’s private plane. There are just 36 villas, each with its own plunge pool, private beach, and the kind of space that makes you feel like you’re completely alone in paradise.
And yes, it’s a celeb magnet.
Ellen DeGeneres once told a story on her show while interviewing Margot Robbie. Margot and her husband went to the gym at The Brando, assuming they wouldn’t see a soul because they’re literally on a private island in the middle of the Pacific. Her husband was dressed a little too casually for a public run-in... and who do they bump into? Ellen and Portia. And then Ellen’s like, “You have to meet Barack Obama, he’s here too.”
All of them. In the same gym. At the same time.
That actually happened. And that’s the kind of clientele this hotel attracts.
But beyond the celebrities, what really makes The Brando so special is what it stands for.
The Vision Behind It
For anyone who doesn’t know, Marlon Brando (a legendary old-school Hollywood actor) discovered the island while filming Mutiny on the Bounty and dreamed of creating a resort that honored the land and culture. Decades later, that vision is now The Brando.
4,000+ solar panels power 60% of the resort
Deep seawater is used to cool the villas, reducing energy use by 90%
The Tetiaroa Society, a nonprofit on the island, does research and conservation work funded by your stay
Luxury and sustainability, working side by side. You can unplug, enjoy the beauty of nature, and know that you're giving back while you're at it.
So… How Was My Stay?
First impression? The villas are huge.
You walk in and your eyes immediately go straight past the living room because the plunge pool and private beach pull you outside. It’s like the second you see that view, you just have to walk out and experience it.
There’s a full outdoor lounge area, space to relax, and you really do feel like you’re on your own private island.
And the water was so clear. Every morning, I’d sit out with my coffee and watch these little fins gliding through the lagoon. Yes, actual baby sharks. Totally harmless, but so cool to see from your own deck. The breeze in the palms, a little five-minute rain shower rolling through, everything just felt so peaceful.
That combination of your own plunge pool and your own stretch of beach? It’s the best of both worlds.
Also to note, the bathroom. I always love checking out hotel bathrooms, and this one was stunning. Bright, open, tons of natural light, perfect for doing your makeup. And it came with a Dyson hair dryer, which, if you are like me and have curly, frizzy hair you already know that’s clutch.
Inside, the layout is super functional: a spacious living room, an office area, the bedroom, and a spa-like bathroom. It’s perfect for a honeymoon or special occasion, but also totally works for families. A family of four could easily fit into the one-bedroom setup.
Why You Want a Travel Advisor for This
On my first morning, before any group activities, I walked the entire perimeter of the resort. Why? To figure out exactly which villas I’d recommend for future clients.
The island is split into two sides: Mermaid Beach and Turtle Beach. You truly can’t go wrong with either. But I marked my personal favorites on the map, took photos, and made detailed notes.
Now, when I book The Brando, I know how to match each traveler with the villa that’s perfect for them. And that’s the kind of insider knowledge you can’t Google or get from ChatGPT ;)
Exploring the Island
One of the highlights was The Ultimate Tour. We explored the surrounding islands by boat, hiked nature trails, spotted native wildlife, and even saw where guests can enjoy a private picnic on a sandbar in the middle of crystal-clear blue water.
It felt like being totally off the grid in the most luxurious way.
If you’re pairing this with a Bora Bora stay (which I always recommend), just know this is a completely different vibe.
Bora Bora is stunning, iconic, and absolutely worth visiting. But there are a lot of boats, a lot of hotels, a lot of movement. It’s beautiful, but it feels more… busy.
The Brando, on the other hand? You feel like you're on a deserted island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It’s quiet. There are only 36 villas, and the atoll (a collection of islands) itself is huge, with so much untouched space to explore. You don’t see crowds. You don’t hear noise. You just feel peace.
I went kayaking one afternoon and found myself paddling over coral reefs, surrounded by silence. It was one of those rare moments where you pause and think: I could be in Castaway right now. Except, of course, you're surrounded by total luxury.
This is why celebrities love it. You can fully disconnect and still have every posh comfort imaginable.
And Yes, It’s All-Inclusive
One 50-minute spa treatment per day, per villa
Unlimited gourmet meals and cocktails
A fully stocked minibar (and yes, it’s included)
One complimentary activity per day (think paddleboarding, snorkeling, nature tours)
Technically, you can book it non-all-inclusive, but honestly? I don’t recommend that. French Polynesia isn’t cheap, and having everything included just makes the whole experience feel way more enjoyable.
Why This Trip Mattered
This experience gave me so much more than a beautiful escape. It gave me knowledge I can pass on to future clients, villa recommendations, dining tips, which activities to book first.
I left feeling educated, inspired, and now I’m SO ready to book my next client here!
If you're thinking about French Polynesia, The Brando needs to be on your list.
And if you’re going, talk to me first, I know exactly which villa to put you in :)
