Tetiaroa, a ring of coral motu around a lagoon about 53 kilometres north of Tahiti, was bought by Marlon Brando in the 1960s, and his idea of a place where comfort and conservation could live together shaped everything that followed. The resort was developed by Pacific Beachcomber and opened in July 2014, reached by a 20-minute private flight from Papeete. Its 35 villas and single residence are spread along the white sand beneath the palms, which keeps the atoll quiet. A seawater air-conditioning system draws cold water from the deep ocean, more than 4,700 solar panels meet around 60 per cent of its energy needs, and used cooking oil is turned into biofuel. Science is part of island life. The Tetiaroa Society, a non-profit, runs the EcoStation with partners including UC Berkeley, UC Santa Barbara, CRIOBE and Oxford, studying the birds, reefs and lagoon, and introduces guests to its work. The spa draws on Polynesian traditions. The Teremoana Residence has three en-suite bedrooms across 279 square metres inside, with a 22-square-metre infinity pool, a beach garden and its own kitchen.
- Nearest airport
- Faa'a International Airport, Tahiti (PPT), 37 Miles / 60 Kilometres
- Rooms
- 35 villas and one residence
Insider tip Ask the concierge to book a complimentary cold-plunge session, offered for circulation and sleep.
Why I choose it A private atoll run on the sun and the deep sea, with a working research station that guests are welcome to visit.
