On Marlon Brando’s privately preserved atoll of Tetiaroa in French Polynesia, twenty minutes by private plane from Tahiti, The Brando offers one of the world’s most ecologically intact healing environments: 35 villas on a coral-reef-encircled motu where solar energy, seawater cooling and the Tetiaroa Society’s active conservation research create a living sanctuary rather than a resort. The Varua Te Ora Polynesian Spa weaves through tropical undergrowth along secret paths to private treatment spaces for massage, bodywork and contemplative rituals, while Polynesian guides, yoga on a mirrored platform, and the atoll’s extraordinary silence and natural rhythm compose a restorative experience that cannot be manufactured elsewhere.
Assessed by HealingGuide
‘Raurami’ massages are deeply rooted in ancient and modern Polynesian culture as a therapeutic and spiritual practice
The Brando is a unique luxury resort on French Polynesia’s breathtakingly beautiful private island of Tetiaroa – an atoll composed of a dozen small islands surrounding a sparkling lagoon 30 miles northeast of Tahiti. The Brando offers carefree luxury in the midst of pristine nature. The resort was designed to reflect Polynesian lifestyles and culture.
The resort is committed to preserving and protecting the natural splendor and precious biodiversity of Tetiaroa; respecting and supporting Polynesian culture, hospitality and traditions; and achieving a negligible carbon footprint. It supports research, education and outreach aimed at increasing the knowledge of and appreciation for the natural and cultural heritage of tropical islands and their people to encourage innovation to address local and global environmental and sustainability issues.
Traditional treatments and the art of ‘raurami’ massage are deeply rooted in ancient and modern Polynesian culture as therapeutic and spiritual practices. It is the means to both maintain and restore inner harmony and balance relations with the outer world.
Raurami means to massage in depth, it is an expression of love and goodwill towards others and provides opportunity to touch the soul through the body. Combined with traditional massage, monoi oil is expertly used to draw numerous benefits from plant properties.
Varua Te Ora Polynesian Spa is a unique haven of tranquility nestled on a restful pond in the heart of the atoll of Tetiaroa. Varua, meaning “the Soul”, perpetuates the tradition established by the Royal family who used to retreat here to relax and indulge in beauty rituals. The Spa is in harmony with its surroundings of plant life, water and wood. Aware of the need to preserve its pure and unspoilt habitat, it offers unrivalled holistic treatments inspired by international and ancestral Polynesian techniques in a truly exceptional setting.
The Spa suites offer amazing views over 2000 sqm of natural landscape on an islet covered in abundant vegetation. The Spa also has quiet spaces for relaxation including a steam bath, a waterfall, a tea lounge and the Fare Mana, an area sets aside for gentle energies. Varua Te Ora Polynesian Spa, the life and soul of Tetiaroa, is a truly Polynesian sanctuary.
Yoga and Pilates are some other wellness induced programmes available at The Brando.
Rediscover harmony, relaxation and inner peace with The Brando
The Brando
Tetiaroa, Arue 98702,
French Polynesia,
Oceania
Where Healing Begins
This property has been independently assessed and selected by HealingGuide as part of a curated global collection of healing sanctuaries, retreat centres, and wellness hotels chosen for the quality of the inner states they make possible.
We earn no commission.
All links lead directly to the property, and we encourage you to book there whenever you can.
