Tiny coral ring, Tetiaroa gives a good idea of original Eden with its white sand beaches and crystalline lagoon. Located 42 km north of Tahiti (15 mn by plane), Tetiaroa is the unique atoll (low island) of the Society Islands. Its crystal-clear lagoon is circled by 13 white sand islets. Totally close to the ocean, its reef barrier does not offer a pass to enter the lagoon by boat

The atoll and more specifically motu Tahuna Iti (called the “Island of Birds”) is also a natural reserve for sea birds (frigate, gannets, phaetons, brown and red-footed boobies), and is used for reproduction purposes …

Many archaeological sites have been discovered on Tetiaroa: marae, paepae, an archery platform, gates and and taro holes.

During the pre-European period, the atoll was called “Teturoa” or “Tetuaroa”. It became successively the summer residence of  the ari’i (big chiefs) of Arue (district of Tahiti) and of the royal Pomare family – on motu Rimatuu – until it was abandoned by Queen Pomare IV. According to the legend, Tetiaroa was used to hide the royal treasures.

In 1789, William BLIGH was the first European to visit the island while seeking for the Bounty mutineers.

In 1904, the royal family gave in present the island of Tetiaroa to Dr. Johnston Walter Williams (1874 – 1937), the only dentist of Tahiti. He became later Consul of England from 1916 to 1935.

In 1965, famous actor Marlon BRANDO “acquired” the atoll for 99 years (the lagoon remaining the property of the Marine Territory) after was shooted the movie Mutiny of the Bounty where he played the role of Christian FLETCHER. He built an airstrip on motu Onetahi as well as an hotel managed, at that time, by his Tahitian spouse Tarita, also starring on his side in the Mutiny of the Bounty.

Launched mid-year 2014 on Motu Onetahi, THE BRANDO is setting new standards and has raised the bar to the highest possible level. Nearly invisible from the sea, the thirty-five villas are beautifully integrated with the magnificent landscape. The other islets remain undeveloped and are serving as fiels for scientific observation and data collection.