Marlon Brando has made another offer you can’t refuse. The late film legend’s plans to build an environmental resort in French Polynesia are finally underway.
The Brando—located on the atoll Tetiaroa, 35 miles north of Tahiti—has passed rigorous environmental building regulations set by the Tahitian government. Construction of The Brando began with the building of a platform to protect the sensitive coral reef.
The resort features 47 bungalows—each with a private pool—a spa and fitness center, and activities and attractions that include archaeological tours and scuba diving.
Tetiaroa atoll, site of The Brando. Photo: www.thebrando.com
Brando acquired Tetiaroa in 1965 with the vision of developing the sustainable resort; his friend, Richard Bailey—who owns several luxury resorts in French Polynesia that utilize eco-friendly practices—is taking charge of the current project. Sustainable highlights include “SeaWater Air-Conditioning” (SWAC), in which cold ocean water is pumped through a deep-sea pipe into the hotel to chill the air; electricity costs using this method are about one-tenth that of conventional air-conditioning systems.
Completion of The Brando is slated for late 2011. For more information, go to www.thebrando.com.
