The French Polynesian atoll of Tetiaroa, owned by the late Marlon Brando, is to be the site of a new eco-hotel, called The Brando.

Slated to open in 2008, and consisting of 30 deluxe fares (villas), it will be the only hotel on Tetiaroa.

Photo: © Tahiti Beachcomber SA

According to Tahiti Beachcomber SA: "This exclusive resort will enjoy a truly unique setting. The former playground of Tahitian Kings, Tetiaroa is now virtually uninhabited (population of one - Brando's son Teihotu) and just 26 miles north of Tahiti in French Polynesia's idyllic Society Islands. Its crystal clear lagoon is encircled by 13 motu, or islands, which offer a tranquil and unspoiled paradise of outstanding natural beauty and ecological importance. Marlon Brando bought Tetiaroa in 1965 after falling in love with it while filming 'Mutiny on the Bounty' in French Polynesia.

"The plan for the resort is very much in keeping with the philosophy of Brando, who shared Bailey's wish to protect the environment. "There will be only one hotel on Tetiaroa, on Motu Onetahi, which is in keeping with Marlon's wishes, and the rest of the atoll will be set aside as a private natural preserve," says Bailey. "The Brando eco-hotel will be exactly what Marlon would have wanted: Energy-autonomous and built with natural materials, it will rest lightly on its environment and be nearly invisible from the water. It will showcase the latest in renewable energy technologies, including some we are already employing in our new hotel in Bora Bora, which Marlon had promised to inaugurate. We worked together on this project for three years before he died. I am privileged to have known him, and honored to play a part in his legacy by bringing one of his dreams to fruition.""

"Bailey's resorts employ a fulltime marine biologist and veterinarian, Dr. Cecile Gaspar, who has carried out extensive studies on Tetiaroa to ensure that such a project will not disturb the flora and fauna of this extraordinary ecosystem, which includes sea-turtle hatching grounds and the designated seabird sanctuary on Motu Tahuna Iti that provides a home to thousands of rare indigenous seabirds. The archeological department of Tahiti Museum was also called in to conduct research into the past use of the atoll by Tahitian royalty."

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