The Brando (French Polynesia)
Mar 29, 2018, 10:53 pm
#61
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: England
Posts: 1,361
Mar 29, 2018, 11:28 pm
#62
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: United global services, BA gold,
Posts: 837
We stayed on the Brando in July 2015. So sorry we did not review. We loved it. Had perfect weather Was not full but had not been opened long. We liked the rooms, the beaches, etc. at that time service was not perfect but I imagine it must have improved since we were there. We gave them a bit of a pass as so nice and trying hard. Food was mixed. The simple local fish great, but some dishes they tried to be too extravagant, but I'm sure that has all changed by now! I would go back! Actually kind of wish we'd waited a year or two. Anxious to read MacMyDay review.
i have not been to Laucala ( on the list) but have been to Wakaya Club several times ( again quite awhile ago )!and found best season there June- September. Low humidity, no bugs, etc. July and August were especially nice.
Agree with MacMyDay, North Island hard to beat. We plan to return in 2019 - I hope. Still working on plans.
i have not been to Laucala ( on the list) but have been to Wakaya Club several times ( again quite awhile ago )!and found best season there June- September. Low humidity, no bugs, etc. July and August were especially nice.
Agree with MacMyDay, North Island hard to beat. We plan to return in 2019 - I hope. Still working on plans.
Mar 29, 2018, 11:44 pm
#63
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Palo Alto, CA, USA
Posts: 3,221
Yes - more rain, less rain but no price break either way.
P.S.: I'll perform a no-rain incantation/dance for you, MacMyDay.
P.S.: I'll perform a no-rain incantation/dance for you, MacMyDay.
Mar 31, 2018, 9:34 am
#64
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: England
Posts: 1,361
Thanks, KatW - I will get my twinkle toes on too
Day 3 of The Brando and I really, really love this property.
The food is exceptional. So much so that we I think it is not only the best food I've ever had on a private island, but the best of any resort I've been to. Their ability to do fine dining on an all-inclusive basis puts a shame on Cheval Blanc. Even their casual dining and bar food is superb.
The room is great and leaves me wanting for nothing, the scenery is beautiful, the spa is the best I've ever seen on a private island, the facilities are wonderful and it's very private. There are so many touches of thoughtfulness in the way this property was built that I will begin to feel others are outdated in their approach.
The biggest downside, and it always is, is what Larkin experienced with the service. They all try, everyone is very friendly and the management are great, but there are too many mistakes from the average worker, often regarding forgetfulness. Just like Laucala, there is a huge emphasis on employing the local community, and French Polynesia is clearly not on the same level as Asian hospitality, nor in fact most of Europe. I know some people will wonder why you should come somewhere at these prices when service is not perfect, but having been to almost all their competition I know full well the same is very much present there too (although second visit to North Island was quite flawless). You can easily pay twice as much and receive no different. I'm willing to accept it, be a bit more patient and work with it by knowing who to ask to get something done, in return for everything else they offer. I'm in no rush anyway. If you come here, do not come expecting Aman, but do expect everything else to be pretty perfect.
Some pictures here:
Day 3 of The Brando and I really, really love this property.
The food is exceptional. So much so that we I think it is not only the best food I've ever had on a private island, but the best of any resort I've been to. Their ability to do fine dining on an all-inclusive basis puts a shame on Cheval Blanc. Even their casual dining and bar food is superb.
The room is great and leaves me wanting for nothing, the scenery is beautiful, the spa is the best I've ever seen on a private island, the facilities are wonderful and it's very private. There are so many touches of thoughtfulness in the way this property was built that I will begin to feel others are outdated in their approach.
The biggest downside, and it always is, is what Larkin experienced with the service. They all try, everyone is very friendly and the management are great, but there are too many mistakes from the average worker, often regarding forgetfulness. Just like Laucala, there is a huge emphasis on employing the local community, and French Polynesia is clearly not on the same level as Asian hospitality, nor in fact most of Europe. I know some people will wonder why you should come somewhere at these prices when service is not perfect, but having been to almost all their competition I know full well the same is very much present there too (although second visit to North Island was quite flawless). You can easily pay twice as much and receive no different. I'm willing to accept it, be a bit more patient and work with it by knowing who to ask to get something done, in return for everything else they offer. I'm in no rush anyway. If you come here, do not come expecting Aman, but do expect everything else to be pretty perfect.
Some pictures here:
Mar 31, 2018, 9:52 am
#65
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: United global services, BA gold,
Posts: 837
Thanks, KatW - I will get my twinkle toes on too
Day 3 of The Brando and I really, really love this property.
The food is exceptional. So much so that we I think it is not only the best food I've ever had on a private island, but the best of any resort I've been to. Their ability to do fine dining on an all-inclusive basis puts a shame on Cheval Blanc. Even their casual dining and bar food is superb.
The room is great and leaves me wanting for nothing, the scenery is beautiful, the spa is the best I've ever seen on a private island, the facilities are wonderful and it's very private. There are so many touches of thoughtfulness in the way this property was built that I will begin to feel others are outdated in their approach.
The biggest downside, and it always is, is what Larkin experienced with the service. They all try, everyone is very friendly and the management are great, but there are too many mistakes from the average worker, often regarding forgetfulness. Just like Laucala, there is a huge emphasis on employing the local community, and French Polynesia is clearly not on the same level as Asian hospitality, nor in fact most of Europe. I know some people will wonder why you should come somewhere at these prices when service is not perfect, but having been to almost all their competition I know full well the same is very much present there too (although second visit to North Island was quite flawless). You can easily pay twice as much and receive no different. I'm willing to accept it, be a bit more patient and work with it by knowing who to ask to get something done, in return for everything else they offer. I'm in no rush anyway. If you come here, do not come expecting Aman, but do expect everything else to be pretty perfect.
Some pictures here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/132880...57689360450700
Day 3 of The Brando and I really, really love this property.
The food is exceptional. So much so that we I think it is not only the best food I've ever had on a private island, but the best of any resort I've been to. Their ability to do fine dining on an all-inclusive basis puts a shame on Cheval Blanc. Even their casual dining and bar food is superb.
The room is great and leaves me wanting for nothing, the scenery is beautiful, the spa is the best I've ever seen on a private island, the facilities are wonderful and it's very private. There are so many touches of thoughtfulness in the way this property was built that I will begin to feel others are outdated in their approach.
The biggest downside, and it always is, is what Larkin experienced with the service. They all try, everyone is very friendly and the management are great, but there are too many mistakes from the average worker, often regarding forgetfulness. Just like Laucala, there is a huge emphasis on employing the local community, and French Polynesia is clearly not on the same level as Asian hospitality, nor in fact most of Europe. I know some people will wonder why you should come somewhere at these prices when service is not perfect, but having been to almost all their competition I know full well the same is very much present there too (although second visit to North Island was quite flawless). You can easily pay twice as much and receive no different. I'm willing to accept it, be a bit more patient and work with it by knowing who to ask to get something done, in return for everything else they offer. I'm in no rush anyway. If you come here, do not come expecting Aman, but do expect everything else to be pretty perfect.
Some pictures here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/132880...57689360450700
Mar 31, 2018, 12:03 pm
#66
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: England
Posts: 1,361
Perfect weather, with only light rain overnight and all dried by first thing. It's during Spring Break, so it has been rather busy and at near capacity with a lot of families (same as Four Seasons Bora Bora), although the bar one night felt like a Hollywood backstage event due to all the celebrities that were staying.
Apr 10, 2018, 6:23 am
#67
Join Date: May 2006
Location: New York
Programs: SPG Platinum, AA 2.0 MM, DL Plat, Hertz Plat, LY Gold
Posts: 1,602
Perfect weather, with only light rain overnight and all dried by first thing. It's during Spring Break, so it has been rather busy and at near capacity with a lot of families (same as Four Seasons Bora Bora), although the bar one night felt like a Hollywood backstage event due to all the celebrities that were staying.
Apr 10, 2018, 3:17 pm
#69
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: England
Posts: 1,361
Impressive - I never knew the tabloids actually got things right. They were not rude or loud - just as polite and friendly as anyone else, so no issues from me if that's where they wish to get away from prying eyes. I'm sure everyone thought North Island was going to change once George Clooney was reported to have gone on his honeymoon there, but it didn't. The fact that he didn't actually go there didn't dispel the myth.
I have finally finished my full review of The Brando now, for those interested Review: The Brando, French Polynesia ? The Good, The Bad and The Luxurious
I have finally finished my full review of The Brando now, for those interested Review: The Brando, French Polynesia ? The Good, The Bad and The Luxurious
Apr 11, 2018, 7:41 am
#71
Join Date: May 2006
Location: New York
Programs: SPG Platinum, AA 2.0 MM, DL Plat, Hertz Plat, LY Gold
Posts: 1,602
Impressive - I never knew the tabloids actually got things right. They were not rude or loud - just as polite and friendly as anyone else, so no issues from me if that's where they wish to get away from prying eyes. I'm sure everyone thought North Island was going to change once George Clooney was reported to have gone on his honeymoon there, but it didn't. The fact that he didn't actually go there didn't dispel the myth.
I have finally finished my full review of The Brando now, for those interested Review: The Brando, French Polynesia ? The Good, The Bad and The Luxurious
I have finally finished my full review of The Brando now, for those interested Review: The Brando, French Polynesia ? The Good, The Bad and The Luxurious
Have you ever considered writing a book?
Oh, and the lack of celebrity pics? Disappointing....
Apr 11, 2018, 8:53 am
#72
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: UK
Posts: 1,643
I hadn't heard of a Clooney connection with The Brando - and surely he's so passe these days and needs a coffee machine in his room. However, I do know that President Obama went there . . . God knows what the security must have been like.
Macmyday's review talks of the 'fine dining' restaurant and implies that once guests are seated the staff draw a curtain around their table, rather like a hospital A&E when the nurse gets rather personal or when you die. Weird or what?
I am very pleased (and relieved) he liked this hotel, despite its service issues which are par for the course in French Polynesia. This is my favourite place in the world.
Macmyday's review talks of the 'fine dining' restaurant and implies that once guests are seated the staff draw a curtain around their table, rather like a hospital A&E when the nurse gets rather personal or when you die. Weird or what?
I am very pleased (and relieved) he liked this hotel, despite its service issues which are par for the course in French Polynesia. This is my favourite place in the world.
Last edited by Pausanias; Apr 11, 2018 at 9:10 am
Apr 12, 2018, 2:52 pm
#73
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: England
Posts: 1,361
Pleasure. Not yet, but I'm sure you can tell I wasn't a fan. I genuinely struggle to think of anything positive about the hotel, other than the nearby scenery and there being no minimum stay requirements.
I have considered many things, but subjecting my family to endless Christmas gifts of my unsold book would not be one of them.
I have considered many things, but subjecting my family to endless Christmas gifts of my unsold book would not be one of them.
Apr 13, 2018, 5:05 am
#74
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,596
Must really stay at The Brando in the future. Pity about FS... I have stayed many times in the years after opening when Sebastian Carré was GM and Gilles Mauffras in charge of Concierge. It was much better back then. I thought the lovely lady who is now GM would positively influence service and standards, but I guess it is a victim of its own success. Would love to hear what you didn’t like!
