offerendum

If you can read it an article about The Brando in German: http://www.sueddeutsche.de/reise/fra...toll-1.2148074

xracer

Well, in order to be a game changer, the place would actually have to change the game. And I don't really see that. What I see is a lovely location, but a mediocre resort that looks like it could be anywhere. Further, the price point is too high for what is offered and service seems to be less than stellar.

You may not think Minnesotans have class (), but one thing they do tend to have is common sense - which would probably prevent them from booking here.

Kagehitokiri

comparisons can be surprising >

north/fregate can be €2K more and laucala is $1K more (than brando)

high season rates for new aman in europe
as well as many much larger luxury resorts
twin farms and the point are luxury all-inclusive not on beach
"one excursion per day" inclusion may compare to safari-style
and not even getting into city hotels in france, new york, russia

xracer

I think both of these are priced high as well. But they both have some very unique build characteristics that make them potentially worthwhile. To me, The Brando just looks...average (except for the location, of course).

Plus, I don't think it's really a fair comparison to take the ultra-high, high season rates at other resorts and to compare them to the year-round rates at the Brando. Most of us (who are wise) do not frequent those other resorts during the highest of the high seasons (mainly because of occupancy levels).

Kagehitokiri

the location (12 private islands) is the cost
cost would be lower if more rooms, higher if fewer rooms

comparisons have to be specific

many here travel over holiday and peak season
annual rates mean no holiday/peak premium
all-inclusive can be about convenience

12 private islands = low density
fewer rooms = lower maximum occupancy

xracer

Small amount of rooms and remote location are important. But not enough. The resort itself also has to be unique and better then average in design. Service also has to be excellent.

And of course, anything I say here is my opinion and mine alone. It goes without saying that others will value things differently.

In my opinion, comparisons that do not encompass all of the price fluctuations are not complete. Although I know this would be difficult to do.

Kagehitokiri

design could have been more expensive

how one feels about room counts is definitely big variable
(separate from resort accommodations providing privacy)

when price of something is considered high, its being compared to something
wasnt sure what properties (rates/inclusions) were being compared to brando
i did compare the inclusions of north, fregate, laucala, brando, necker, wakaya

probably the only reason i did not do brando during soft opening period is flights (i fly paid economy)

Larkin

I would love to hear from someone on our forum who has been there or has close hand feedback on the Brando! We are going to FP next summer on the way and way back from the Cook Islands and are " thinking" of staying there for 3 - 4 nights. We have been to Hotel Bora Bora in the " old days" and are not too interested in the newer large hotels ( 4 Seasons, St Regis, etc). Maybe I am making a mistake and if so please comment!

I know they seem great, but I am worried about the crowded nature of BOra Bora these days and for us, I think I would prefer to remember it the way it was. We are thinking of le Tahaa ( if anyone knows), or the Brando. Any feedback would be much appreciated! We even thought of Kia Oro which I know is not luxury necessarily, but we have not been to the Tuamotoes! Of course on paper ( aside from price) the Brando seems to tick the boxes, but really have no idea! Any comments are much appreciated as I trust you all!

Pausanias

Larkin - These days I much prefer the Tuamotus to anywhere else in French Polynesia and one of those islands would make a lovely contrast to the Cook Islands. I've been to maybe a dozen of the Taumotus but few have proper hotels and of those I greatly favour Tikehau over Rangiroa. On Tikehau you have two choices - the Pearl resort, which is lovely, and also Ninamu where I've not stayed but people tend to adore it.

The atolls of the Tuamotus are stunning - the vast emptiness, the utter remoteness, the incredible colours of the lagoons are unforgettable. Unless you have a craving for Bora Bora I'd steer clear these days. My last two visits have been day-trips from expedition cruise ships thus avoiding the hotels.

Of course, The Brando on Tetiaroa is also an atoll . . .

landing

I can recommend this place on Fakarava. www.raimiti.com
A really special place far away from everything.

lb8001

larkin, my TA was at the Brando in July and was extremely impressed. I may be going myself within the next few weeks (or next spring). She said it is very private/quiet/discreet (things that very much matter to me) - each villa has its own pool and beach area. Sounding proofing in the villas is outstanding. Food is excellent and served wherever you want it/whenever you want it. She thought the staff provided extremely good service - not pretentious at all but learned/anticipated guests' likes and were great to interact with. She is an avid diver, as I am, but didn't go diving there. She did go snorkeling and on a whale watching trip and said they were very well done. About a 20 min flight from PPT to the resort. The all-inclusive price was very all-inclusive, internet speed was fast enough to get work done. I will be glad to report when I visit and try to get good photos.

Larkin

How is the Pearl in Tikahau? We have decided to give the Brando a go for the last 3-4 nights of our trip. Now we are debating between quite different choices - le Tahaa, FS Bora Bora ( but afraid too large for our tastes even though I am sure it meets the luxury std, and have been to BB before at the old BB Hotel which we loved), or Kia Oro or Pearl Tikahau for a more adventurous opportunity to see something different ( Tuamotos) understanding sacrificing a bit if luxury for the adventure, remoteness, and great diving and snorkling? And then ending with Brando. Any comments?

Pausanias

Larkin - The Tikehau Pearl is fine, not luxury in the terms of this Forum, but in tune with the location. We had a beach bungalow and were perfectly happy with it - but I'm biased against OWBs. If I went back I'd try Ninamu which looks far more interesting and it's all-inclusive, I think.

But for your overall trip, think landscapes. If you're in the Cooks I presume that means Aitutaki as well as Rarotonga. Aitutaki is gorgeous, one of the best tropical islands we've ever seen. People say it's like a mini Bora Bora and that's probably right but far more laid back and low-key.

I think you can sensibly avoid Bora Bora itself but give some thought to Le Tahaa - the views of Bora Bora are staggering and there are some nice trips to be done from there, including Tahaa itself as well as Raiatea which has some great ancient temples.

Tikehau and Tetiaroa/Brando are both atolls, so a similar landscape, but I'd certainly wouldn't want to miss either.

MacMyDay

Even though there is another thread, it's discussing The Brando vs another hotel so I thought I'd post here instead.

First of all, we came from Four Seasons Bora Bora, which I consider just a dreadful hotel. That means everything The Brando does which isn't dreadful will be considered excellent, so that may sway my opinion.

Sadly still the case.

However, even taking that into consideration, I'm really impressed with what they offer and think in comparison to competing properties they even offer excellent value for money - all inclusive with a daily spa treatment and all the activities. It's somewhere in between Amanpulo and Cheval Blanc type property, due to the modern design, but also the emphasis on the natural environment and large vastness of the island. The size of the room at 96 sqm sounded rather small, especially when you compare it to North Island and Laucala being over 450 sqm, but those guys start including decking and all kinds of things to exaggerate it, whereas The Brando is just talking about the room itself. The way they have designed the rooms does not make it feel cramped at all and I'm overwhelmingly a fan of the design and architecture of it.

I shall hope it continues and will write-up more when our stay is finished, as well as upload photos; I'd love to do it now, but their Internet is dreadful and keeps going down.

KatW