Definitely exceeds StR Bora Bora - it's not even a competition as they aren't in the same league.

The hard product is beyond AMAZING. Everything is gorgeous, high end, and impeccably designed, both in general and with the guest in mind. Even the facilities (water treatment, air conditioning, trash / recycling, etc.) are cool enough that they give tours.

We did the all-inclusive plan and it was such a treat to have spa appointments included in our rate. It also was refreshing to not have to consider pricing for F&B, especially after the sky high amounts we paid in Bora Bora. My Champagne intake went up 1000%

I highly recommend The Brando for anyone looking for exclusivity, privacy, and relaxation. It often felt like we were the only people there. Aside from that our villa offered great privacy from the neighbors, and the view made it feel like you had your own private beach.

I felt there was room for improvement in terms of service, but I have extremely high standards and am a service above all else traveler. They also had not been open long when we were there, considering the low number of guests and the challenges of finding employees in FP in general.

I was also personally challenged by the food. If five course tasting menus and the associated cuisine are your thing, and you have no dietary restrictions, then dining here should be a great fit for you. I tend to prefer simple meals that are impeccably prepared. Plus, as a vegetarian, there were simply too few options in general, and that were appealing to me specifically.

The cocktail and wine programs were top notch and Bob's Bar was a highlight.

I don't have any reason to go back. I experienced the resorts that I felt would most appeal to my clients, which was one purpose of the trip. It's very far from Boston, and with a responsibility to my career to see the world it simply wouldn't make sense to return.

Here are my trip reports: The Brando, St. Regis vs. Four Seasons, Luxury Resort Showdown in French Polynesia

luxtrvlwrks, thank you for the review and information. This resort is definitely on my list at this point.

brilliant idea to add transit accommodations at owned less luxury hotel

they dont do off-the-menu?

sounds like this did not work >

Since many people also want the overwater bungalow experience in addition to The Brando, they have no doubt been losing revenue to the FS and StR.

I ate off the vegan menu at the Beachcomber Cafe for dinner.

I did not ask for the vegan menu at Les Mutin�s. I did attempt to revise a regular menu item to make it vegetarian. The waiter suggested I just have a veggie plate or a salad, I can't remember which. No thanks. So, I held firm and ended up eating a little beef stock, oh well.

The waiters at Bob's Bar were great about bringing me bar snacks that did not include meat.

I am fine with a vegan meal or two, or asking for something I truly crave off-menu (in fact it is often one of my "tests") but at the end of the day I am a vegetarian dining at a hotel. I don't want to be asked to create dishes for a chef who should be fully capable of developing a well-rounded menu with options for multiple dietary preferences (I know, not an easy task), or suggesting one-off dishes that are not vegan, salads, veggie plates, or pasta primavera. Figuring out what to cook is a chore I do at home.

Of course, I am fully aware that my diet is a choice. Despite what it may sound like, I am not fussy. I pick the meat off of my airline salad, and I ate chicken recently so as not to offend a tribal elder, and grasshoppers, because, well they're a dietary gray area

related
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...trictions.html

Just a heads up - on Tuesday, 27 Feb at 9pm on BBC2, Monica Galetti and Giles Coren a start second series of Amazing Hotels: Life Behind the Lobby with an hour-long profile of The Brando.

Does anyone have the link to the series online again?

Away from desk so can�t link it, but as of yesterday, it was the first hit on Google if you search the series name.

Only problem: unless you have a VPN, doesn�t seem to work anywhere outside the UK (BBC2).

For all with no VPN - you can watch six series here https://ihavenotv.com/search/amazing%20hotels

The first season of this show was cringe-inducing to watch. I only made it through the MBS and Royal Mansour episodes and had to shut it off. Giles is unbearable and his comedic antics are the opposite of funny. He made a great show concept absolutely miserable.

Couldn't agree more. Not only that, but the BBC, the absolute kings of documentaries, somehow made it boring. I am going to The Brando over Easter, so there's no way I'm watching this show as I'll likely end up wanting to cancel it after seeing his smug face run around the island.

Yes, I also think Giles Coren is a pain but I do have a lot of respect for Monica Galetti and she should be great at the Brando as she is a Polynesian herself, coming from Samoa.