TETIAROA 'The island of birds'

Formerly the playground for Royalty, Tetiaroa is today the private domain of Marlon Brando. Twelve islets enclose a protected lagoon, with superb snorkeling and diving inside the 100-foot deep coral gardens.

Located just 42 km (26 miles) north of Tahiti, the atoll of Tetiaroa is a sanctuary for thousands of sea birds, who lay their eggs on the white powdery sand beaches.

Here is the place for those visitors who seek peace and tranquility. The only sounds you hear are the cries of birds, a coconut falling in the grove and the thunderous roar of the sea as it breaks into cascades of colours on the coral reef surrounding the atoll.

Soon the first Eco Hotel, the Brando