Tetiaroa, Private atoll in Windward Islands, French Polynesia
Tetiaroa forms a circular ring of twelve small coral islets surrounding a shallow lagoon in the South Pacific. The inner water stretches roughly seven kilometers across, while each individual islet features pale sand and low palms.
Tahitian rulers used the atoll for centuries as a retreat for rest and ceremony. King Pomare IV spent extended stays there regularly during his reign in the 19th century.
The small islands retain multiple archaeological sites from ancient Polynesian settlements, including ceremonial locations and traditional gathering spaces for local inhabitants.
Access is only by small plane from Papeete Airport to a private airstrip on one of the islets. From there, boats take visitors to other areas within the lagoon.
In the 1960s, actor Marlon Brando became interested in Tetiaroa after shooting movies nearby. He bought the atoll to use as his personal retreat. He spent many years there, drawing ideas for a resort that would have less impact on the island. The resort was built years after he died. Today, you can see his influence in how the place is run, reflecting his wish to live quietly on the island.
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