Teti'aroa

Teti'aroa is an atoll in the Windward group of the Society Islands of French Polynesia, an overseas territorial collectivity of France in the Pacific Ocean. Once the vacation spot for Tahitian royalty, the atoll is widely known for having been purchased by Marlon Brando. In 1973 it was officially renamed to Marlon Brando island.GeographyTeti'aroa is administratively part of the commune (municipality) of 'Ārue.The atoll is located north of Tahiti. The atoll has a total surface area of 6km2; approximately of sand divided by 12 motus (islets) with varying surface areas. The lagoon is approximately 7km wide and deep. The atoll has no reef opening, making access by boat nearly impossible.The islets (or motus), in clockwise order starting from the southwest corner, include: Onetahi (with regulated airstrip and site of The Brando Resort) Honuea Tiaruanu Motu Tauvini (Tauini) Motu Ahurea (Auroa) Hiraanae Horoatera (Oroatera) Motu 'Ā'i.e. Tahuna Iti (almost out of sight, immersed) Tahuna Rahi Reiono Motu One Rimatu'u (with an ornithology reserve)Ownership and historyThe atoll of Teti'aroa was a special place for the Tahitian chiefs, as a place to entertain themselves with song, dance, fishing, and feasting. It was also a special place for the ariori to practice their custom of ha'apori'a. This custom included eating to gain weight, and staying out of the sun to whiten their skin. Plump and pale was a sign of “well-being and prosperity” for the ariori and chiefs. Teti'aroa was controlled by the chiefs of Pare-'Arue, and later, by members of the Pōmare Dynasty.

Tags : #Hotel, #Island