TETIAROA, FRENCH POLYNESIA (August 20, 2010) – Located on the French Polynesian island of Tetiaroa and a product of the late Marlon Brando’s vision, construction on The Brando is progressing steadily with completion slated for late 2012. Pacific Beachcomber, S.C., developer of the highly anticipated resort, is proud to report a number of updates.

Government Support

The President of French Polynesia, Gaston Tong Sang, recently made an official visit to Tetiaroa for a tour of The Brando construction site.  Organized by Richard Bailey, CEO of Pacific Beachcomber S.C., and friend of the late actor, the trip was designed to share progress of the project’s construction with the President and his Minister of Environment, Jules Ienfa, as well as to underscore the facility’s impressive potential for the region in the areas of tourism and employment, and as a regional showcase for best practices in sustainable development.

“President Tong Sang was impressed both by the progress of the project and by the overall concept for The Brando.  He also expressed the positive impact the resort will bring to French Polynesia, creating jobs and adding an exciting new dimension to its tourism industry,” said Bailey.

Sustainability

Sustainability remains at the forefront of construction efforts and progress. Pacific Beachcomber remains committed to the goal of attaining LEED Platinum certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).  Pacific Beachcomber hopes to make Tetiaroa a prototype for sustainable development in the hospitality industry.

In striving to achieve carbon neutrality, The Brando will produce as much energy as it consumes—or more.  The two principal renewable energies that will be used on the island include solar panels and bio-fuel generators. The photovoltaic (solar) panels will be installed alongside Pacific Beachcomber’s new airstrip, which was completed in May 2010. The balance of the energy demand will be sourced using bio-fuel.

A fundamental component of Tetiaroa’s goal of energy autonomy is the installation of a seawater air conditioning (SWAC) system, which uses cold water pumped from 930 meters (nearly 3,000 feet) below the surface to cool the water used in the resort’s air-conditioning system. Given the year-round tropical climate in French Polynesia, air conditioning can account for up to 50% of electricity consumption. SWAC significantly reduces the demand for electricity and will further Pacific Beachcomber’s goal of creating a 100% renewable energy community. This will be the second industrial SWAC system in the world, the first is located at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa, which is owned by Pacific Beachcomber. The Bora Bora system has saved approximately 2,500 tons of carbon dioxide per year since it was installed in 2006.

Additionally, plans for The Brando call for an innovative wastewater management system that would filter liquid wastewater into water usable for irrigation.

Landscaping

Landscaping efforts are well underway on the atoll. The master plan for Tetiaroa includes a substantial landscaping program aimed at caring for existing vegetation while also reintroducing various plant species on Onetahi (one of the islets, or motus, of Tetiaroa) that are native to the island, predating even the presence of the first Polynesian.  Pacific Beachcomber intends to recreate the island’s original landscape, and nearly all plants that are currently being cultivated are already found on the motus of Tetiaroa. The landscaping program on Tetiaroa is a continual effort that will ultimately be incorporated into the ongoing management of Tetiaroa. Staff will be knowledgeable about the motus’ flora, and guests will be able to see and experience its natural beauty throughout the island.

Tetiaroa Society

Pacific Beachcomber is proud to announce its participation as a founding member of the newly created non-profit, “Tetiaroa Society.”  Tetiaroa Society is dedicated to research, conservation and education related to the unique and delicate ecology of the island. The non-profit’s goal is to create a scientific and educational window into the biodiversity of Tetiaroa, and raise public awareness regarding its fragile ecology. Tetiaroa Society is named after The Royal Society of London which financed James Cook’s first expedition to the islands. One of Captain Cook’s objectives on this voyage was to observe the transit of Venus. He made his observation from Tahiti and named that island group the “Society Islands” after the Royal Society.

Pacific Beachcomber is building a research facility on Tetiaroa which shall be donated to Tetiaroa Society. In keeping with Marlon Brando’s wishes, students and scientists will have access to the facility for onsite research and education. In addition, another founding member of Tetiaroa Society, Brando Enterprises, which stands strongly behind Pacific Beachcomber’s project, has committed $100,000 in support of Tetiaroa Society’s conservation and educational activities.

In 2005, after conducting a great deal of due diligence, Brando Enterprises entered into an agreement with TBSA and Richard Bailey for the creation of The Brando on Tetiaroa.  Today, Brando Enterprises continues to work closely with TBSA, Richard Bailey and the Brando Beneficiaries to ensure that The Brando is built according to Marlon’s original dreams for his island.  Brando Enterprises is also actively involved in the overall management of Tetiaroa and firmly believes that the future of Tetiaroa is very bright. Brando Enterprises is confident that Marlon would be very proud of the progress that has been made to secure a bright and positive future for Tetiaroa.

Residences

The Brando will also offer a real estate component, selling 25 residences located on the Eastern shore of Motu Onetahi.  Further details will be announced in 2011.

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About The Brando

The exclusive resort will be the only hotel on Tetiaroa, the former playground of Tahitian Kings in French Polynesia’s idyllic islands.  Purchased by Marlon Brando in 1965, Tetiaroa is a 13-island chain circled by a coral reef offering a tranquil and pure paradise 35 miles from the island of Tahiti. The Brando is a product of Brando’s vision to create a project which will resonate with visitors and also foster opportunities for guests to get to know both the place and the people of French Polynesia.  The Brando will feature: 47 deluxe bungalow villas (each with private plunge pools), a spa, fitness center, community pool, as well as various island activities including scuba diving and archaeological tours of royal Tahitian sites.

About Pacific Beachcomber

With more than 25 years of experience in the French Polynesian tourism market, 630 hotel rooms and 166 cabins, Pacific Beachcomber, S.C. (www.pacificbeachcomber.com) is the country’s largest luxury hotel and cruise operator. In addition to the recent acquisition of the m/s Paul Gauguin (www.pgcruises.com) luxury cruise vessel, Pacific Beachcomber operates six award-winning hotels (tahitiresorts.intercontinental.com): InterContinental Tahiti Resort, InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa, the Maitai Bora Bora and the Maitai Rangiroa  (www.hotelmaitai.com).

For additional information on The Brando, please visit www.tetiaroa.pf.

Members of the Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club enjoy access to a portfolio of magnificent private homes in the most sought-after destinations around the globe and can also trade nights for credit towards inspiring A&K travel—now including 22 new European villas.

A dedicated Global Experience Manager works with the member to make all the arrangements, including preparing the home with groceries and preferred amenities. They recommend insider access experiences that include VIP tours of one of the oldest Tuscan pasta makers, an introduction to how pecorino and ricotta cheese are made, winery tours and barrel tastings, even underground tours of medieval Siena. Global Experience Managers can also arrange cooking, painting or language lessons with local experts in the privacy of the villa.

The Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club is currently offering a two-year trial membership with no up-front capital payment for those who want an extended opportunity to experience Club life before making a full commitment. Two-year trial members pay normal Club dues plus a 10% premium that will be credited to their capital contribution if they later join as a permanent equity member.

Until June 30, the Club is offering the opportunity to save thousands on equity membership, with a price increase scheduled July 1. Visit www.akresidenceclub.com/offers to learn more or read full press release here.

NEW YORK (March 8, 2010) – Asian and Latin locations rose to the top of the list as up-and-coming destinations in the 2010 Virtuoso Luxe Report released today.  India, Vietnam and Cuba are the top emerging destinations in this year’s report, which provides invaluable insight into the future direction of high-end travelers.  Rounding out the top emerging-destination selections were the Galapagos Islands, China and Chile.

Based on expert feedback from its sought-after network of travel providers and advisors, the Luxe Report results reflect booking trends, new travel destinations, comparisons to travel in 2009, and above all, forecast the travel aspirations of some of the most upscale travelers in the United States.

The top three trends ranked by Virtuoso travel providers as influencing clients’ vacation choices included: seeking authentic experiences in new destinations; rest & relaxation; and spending time or reconnecting with loved ones.  Interestingly, the survey also found that private villa rental is booming, with 41 percent saying that this sector will increase in 2010 over 2009 bookings, supporting the trend towards connecting with loved ones in a private group setting.

Travelers in 2010 are booking longer vacations to more distant destinations. Of the travel professionals responding, 71 percent said clients are seeking international travel for 10+ days. Weekend getaways to domestic destinations garnered the smallest share with only 18 percent.

The primary reasons for Virtuoso clientele booking their travel through a Virtuoso agent as opposed to booking directly were cited as: expertise; the comfort level of working with their travel provider; the pre- and post-trip support they receive; and the ability of the travel provider to fully customize the trip for them.  The largest influences on consumers’ travel decisions are word of mouth, travel magazines and lifestyle magazines.

“The Luxe Report findings confirm people’s continued drive to travel – to see and experience the world firsthand,” said Virtuoso CEO Matthew D. Upchurch.  “Although favorites such as Italy and Australia appear on this year’s list of popular vacation locations, the results point to new interest in emerging destinations such as India, Vietnam and Cuba, the latter of which is revealing, given the current US restrictions.  The Luxe Report also affirms the value that high-end travelers place on working with a professional travel advisor.  In this era of on-line marginalization, experience, knowledge and personalized service still emerge as the very things travelers’ value.”

Key findings from the 2010 Virtuoso Luxe Report are outlined below:

What are the five most popular international destinations for travelers in 2010?

1. Italy
2. Mexico
3. South Africa
4. Australia
5. France

What are the top five U.S. destinations where you expect to send travelers in 2010?

1. Maui
2. Alaska
3. New York City
4. Napa Valley/Sonoma
5. Las Vegas

Which of the following do you see as “emerging destinations,” meaning those on the cusp of becoming popular, either for the first time or all over again?

1. India
2. Vietnam
3. Cuba
4. Galapagos Islands
5. China
6. Chile

What do you anticipate are the top five most popular destinations for family travel in 2010?

1. Italy
2. Mexico
3. Hawaii
4. Orlando
5. Australia & Costa Rica (tied)

Which luxury cruises saw the biggest increase in demand in 2009?

1. Mediterranean
2. Alaska
3. European River
4. Caribbean
5. Baltic Region

Which itineraries do you anticipate being popular in 2010?

1. Alaska
2. Mediterranean
3. European River
4. Caribbean
5. Greek Isles

Rank your clients’ motivation in choosing a vacation:

1. Seeking authentic experiences in new destinations
2. Rest & Relaxation
3. Spending time or reconnecting with loved ones
4. Discovering new experiences in previously visited (or more familiar) destinations
5. Personal enrichment (e.g. voluntourism, cultural experience, learning, etc.)
6. Seeking adventure

Rank the most important determining factors for your clients’ when choosing a vacation:

1. The right destination
2. Value for money paid
3. The right activity (activities)
4. Price

For socially and environmentally conscious travelers, which aspects of their travel are they most concerned about?

1. Accommodations
2. Activities or excursions
3. Means of transportation
4. Giving back to local communities through monetary donations
5. Giving back to local communities through voluntourism

Advisors from Virtuoso travel agencies were invited to take the survey in November and December 2009.  Results were tabulated from more than 250 responses from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Latin America.  The sampling represents 10,000 of the Virtuoso network’s 1.3 million-name database of affluent clients.

About Virtuoso

Virtuoso^® is the industry’s leading luxury travel network.  This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 300 agencies with more than 6,000 elite travel specialists in 22 countries in North and South America, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, as well as over 1,000 of the world’s best travel providers and premier destinations.  The network’s member agencies generate over $5.1 billion annually in travel sales, making the group the most powerful in the luxury travel segment.  Their relationships with the finest travel companies provide the network’s affluent clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access.  Virtuoso is the exclusive network of travel services and benefits provided by MasterCard^® for participating World Elite MasterCard^® programs. For more information, please visit www.virtuoso.com.

The original Korakia, first named Del Marroc, was built in 1924 and comprises two historic villas. Scottish painter Gordon Coutts built the original Moroccan villa and screen star J. Carroll Nash owned the Mediterranean Villa. Both gentlemen passed away , one in the late 30’s, and the others in the early ‘70s, and the property fell into a kind of slow entropic disrepair. However, both villas were brought back to life, beginning in 1989 by leading California architectural preservationist, Doug Smith. Restoration and further renovation was completed by the newest owners, Makar Properties, in 2007. All of the renovation, restoration, and preservation has been aimed at maintenance of the original artist/artisan spirit of Korakia – a place where the original owners’ friends — artists, writers, and film people gathered to enjoy life, and eventually discuss the latest in books, movies and painting. But Korakia’s existence suggests more than a historic backstory to guests who visit here: it is a living reminder of the magic of the desert, defining the unique sense of sanctuary, peace, and wellness this environment naturally provides.

Today, the 28 guest rooms — bungalows, guest houses, suites, and studios, all housed in the two historic villas, rest on 1.5 acres of citrus trees, bougainvillea, hibiscus, Madagascar jasmine, olive and Date palm. Fresh grapefruit lemons and oranges can be picked from the trees. There are two heated pools on the property, and in each room and suite there are no telephones, TVs or clocks. Each room is decorated differently, many with original wood burning fireplaces, gauzy white muslin drapes and white-washed walls, both reflecting and refracting the bright desert morning light. In each room, are antiques, paintings and furniture of the period, but all with a certain non-angled softness of Morocco and the Mediterranean — so that the sense of being there is never far away.
Korakia provides substantial homemade breakfasts and lunches, but no dinners. Dinners from various restaurants close by can be ordered in and eaten around the original firepits, all lighted in the cool Mojave desert evenings As regards the sense of wellness at this Experiential Resort, there are two heated pools, complimentary weekend Yoga, an indoor-outdoor Spa lodge, and a full massage treatment menu.

www.korakia.com
1-760-864-6411