Le Ponant, 7 Night Gliding the Waters of the Windward Islands ex Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe Return

Le Ponant, the first Relais & Châteaux sailing yacht. The finest travel address on the waters of the world.

The Caribbean. The mere mention of this vast archipelago conjures images of waves dancing along the shoreline, lapping against long beaches lined with elegant palm trees. During this unforgettable 8-day cruise, spend your time contemplating and exploring aboard PONANT’s emblematic yacht.

You will move away from the shores of Guadeloupe and sail under wind power towards Dominica, the wildest and most mountainous island in the Lesser Antilles. In Portsmouth, in a local boat, you will go deep into the fascinating mangals of the Indian River edged with mangrove trees and populated with green herons, moorhens, pelicans and kingfishers. On the banks, you will meet the Kalinago people, one of the indigenous Caribbean peoples. The chief will welcome you into his village, tell you about the history of his people and invite you to taste their food.

In the muted décor of Le Ponant, each moment of your cruise is steeped in the peacefulness of the Caribbean. It is now time to set sail for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Carried by the wind dancing around the ship’s rigging, you will reach this strikingly beautiful archipelago. From island to island, savour the gentleness of the Creole way of life, admire the beauty of the sunsets, and explore the waters teeming with life.

Following a port of call on Bequia, where an indigenous fisherman is trying to save Hawksbill sea turtles from extinction, you have a very good chance of finding yourself face to face with one of these creatures in the warm and crystal-clear waters of Tobago Cays and Sandy Island. Thanks to the horseshoe-shaped coral reef connecting these four uninhabited islets, the Tobago Cays archipelago constitutes a real marine wildlife reserve that you can explore while swimming, diving or snorkelling. Back on your yacht, stretched out on the deck, barefoot and facing the wind, you will see the terns and pelicans flying in the azure-blue sky.

After sailing beneath the stars, the jagged silhouette of the pitons of Saint Lucia will appear on the horizon in the early morning light. Weather permitting, you will drop anchor and make the most of the rear deck to swim in this picture-postcard setting. In the evening, you will arrive in Les Anses-d’Arlet. With its colourful houses set on the beach, the tall brick-coloured church belltower standing out against a background of green mountains, and the pontoon jutting out over the sea, it is a perfect spot for admiring the sunset.

On Marie-Galante, the final port of call of your cruise, you will enjoy practically deserted beaches and be immersed in an authentic and agricultural atmosphere focused on growing sugar cane. After this crossing in the form of an ode to freedom, you will gently return to terra firma in Pointe-à-Pitre.

Something almost poetic takes place when you step onboard this spectacular three-master. The sparkle of the sea, the gentle kiss of the breeze on your skin, the lapping of the waves, the rustling of the wind in the sails, the scent of the fig trees as you approach the coast, the gourmet dishes showcasing local products and offering a voyage within a voyage; with all your senses fully awakened and alert, it’s now time for a real holiday, a holiday that will stay with you forever. It’s almost as if time stands still aboard this incredible luxury yacht.

Free as a bird…
PONANT’s iconic and freshly refitted three-master now offers over 16 staterooms & suites and embodies a simple philosophy: the freedom to do or not to do.

Onboard Le Ponant, like on dry land, everyone is free to set their own pace. Some may decide to read a book on the Sun Deck or sip a cocktail while contemplating the distant horizon, or take a stand up paddleboard or kayak and head out to enjoy an even more immersive experience amongst the blue of the waves. Others will disembark to go exploring by bicycle or make the most of the soft light of dusk in the quaint streets of a pedestrianised harbour. Or perhaps others will opt to settle down comfortably in a little isolated cove or on a deserted beach accessible only from the sea.

One crew member per guest, a dedicated chef preparing fine gastronomic food showcasing the local culinary heritage, delightful ports of call and enchanting experiences: the luxury onboard is first and foremost a luxury of the senses and the emotions.

Experience,
explore and share life at sea
On this three-master, you live and breathe the experience of the sea each day more than on any other ship. A voyage aboard Le Ponant is a shared communal experience based on a common passion for sailing, travel, exploring new horizons and enjoying unique new experiences. The must-see sights are experienced differently here, and secluded spots far off the beaten track shared enthusiastically with others.

Sharing: a central tenet of a voyage aboard this iconic yacht. Because to step aboard is to join the PONANT adventure, to see the wonderful spectacle of sailing and navigation from behind the scenes, and to share a unique experience with just a few other privileged guests.

Serene and leisurely relaxation, discovery and exploration, experiencing the local culture or discussing sailing and navigation with a member of the crew: all the itineraries and ports-of-call have been designed and selected to provide a surprising and charmingly enchanting experience. And when child-friendly cruises take place twice each year, Le Ponant shares this same taste for discovery and exploration with them too, through a range of meaningful activities designed with children in mind.

EXPERIENCE CRUISING ANOTHER WAY, DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF YACHT CRUISES.

Our mission is to transport you to mythical destinations and secret ports only accessible to small capacity ships.

To offer the delights of a French-inspired cuisine in an intimate environment - a discreet service where no attention to detail is spared - and unforgettable moments of relaxation on board elegant yachts of character.

To combine sophistication and conviviality, with priority given to authentic experiences, emotions and the ongoing quest for excellence.

Yacht cruises: more than a cruise, a privilege...

Attentive, professional, discreet and elegant, the fully bilingual service on board will meet your every desire. Our unique atmosphere is filled with a signature sentiment: a warm welcome from an experienced crew who are passionate about what they do, in the tradition of private yachting.

In the dining areas, our gourmet cuisine is worthy of top fine dining restaurants: exquisite wines are available, and menus are created with expertise by our skilled chefs with a French-inspired menu enhanced by specialties from our various ports of call.

Pleasure, enrichment, discovery: relax - we take care of everything...