Le Ponant, 7 Night History and culture visiting Caribbean jewels ex Philipsburg, St Maarten to Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe

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 lively shores of Philipsburg and sail under wind power towards the Anguilla archipelago, a little-known jewel where you will be able to reconnect both with yourself and the surrounding elements. The two small uninhabited islands of Prickly Pear Cays, separated by a narrow channel and surrounded by rocky protrusions, are heaven for divers and birds. The island is also home to Lesser Antillean iguanas.

You will set sail again, for Saint Barthélemy, a small island in the Tropics offering an exceptional and windswept stretch of water. Sailing is synonymous with pleasure in these warm waters, even when the sea spray makes it onto the deck.

Le Ponant will set sail towards Saint Kitts and Nevis. Thanks to the perfect conditions, sailing here is a delight for all the senses. Lying on the deck, you will let the wind and the sunshine caress your skin, while the crew sail the mainsail. In Charlestown, on the island of Nevis, you will discover the port facilities built by Admiral Nelson. You will also be able to visit the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the United States, as well as St John’s Fig Tree Church, which houses the original marriage certificate of Lord Horatio Nelson and Fanny Nisbet. Nevis also has a very beautiful botanical garden.

You will find Admiral Nelson’s works in Nelson's Dockyard, in Falmouth Harbour. This is also where his former residence may be found.

You will reach Barbuda, where you will be able to relax on beaches of white and pink sand bathing in crystal-clear water and observe the many seabirds, particularly the magnificent frigatebirds.

Soon, deeply breathing in the air on the deck of the three-mast yacht, you will be enchanted by the infinite palette of blues in the Caribbean Sea. 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 odyssey embracing the elements, feeling refreshed by this special experience aboard Le Ponant, as if you were on your very own yacht, you will 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...