Le Ponant, the first Relais & Chateaux sailing yacht, like the finest travel address on the waters of the world. “Eternity. It is the sea mingled with the sun”, according to a poem by Rimbaud.
Whether you are a lover of the sea or a curious traveller, experience once again the indescribable joy of navigating under sail, bathed by the wind and sea spray, surrounded by the elements. Take your place aboard Le Ponant, a majestic three-mast yacht with elegant lines and an interior design created by the Jean-Philippe Nuel studio to be a warm and intimate setting with a very distinctive personality. As if you were on your very own yacht, match your inner tempo to the boat’s subtle oscillations and savour the freedom of living in the moment, being fully present for your trip. Aboard its emblematic yacht, Le PONANT is reshaping the contours of cruising and invites you to experience a new way of discovering the wonderful Mediterranean shores, between olive groves and sun-drenched vines.
From unique and iconic ports of call to private moments, experience the very essence of the Mediterranean and welcome the unexpected like a breath of freedom. At full sail, you will slice through the water and approach the mineral shores of Croatia and Montenegro.
Pomalo - meaning “take it easy” in Croatian - sets the tone here. Incredible landscapes, emblematic cities, and little-known islands will reveal themselves to you as the wind carries you off the beaten path. Korcula will arouse your curiosity during the Moreska, a spectacular sword dance, and delight you with intense aromas and flavours when you meet small producers of honey, wine or award-winning olive oil.
Propelled by the wind, Le Ponant will take you, carefree, from island to island. Far from the crowds, discover Vis through its singular history with the thrill of first times. In Stari Grad, experience all the emotion of an exceptional concert of Croatian traditional singing called klapa. Lying at the end of a fjord, Pucisca delivers a beautiful ode to Bacchus and to artistic creation, giving you the chance to discover local wines and meet a stone carver.
Let the golden hour work its magic and rediscover Dubrovnik, the pearl of the Adriatic, in the glow of the sun setting over the saffron rooftops of the old city. The cultural traditions and gastronomy authentically convey the richness of the Croatian heritage. Sailing in the monumental Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will leave you speechless at the beauty of nature.
The activities, designed for you and with you, create possibilities for returning to what is essential, in a setting conducive to contemplation. At your own pace, immerse yourself in wild and stunning panoramas, away from the crowds, and enjoy moments spent in harmony with nature: glass-bottom kayaking, snorkelling, paddle-boarding*. *The activities on offer will be confirmed on board by the captain according to the weather conditions, the itinerary and the cruise plan.
Korcula, Mljet and Vis
Kotor Bay
Dunrovnik
Fine dining and swimming off the ship
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or [email protected]) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Emblem of the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik is magnificently positioned on a rocky spur. History is sovereign here, in this ancient city, now a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. You will perhaps be surprised by the proportions of La Placa, the central drag through the city. The sheer width of it can be explained by the fact that it straddles a former lagoon. The elegant houses along La Placa are built in the legendary travertine stone. At Pile gate, you will be greeted by the statue of the patron saint of Dubrovnik, and you can admire the coastline as you walk along the ramparts. But what’s inside Fort Saint John, adjoining the outer walls? A maritime museum and an aquarium featuring rare fish from the Adriatic.
Cruise to Mljet. Discover Mljet Island off the Peljesac peninsula. Known for its national park and its protected forests, this Croatian splendid, pristine island offers many opportunities for walking with bays linked to two salt water lakes. On the largest lake, Veliko Jezero, a small island is home to an old Benedictine monastery. After lunch, cruise to Korcula. This harbour town has a very special location, presiding on a spur on the north-eastern coast of the island of Korcula. The ramparts in its medieval district provide perfect vantage points over the Peljesac peninsula. To get there, you can take the monumental staircase in the Revelin Tower. Another way is to climb the steps in the shade of palm trees from the MorskaVrata (Marine portal). As you make your way through the little streets, you’ll see the bell-tower of Saint Mark’s cathedral rise above you. This landmark will help you locate the house where Marco Polo was born. The island also has some of its own famous wines like the red Plavac and the white Posip.
Cruise to Vis Island, a little and little-known island ignored by big ship cruise itineraries. With your yacht at anchor, you will disembark by Zodiac in Komiza, the oldest fishing port in the Adriatic, to spend a pleasant moment in a charming setting. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, you will set off on foot or by bike to explore the port, its old fishermen’s houses in cut stone, its small market stalls or cafe terraces and get a taste of the gentle way of life that reigns here.
The ballet of the fishing boats is a reminder of the city’s essential activity and its strong connection to the sea. A few minutes from there, let yourself be tempted by a dip next to a pretty pebble beach. Opposite the turquoise water stands Our Lady of Pirates, a stunning church that shelters the oldest organ in Dalmatia. You can also enjoy an included experience, such as diving near the shipwrecks from the Second World War or visiting the island in a 4x4 vehicle up to Vis, discovering its singular history.
Cruise to Vis Port. While Le Ponant sails, a guide-lecturer will recount the island’s rich and eventful history, particularly during the Second World War. Your yacht will moor sheltered from the magnificent bay of the port of Vis. In the sea pool set up near the marina platform, you will enjoy a moment of surreal swimming. You can disembark by Zodiac to the port and discover the beauty of this preserved haven, which has been timidly open to tourism since 1990, after Croatia gained its independence. Fall under the spell of its historical heritage, which includes Roman ruins and Venetian architecture. Simplicity and authenticity are the watchwords of this rural territory, which is geared towards organic agriculture as well as responsible viticulture and fishing.
Sail to the popular island of Hvar, for a day in Stari Grad, an intimate port of call that is off the beaten track. Let your feelings guide you and discover this pretty city located at the end of a fertile plain, planted with vines and olive groves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The organisation of its parcels, marked out by dry stone walls that punctuate the landscape, goes back to ancient times. Wander around the small streets at your leisure, discovering the town’s pretty boutiques and gourmet restaurants.
The stunning port of Pucisca, located on the northern coast of the island of Brac, appears at the end of a deep fjord. Le Ponant will drop anchor in the bay, and the sea pool will invite you for a delicious dip. An adapted all-terrain vehicle awaits you on shore for a morning spent exploring the island and its cultural riches. In the cradle of an ancestral stone-cutting tradition, there will be a fine encounter with a craftsman and renowned artist, Josip Radic, who makes reduced-scale models of religious buildings out of stone. You will take small roads and isolated paths through vines, and enjoy exceptional natural panoramas, such as the steep hillsides finishing their trajectory down on the shores of the Adriatic.
Spend the morning in Sipan, a discreet island in the Elaphites archipelago and a picturesque fishing port where time seems to stand still. Let yourself fall under the spell of this naturally wooded beautiful oasis and its sun-soaked hillsides. Nicknamed the “golden island” for its fertile land, it is covered in vines as well as olive, almond, lemon and orange trees. In this authentic natural setting, you will enjoy the charm of one its beaches, sheltered from the world, for a moment of swimming. In the afternoon, we cruise to Dubrovnik where we spend the afternoon and evening.
The long walls of the fortified city of Kotor unfurl before your eyes as you admire this medieval construction enclosed between the sea and the rugged cliffs from the decks of your ship. The still, deep waters of the bay plus the clouds of mist floating here and there create a surreal and magical atmosphere. Small islands with churches and fortresses built on them remind us that a proud maritime people has lived here for centuries, in this bay that forms a perfect natural harbour, used by sailors since ancient times. At the crossroads of Latin and Byzantine cultures, you will have the pleasure of observing the natural treasures of Montenegro during an unforgettable journey. Spend the afternoon in Tivat. Much of Tivat’s elegance comes from the beauty of its marina, Porto Montenegro, which attracts many influential personalities. The port’s promenade, emphasised by its line of palm trees facing the mountains of the Bay of Kotor, really is a setting with unique charm. Built in the 14th century, the town was successively governed by the Venetians and the Austro-Hungarians before the creation of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia following the First World War. Today, Montenegro's most prosperous city welcomes visitors, in particular to visit its old town or take a walk along its magnificent beaches.
Disembark at 08.00 after breakfast
Le Ponant
| Length: | 88 metres |
|---|---|
| Built/rebuilt | 1991/2020 |
| Cabins | 16 |
| Crew | 34 |
Le Ponant becomes world’s first sailing yacht to obtain Relais & Châteaux label
After four years of regular ad hoc partnerships, PONANT and Relais & Châteaux are strengthening their ties. The three-master joins the large family of Relais & Châteaux establishments as a new member. It is the first sailing yacht in history to obtain the label and be included in its catalogue of the finest travel addresses in the world.
In 2019 & 2020 Le Ponant underwent a huge revamp. Her capacity was reduced from 64 to just 32 passengers who will be served by a crew of 34.
Following in the nautical tradition of three-masted sailing ships, Le Ponant will take you on a voyage of discovery. The ship provides intimacy and convivial atmosphere and the refined life on board, the welcoming charm to your cabin, the lounges and the restaurants setting are invitations to relax.
Le Ponant is one of the most majestic sailing vessels in the world. With 16 spacious cabins and suites, one crew member per passenger, a dedicated chef, and authentic and exclusive experiences to be enjoyed at every stop, designed for and with you, the ship redefines the concept of luxury yachting and promises you an extraordinary experience.
In addition to its tasteful and refined design by Jean-Philippe Nuel, it has many innovative and environmentally friendly amenities.
Conserving the environment is one of our priorities. We have therefore chosen to invest in innovations and equipment at the cutting edge of technology, with the aim of achieving the highest standards possible in the sector. Le Ponant is the only yacht in the world with a hybrid propulsion system. This uniquely designed three-masted schooner can rely solely on its sails but also can connect to the electricity network in certain ports to limit its ecological impact.
On board, we have banned the use of plastic in straws, laundry bags, cups and individual food portion packaging. Packaging is collected from our warehouses. Unavoidable plastic waste is sorted and entrusted to resource-recovery companies, who monitor its traceability until its elimination.
Le Ponant is equipped with a complete desalination and wastewater treatment system. This biodegradation process works without the use of chemicals. It provides clean water and meets the highest quality standards.
On board, 60% of packaging is recycled, while the rate elsewhere in the world is only 20%. The rest is 100% traced. We have on-board compactors adapted to each type of waste and are working to optimise their management on land.
Under full sail, gliding over the sea with the wind, you will fall under Le Ponant's spell.
Please click the following links to read more about Ponant and the other Ponant cruise ships.
Includes
- accommodation in stateroom,
- the full meal plan,
- the Open Bar: beginning with boarding, and during the duration of the cruise, a wide selection of drinks (mineral water, soft drinks, wine, beer, Charles Heidsieck champagne, spirits, coffee, tea) is served on request and at any time of the day. Certain premium alcoholic beverages on the menu are not included in the Open Bar,
- free Wi-Fi internet access 24 hours a day*,
- access to all the common areas:
- on board our sister ships and Ponant Explorers: fitness room, steam room, hair salon, swimming pool (sea water, heated), solarium, lounges, theater, boutique & leisure area.