Le Ponant, the first Relais & Châteaux sailing yacht, like the finest travel address on the waters of the world.
On the Cape Verde Islands, formed from volcanic lava and sculpted by the power of the Atlantic’s waves, you will experience the raw beauty of incomparable nature. There are of course the strains of morna coming from Mindelo. There is the history of a former Portuguese colony that still bears traces of its past and has a geographic situation that has meant many influences for this string of islands. Above all, though, Cape Verde represents an indefinable feeling of freedom. Carried by the wind, Le Ponant will take you into a unexpected world where the elements will imbue you with new emotions.
Soft music rises from Mindelo, the music of Cesária Évora, “the Barefoot Diva”, who is inextricably linked to her island and her town, where she remains revered. The pastel colours of the façades and the former colonial buildings dot the Cape Verdean towns and villages that you will discover from the sea. Aboard Le Ponant, you will enjoy the privilege of an intimate atmosphere in the hushed comfort of the ship. As your cruise unfolds, you will discover the historic city of São Filipe inexorably turned to the sea, on the island of Fogo, and you will explore Praia, the capital of Cape Verde with its diverse influences, planted with tamarind and silk trees. Wherever you go, you will be captivated by the markets with their bright colours and fragrance-filled stalls.
The sky and the sea, unspoiled nature and the Cape Verdean soul will sweep you away aboard Le Ponant. Everywhere you look, you will see surprising and larger-than-life landscapes. The highest island in the archipelago, Fogo, is like a painting featuring a palette of colours, at times emerald, at times grey, revealing old lava flows amidst lush vegetation. In São Nicolau, the steep hillsides soon rise on the horizon, while the deep valleys will welcome you to discover the dragon trees, these ancient trees with a majestic silhouette. Boa Vista offers another face of Cape Verde, with its dunes of fine sand stretching as far as the eye can see, revealing the cerulean blue of the Atlantic. And volcanos are everywhere here, watching over the landscape, their sharp contours unveiling the power of wild nature.
The changing winds will set the pace of your odyssey, freedom will surge up on the horizon, in the soft calm offered by the interior of PONANT’s emblematic yacht. If you look to the sky, you will perhaps glimpse some of the many bird species that can be found in this piece of land lost in the Atlantic Ocean. You are sure to be surprised by the variety of activities during your trip, from hiking the paths of the archipelago to lazing on the bridge of the ship or on a Cape Verdean beach, to cultural discoveries and the exploration of a fascinating heritage.
- A cruise discovering Cape Verde, an archipelago featuring pristine wild nature, with a fascinating mix of cultural influences.
- On land and on sea, soak in the Cape Verdean spirit and charm, and enjoy exceptional moments such as the stunning sunsets aboard your ship.
- During this timeless interlude, you will be able to leisurely discover the beauties of this archipelago in the heart of the Atlantic, whether on hikes in nature, excursions into authentic villages or through moments of pure relaxation.
- A rich programme of included excursions.
- Enjoy the extraordinary experience of sailing aboard Le Ponant as though you were on your own private
- A limited-capacity yacht: a maximum of 32 passengers and as many crew members; a dedicated chef
- Sail on a ship propelled by the wind and enjoy the wonderful opportunities nature offers us to adjust the programme and navigate under sail whenever possible.
- As the wind carries you, you will savour shared moments of joy and live in the here and now, in an exceptional environment.
- Both on board and on shore, make the most of the presence of local guides who will share the secrets of this exceptional archipelago with you, through a series of 100% Cape Verde ports of call taking you off the beaten path.
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.
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.
Set on the shores of the Porto Grande bay on the north-west coast of São Vicente, Mindelo is considered to be Cape Verde's cultural capital. Here in singer Cesaria Evora's homeland, you can listen to real morna in the bars of the old town, where you can also sip the local grog, a Cape Verdian sugarcane spirit. A few streets from the elegant floating resort of Pont d'água you'll see the pastel-coloured houses and colonial buildings of the historical district. Other landmarks are the facades of the old Governor's Palace and the busy municipal market.
Located south-west of São Vicente, the island of São Nicolau is a dramatic sight with steep, richly forested mountains that reach their peak at ﾠMt Gordo. Near the summit, the islandﾒs attractive capital, Ribeira Brava, nestles in a deep green valley. Not far off, you can hike along the mountain paths of Fajã, where youﾒll see rare and extremely old dragon trees growing naturally on the high plateaux. Coastal landmarks include the Blue Hole, ﾠpeaceful Tarrafal beach and the picturesque fishing village of Preguiça.
From Mindelo, the cultural capital of Cape Verde and the hometown of the legendary Cesária Évora, you will be able to travel to the neighbouring island of Santo Antao. On the horizon, the island’s sharp contours, a result of volcanic activity in the region, rise out of the Atlantic Ocean. Long deemed impassable, Santo Antao has been partially tamed by man who successfully adapted to the mountain chain that crosses it, in particular by establishing terraced farming there. This unique form of agriculture gives the island an extraordinary beauty which blends in with its wild nature, at times lush, at times mineral. With its deep valleys and jagged peaks, the territory offers stunning panoramas that promise unforgettable memories.
The third largest island in the Cape Verde archipelago, Boa Vista offers visitors stunning white-sand beaches and emerald water. Dubbed “the sand dune island”, it is particularly well-known for its wild, desert landscapes that are windswept all year round. Sand dunes, oases and arid plains form the landscape of this small stretch of land that is barely 30 km (20 miles) long. Make the most of your stop here by experiencing the joy of swimming amid abundant marine life.
The capital of Cape Verde, Praia, is located on the southern tip of Santiago island. You can dally in the districts planted with Tamarind and Albizia trees. Above the harbour, the statue of Diogo Gomes pays homage to the man who discovered Cape Verde in 1460. A few streets away, in the old centre, the Ethnographic Museum presents the diversity of the archipelago’s cultural origins. Its historical building with transom windows is one of the city’s more unusual curiosities.
Discovered in 1460 in the month of May, as its Portuguese name indicates, Maio lies east of Santiago in the Cape Verde archipelago. At the southwestern end of the island, you will discover the city of Porto Inglês, also known as Vila do Maio, where the pastel houses nestle against rounded hillsides. This port city played a pivotal role in the export of salt by the English in the 17th century. Overlooking the city, the fortress built in the 18th century as protection against pirate attacks still bears traces of its turbulent past. The long beaches of white sand that edge the island are now an invitation to enjoy the peace and serenity.
Lying west of Praia, the volcanic island of Fogo is Cape Verde's highest landmark. The foothills of Pico de Fogo are ideal for hiking, with an immense caldera surrounding the active crater. Trails start at the little town of Chã das Caldeiras and you can see recent lava flows and older ones sprouting with new growth. Along the rocky coastline you'll come across picturesque Mosteiros and the historic town of São Filipe, where elegant colonial houses overlook the Atlantic.
Set on the shores of the Porto Grande bay on the north-west coast of São Vicente, Mindelo is considered to be Cape Verde's cultural capital. Here in singer Cesaria Evora's homeland, you can listen to real morna in the bars of the old town, where you can also sip the local grog, a Cape Verdian sugarcane spirit. A few streets from the elegant floating resort of Pont d'água you'll see the pastel-coloured houses and colonial buildings of the historical district. Other landmarks are the facades of the old Governor's Palace and the busy municipal market.
Itineraries are subject to change.
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:
- fitness room, steam room, hair salon, swimming pool (sea water, heated), solarium, lounges, theatre, boutique & leisure area.