Le Ponant Makes History as First Sailing Yacht to Join Relais & Châteaux

PONANT and Relais & Châteaux are strengthening their ties. The three-masted Le Ponant sailing yacht, with a history dating back to 1991, has become the first sailing yacht in history to join the portfolio.

Relais & Châteaux, established in 1954, is an association of 580 unique hotels and restaurants throughout the world, owned and operated by independent entrepreneurs – most often families – who are passionate about their craft and deeply committed to forging lasting relationships with their guests.

The first branded voyage will set sail to the islands of Cape Verde in August 2023.

“Both our firms are committed to sharing expertise and promoting the inimitable French lifestyle to design meaningful voyages,” says Hervé Gastinel, CEO of PONANT.

“Aboard Le Ponant, the jewel of our fleet, everyone can reconnect with nature and their own inspirations and live out their desires under sail.”

Likened to a private yacht and recently reimagined by Jean-Philippe Nuel Studio, Le Ponant boasts just 16 staterooms and suites and a 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio.

Some staterooms and suites have large windows overlooking the sea, and the wellness space offers Biologique Recherche treatments and daily yoga sessions on the deck. Cuisine is made using organic and local products and wines from French artisan wine producers, such as Champagne Henriot are served.

Co-branded voyages will sail to Cape Verde and the Caribbean in 2023 and 2024. Guests can look forward to pristine wild nature and off-the-beaten track adventures. With four kayaks (two glass-bottomed), stand-up paddleboards, diving and snorkeling equipment and a saltwater pool, there’s no shortage of on- and off-board experiences.