After 4 years of informal and occasional collaborations, Ponant Cruises and Relais & Chateaux are strengthening their relationship. The 3-master flagship of the line is now joining the extensive collection of Relais & Chateaux establishments as a new member.
This achievement marks a significant milestone as it becomes the first sailing yacht ever to receive the prestigious label and be featured in the catalog of the world's finest travel destinations.
Herve Gastinel (Ponant's CEO) emphasizes the commitment of both companies to sharing their expertise and promoting the unique French lifestyle in order to create meaningful voyages. Aboard Le Ponant yacht, passengers can "reconnect with nature, find their own inspiration, and fulfill their desires while sailing." With its intimate atmosphere, featuring only 16 beautifully decorated staterooms and a dedicated chef, the travel experience aboard Le Ponant resembles that of a private yacht and her small size allows for exclusive visits to ports of call.
The initial journeys aboard Le Ponant, now a member of Relais & Chateaux, will take passengers on tropical expeditions to Cape Verde and the Caribbean for the 2023-2024 season. The common thread that binds these voyages is the shared values and personalized experiences that meet the expectations of the discerning Relais & Chateaux clientele.
The 1954-founded Relais & Chateaux is an association of 580 distinct hotels and restaurants worldwide, owned and operated by independent entrepreneurs, often families, who are deeply passionate about their craft and dedicated to building warm, long-lasting relationships with their guests.
Relais & Chateaux members strive to protect and promote the rich and diverse culinary and hospitality traditions around the world, ensuring their continued prosperity. Additionally, they are equally committed to preserving local heritage and the environment, as outlined in the association's Vision presented to UNESCO in November 2014.