Le Ponant, 7 Night The Many Faces of Cape Verde ex Mindelo (Porto Grande) Sao Vicente, Cape Verde Islands Return

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.

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...