PONANT is set to take luxury expeditions at sea to another level announcing a partnership with the Paspaley Group and planned arrival to Australian waters of its iconic three-masted sailing yacht Le Ponant for the 2023 Kimberley season.
Commencing operations in April 2023, PONANT says Le Ponant will push the boundaries of expedition travel with new bespoke itineraries, showcasing the immense beauty of the Kimberley.
Led by PONANT’s expedition and destination experts, guests will be able to experience a breathtaking sailing environment as well as shore landings on its state-of-the-art Zodiac boats.
To add to the experience and celebrate the partnership with the Paspaley Group, an exclusive and private scenic flight onboard one of Paspaley’s vintage Grumman Mallard flying boats will take guests from or to their embarkation point, as well as private access to Paspaley’s pearl operations in Kuri Bay.
“It is exciting to be partnering with the Paspaley Group in creating and delivering a new concept of luxury sailing expeditions in Australia’s north-west.” PONANT Chairman Asia Pacific, Sarina Bratton AM, said.
Le Ponant will join the company’s two other small luxury expedition ships Le Lapérouse and Le Soléal, already present in the region, having restarted post-pandemic Kimberley operations in April 2022.
“This unique experience will see the third ship of the PONANT fleet to be based in the Asia Pacific region, showcasing Australia, promoting sustainability at sea and creating compelling travel experiences in barefoot luxury,” she said.
Having been entirely renovated, Le Ponant is an intimate setting with only 16 staterooms for a maximum of 32 guests.
The yacht offers an invitation to sail and experience the wonders of the world on a journey that combines voyage and eco-responsibility.
The new itineraries onboard Le Ponant will be available for booking later in May 2022, along with a selection of pre and post-land arrangements including El Questro, Berkeley River Lodge and Broome accommodation.
These will be combined with 7-14 night luxury sailing experiences from April to October 2023 in the Northern and Southern Kimberley regions.
For more information visit www.ponant.com