‘Let me invite you to the sun deck’: How an unmatched icon of luxury ocean travel is now even better 

Deriving its name from an old French naval term meaning ‘where the sun sets’, legendary superyacht Le Ponant offers the ultimate adventure in five-star floating for those with serious wanderlust. 

Some thirty years ago, the storied three-masted sailing yacht Le Ponant made its maiden voyage. As luxury French cruise line Ponant’s founding vessel, Le Ponant’s launch set a new global standard in first-class sea travel. And now Ponant has done it again. 

Following a multi-million-dollar refurbishment at the San Giorgio del Porto yard in Italy, completed in 2022, Le Ponant has reemerged as a paragon of nautical craftsmanship, a modern maritime masterpiece, and the world’s first and only Relais & Châteaux accredited superyacht. 

Relais & Châteaux is an international association of independent luxury hotels and restaurants. With strict accreditation standards, members must be committed to showcasing local culture, preserving natural resources, and offering menus in harmony with their surroundings. 

“A tick from Relais & Châteaux isn’t just an assurance of quality,” says Captain Jean-David Lemaire, who first worked on Le Ponant as a trainee in 2003. “It is a source of pride, a cherry on top of the refit, showing how far we’ve come in the last 30 years and the exceptional service and attention we offer all our guests.” 

Whether exploring the Mediterranean’s historic landmarks or the Caribbean’s vibrant landscapes, the captain and a dedicated crew that outnumbers guests treat everyone onboard with the profound care and passion that carries across every detail of every journey from the moment they step aboard. 

“We love what we do, and we love our passengers,” says the captain. “By the end of every trip, they have become our friends.” 

Available for individual bookings and private charters, Le Ponant effortlessly accommodates 32 guests in 16 chic and spacious staterooms and suites spread across three decks. Like every aspect of the refurbishment, all rooms have been updated and meticulously curated to strike the perfect balance of comfort and style. It’s a five-star hotel on the high seas. 

Dining on Le Ponant is a gastronomic pilgrimage celebrating the natural richness of the regions visited on each voyage. Menus are developed with renowned chef Alain Ducasse, and the kitchen team often collaborates with local suppliers to ensure guests enjoy the area’s freshest ingredients and best products. 

“We aim to fill their belly with delicious local treats,” says Captain Lemaire. “And their soul with cultural knowledge they won’t find on the internet.” 

Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the main restaurant, with large openings, a stunning exterior-facing terrace, and new delights served with each new day. 

“You may take egg and caviar in your room when you wake, the catch of the day on the terrace at lunch, a sunset dinner on the deck, and a teatime surprise from the pastry chef.” 

You may also indulge even more should the feeling take you. 

Boasting a fine dining experience that rivals any hatted restaurant, the culinary jewel in the superyacht’s crown is the panoramic restaurant Le Diamant (The Diamond). Le Diamant pairs the highest quality local and organic produce with wines from French artisan producers, vineyards from ports of call, and the finest Veuve Cliquot champagne. 

Every luxury cruise needs a luxury spa and wellness space, and Le Ponant does not disappoint. Guests seeking extra pampering, relaxation, or rejuvenation can choose from a range of treatments using products by the coveted French skincare brand Biologique Recherche. Any yogis or yoga-curious guests will enjoy gentle yoga sessions on the Sun Deck with breathtaking views and the soothing sounds of the ocean. 

“Let me invite you to the sun deck,” says Captain Lemaire of his favourite spot. “With the sails tilting gently, the amazing landscapes, and the inspiring horizon. I love disconnecting our passengers from the shore and reconnecting them to nature.” 

Every day aboard Le Ponant is unique and brimming with opportunity and adventure. Activities, including swimming, paddle boarding, and kayaking, abound, and each new port brings new possibilities. A certain captain is also famous for surprising passengers with “Ponant moments”, spontaneous and super fun events nobody sees coming. “The senior officers onboard can react quickly to the weather and announce from the bridge that I’m inviting everyone to join us on the deck; bring your swimsuit.” 

Between May and September 2025, Le Ponant will sail 15 summer itineraries, curated by Relais & Châteaux, through the glistening Mediterranean, including island hopping between Greece, Croatia and southern France. A lucky few will discover the magic of the Cyclades and Adriatic coast away from the hustle and bustle of the usual tourist spots, strolling through fishing villages, sampling local produce, and breathing in the intoxicating scent of fig trees as they approach the shore. 

“I love the Croatian island Hvar,” says Captain Lemaire. “But it’s very crowded, so we bypass the city and go north, dropping anchor in a beautiful, secluded fjord. On shore, our guests always have an experience they will never forget.” 

Le Ponant is more than a boat – it symbolises elegance, excellence, and refined adventure, offering intimate luxury yachting experiences like no other. For those seeking authentic experiences, moments of rare privilege, and the ultimate escape, Captain Lemaire and his world-class team will whisk you away to the most exclusive, protected, and magnificent corners of the world and make every minute extraordinary. 

For more information, visit au.ponant.com or contact your preferred travel agent.