57 Ponant

PONANT

The Pinnacle of The Kimberley – Luxury Sailing Expeditions

NOTHING SAYS ADVENTURE and freedom like sailing on a yacht.

Salty air tickles your skin, breezes blow and sails crack.

This is a real holiday and an escape into the immense beauty and remoteness of our mighty continent, and on three-masted yacht Le Ponant you don’t have to leave behind fine dining, soft sheets, and high-end service.

Le Ponant is a yacht for those who love sailing and want an intimate experience in secluded bays and archipelagos that few people have ever visited.

It’s a sustainable experience too, small in size and with small groups that tread lightly on the environment.

In partnership with Paspaley, PONANT has curated a new holiday experience, Luxury Sailing Expeditions to explore the hidden and secret locations of The Kimberley.

Guests embark or disembark at Kuri Bay, accessed on an exclusive scenic flight on a Grumman Mallard amphibious aircraft owned by iconic Australian brand Paspaley, which operates a pearl farm at Kuri Bay.

From above, the wild harsh beauty of the landscape is as mesmerising as it is from the sea.

The scale of the landscape dwarfs you, and you’ll have renewed appreciation of the natural wonders of Australia. The Kimberley’s sheer immensity leaves you feeling both insignificant and exhilarated.

This is one of the world’s great wilderness areas, preserving not just rugged landscapes but the culture and heritage of Australia’s First Nations people, including incredible Gwion Gwion rock art.

It’s a place of wildlife superlatives too, abundant with whales, turtles, and magnificent saltwater crocodiles. The bird life is incredible: terns, frigate birds, boobies, and silver gulls swirl overhead like windborne bursts of confetti.

“The Kimberley features more than 2,500 islands scattered along 12,000 kilometres of coastline containing pristine mangrove environments, wild rivers, unique tidal phenomenon, ancient landscapes and the world’s greatest collection of rock-art galleries,” says Mick Fogg, PONANT’s Director of Expeditions & Destination Development for Asia Pacific.

“It’s one of Australia’s greatest natural assets and a destination that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.

“Le Ponant is an experience never seen before on the Australian coast.

“With only 32 guests onboard and a staff-to-guest ratio greater than 1:1 and an industry-leading Guide-to-guest ratio of 1:8, guests enjoy the ultimate immersive, educational expedition experience in unparalleled style.”

This is how an exclusive private yacht feels – indeed, chartering the whole vessel is an option.

Le Ponant has interiors by famous French design studio Jean-Philippe Nuel in soothing tones of caviar grey, taupe and off-white that provide timeless style, with 16 staterooms and suites spread over three decks for just 32 guests.

Enjoy fine dining matched with French wines in Le Diamant panoramic restaurant or an indulgent spa treatment or massage in the wellness space.

Relax in the Sun Deck’s lounge as the Kimberley’s rust-red landscapes float by or enjoy a cocktail while taking in the reflections of sunlight on the sea.

The Kimberley boasts outsized landscapes; among the oldest on Earth, scarred with rust-red gorges and gushing with waterfalls.

Fringing reefs and a thousand islands shimmer in sapphire seas.

Sunsets and stars are staggering: a sumptuous red extravagance followed by silvery swathes of Milky Way like you’ve never seen before.

PONANT, which has 13 small capacity ships, has long been a leader in luxury expeditions and pushes the boundaries once again with its bespoke Kimberley itineraries on Le Ponant.

With no set itineraries, guests have freedom to explore on Zodiac excursions into the wilderness accompanied by expert expedition leaders and naturalists.

“We’ll be able to take advantage of the changing seasons, daily weather and extreme tides to ensure that guests can experience the best the Kimberley coast offers,” Mick explains.

“We’ll seize opportunities as they arise to visit iconic destinations and hidden treasures.

“This degree of flexibility is key to creating unique opportunities and unforgettable experiences.”

Enjoy introductory offers with COVE TRAVEL.

Something almost poetic takes place when you step onboard the spectacular three-masted sailing yacht, Le Ponant.

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.

Making time stand still, being free as a bird, and getting back to the roots of sailing are also about combining exploration with luxury.

PONANT introduces its guests to Luxury Sailing Expeditions in The Kimberley to discover the true spirit of sailing.

ENJOY INTRODUCTORY OFFERS WITH COVE TRAVEL. • PONANT Bonus 25% + 10% Cove Travel Saving. • 10 night Rowley Shoals Sailing Expedition $15,130 $13,690* • 10 night Kimberley Coast Sailing Expeditions from $17,850 $16,387* *Prices are per person twin share in Mistral Stateroom and are correct

at 12 Oct 22. See au.ponant.com for full booking conditions.

For more information and bookings contact Cove Travel 07 5577 9211 | info@covetravel.com.au covetravel.com.au