“The Kimberley features more than 2500 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.”
Even better is that the unforgettable sights of the Kimberley are right on our doorstep, avoiding the need to travel internationally. And while it might be remote, you don’t have to rough it but can explore this vast wilderness in ultimate comfort with PONANT, the company that takes luxury expeditions to a new level.
A journey unmatched
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 marvellous crannies 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 an experience never seen before on the Australian coast,” says Fogg. “With 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. Sixteen staterooms and suites spread over three decks for just 32 guests.
Enjoy fine dining matched with French wines in Le Diamant panoramic restaurant. Enjoy a spa treatment or massage in the wellness space. Relax in the Sun Deck’s lounge and bar as the Kimberley’s rust-red landscapes float by. Order up a cocktail and enjoy sunlight on sea.
This 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. Le Ponant has periods of sailing using just wind power and is equipped with the latest eco-technology innovations.
The ultimate way to see The Kimberley
Le Ponant provides the ultimate barefoot luxury travel experience in the Kimberley in 2023. It sails two itineraries between April and September, Northern Kimberley and Southern Kimberley, as well as two in Rowley Shoals. Bucket-list landscapes include the Hunter River, King George Falls, Mitchell Falls, Montgomery Reef and the incredible Horizontal Falls.
Craggy sandstone cliffs, worn-down red mountains, flat-top mesas and gorges combine in time-worn, spectacular scenery. “The colours and textures of the ninety-metre-high sandstone cliffs of the King George Gorge change with the light as you travel upriver, creating a continually changing panorama of passing scenery that’s simply stunning,” says Fogg.
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” explains Fogg. “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.”
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 a renewed appreciation of the natural wonders of Australia.
For more information, see au.ponant.com, contact your preferred travel agent or a PONANT Consultant on 1300 737 178 or email reservations.aus@ponant.com
Note: This article have been indexed to our site. We do not claim legitimacy, ownership or copyright of any of the content above. To see the article at original source Click Here