There is something undeniably magical about sailing through French Polynesia aboard Wind Star.
Unlike a traditional cruise ship, Wind Star is a graceful four-masted sailing yacht that carries just 148 guests, creating an intimate and highly personalised experience that perfectly complements the beauty and tranquillity of the South Pacific.
The moment the ship’s magnificent white sails are unfurled, guests realise they are experiencing something truly special. Standing on deck as the wind fills the sails and the yacht quietly glides across the turquoise waters of French Polynesia is a memory that remains long after the journey has ended. It is not simply transportation between islands. It is an experience in itself.
The smaller size of Wind Star is one of its greatest advantages. While larger vessels can feel crowded and impersonal, Wind Star offers a relaxed atmosphere where guests quickly become familiar faces, and the crew know passengers by name. Its yacht-like dimensions also allow access to secluded anchorages, hidden lagoons and smaller ports that larger ships simply cannot visit, providing a more authentic and immersive Polynesian experience.
Accommodation aboard Wind Star is designed for comfort and relaxation. Ocean-view staterooms are thoughtfully appointed with luxurious bedding, elegant furnishings, modern amenities and surprisingly generous living space. Every cabin offers a welcoming retreat after a day spent exploring islands such as Bora Bora, Moorea, Raiatea and Huahine.
Dining is another highlight of life onboard. Guests enjoy a variety of culinary experiences, from sophisticated dinners in the ship’s elegant restaurant to casual outdoor meals served beneath the stars. Fresh seafood, international favourites and dishes inspired by local Polynesian flavours feature prominently on the menus. Open seating dining means guests are free to dine when and with whom they choose, creating a relaxed and sociable atmosphere throughout the voyage.
Life onboard is as active or as leisurely as guests desire. The famous marina platform opens directly onto the warm waters of the South Pacific, allowing guests complimentary access to snorkelling equipment, kayaks, paddleboards and sailboats. Additional facilities include a swimming pool, whirlpool, fitness centre, library, spa services and inviting lounge spaces perfect for enjoying a cocktail while watching another spectacular Polynesian sunset.
For more than 35 years Windstar has been sailing the islands of Tahiti and French Polynesia. Combined with the elegance of Wind Star itself, this local knowledge creates a cruising experience that feels less like a voyage and more like being welcomed into one of the most beautiful regions on Earth.
Featuring wide open, teak decks—quite unusual for this type of vessel. Guests will find hidden nooks for private moments, giving them a feeling of being on their own private veranda.
It offers two primary dining venues. Amphora restaurant offers gourmet, course-by-course cuisine in the evenings and Veranda restaurant offers casual buffet and full-service dining for breakfast and lunch. All dining is open seating. And, for dining under the stars, make a reservation for Candles which features steaks and skewers.
Every inch of your stateroom is designed for comfort. Luxurious Egyptian cotton linens wrap you in pleasant sleepiness as you stretch out on your queen bed (can be separated into twins if you prefer). Your bathroom features granite countertops, a shower with a massage showerhead, ample storage and L’Occitane bathroom products. A robe and slippers are provided, as are fresh fruit and flowers after a day of sun and sightseeing.
All staterooms are finished with traditional teak trimmings, reminiscent of the true yachtsman style of days gone past. Each stateroom has two portholes and complete comfort for a good night’s rest.
A day on board the Windstar is a day of choices, all of them good. Perhaps you’ll begin with a relaxing massage in World Spa by Windstar. Or maybe an invigorating workout in the Fitness Centre.
After a sumptuous lunch in Veranda, make a splash from the Watersports Platform off the ship’s stern. Everything you can think of for fun in the water is there — swimming, kayaking, sail-boarding, even water skiing. And it’s all complimentary, of course. Sun yourself on deck, take a dip in the whirlpool, then catch up on email, order a cheese plate for your stateroom or suite. After dinner, dance to live music in the Lounge. This is your yacht, so of course you’re welcome on the Bridge, where the Captain and officers are delighted to share charts, routes, and vistas with you.
The attentive staff will take care of everything you need. The Windstar staff-to-guest ratio is 1:1.5, and it shows. The moment you board, you’ll feel it, with an ever-attentive crew at your service, providing you with what you want and need, when you want and need it.
