2025 Cascade Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Overview › • Full Chinese Name: Cheval Blanc Seychelles • Full English Name: Cheval Blanc Seychelles • Opening Date: December 2024 • Location: Anse Intendance, Takamaka, Southwest Mahe Island, Seychelles • Distance from Airport: Approximately 45-minute drive from Seychelles International Airport ‹ Features › • The sixth Cheval Blanc globally, located in Seychelles, a tropical paradise often called Europe’s "backyard"; • Originally the Banyan Tree Seychelles, redesigned by renowned international designer Jean Michel Gathy, boasting Anse Intendance, the most beautiful beach in southern Seychelles; • The resort features 52 villas, each starting from 220 sqm, offering beachfront, hillside, or jungle villa options, all with private pools; • Five dining venues and bars, including Japanese restaurant Mizumi, the famed French restaurant Le 1947, and Mediterranean cuisine, all delivering exceptional flavors; • Exclusive Cheval Blanc Spa, uniquely nestled in the jungle with panoramic bay views, featuring Guerlain-customized treatments for ultimate relaxation; • Dedicated children’s club with engaging adventure activities and curated programs, perfect for family vacations; • A variety of resort activities: tennis, cricket, surf simulator, water sports, snorkeling, sailing, bay picnics, turtle spotting, and beach strolls. ‹ Tips › • Opening in December 2024, the resort is a transformation of the former Banyan Tree, offering superb natural surroundings and top-tier facilities; • Located in the secluded southwest of Mahe Island, it guarantees tranquility and privacy, with a nearly 1km stretch of beach hailed as the most stunning in the south; • The west-facing beach is ideal for witnessing Seychelles’ breathtaking sunsets; • Rich in biodiversity, with frequent sightings of geckos, lizards, and other small wildlife; • The remote location and Seychelles’ narrow, winding roads may require motion-sickness-prone guests to prepare accordingly.

✨Why Seychelles? The pearls of the Indian Ocean, the world's TOP1 white sand beach, the filming location of "Jurassic Park"... even the air here smells like coconut! 🇸🇨 📸 Must-see attractions 1️⃣ La Digue - Cycling through pristine coconut groves, taking pictures of celebrity Anse Source D’Argent, a combination of giant granite + jelly sea, and a National Geographic blockbuster! 2️⃣ Mahé - Colorful little houses in the capital Victoria + the world's smallest clock tower, super suitable for street photography! - Beau Vallon The pink sky at sunset screams romance! 3️⃣ Praslin - Walking into May Valley to see 7,000 sea coconut groves is like breaking into a prehistoric world! - Diving to meet sea turtles at Anse Lazio Beach, the water is so transparent that you doubt your life! 🐠 Hidden gameplay ✔️ Aldabra Elephant Turtle Farm feeds century-old giant tortoises ✔️ Island Hopping Cruise Party (including snorkeling + Creole lunch) ✔️ Luminous Beach (May-October only) 🍍 Foodie Tips Must try! Lobster curry + banana leaf grilled fish + golden coconut juice, ¥100 per person to eat to the wall! ⛵ Lazy itinerary Day1: Walking Market on Mahe Island → Sunset at Beauvalon Day2: Island hopping Prahran (Sea Coconut + Kodor Beach) Day3: Cycling on La Digue Island + De Ajan Beach 💡 Pit prevention guide ▪️ Visa-free! Bring passport + hotel order ▪️ Sunscreen SPF 100+! UV rays are super strong ▪️ Exchange euros cheaper, some stores charge dollars 🌎 Follow me to unlock more niche sea islands!

#aprilblooms 📍Address: Mahé Island: Cascade, Mahe lsland, Seychelles Attraction Introduction: Mahé Island, the largest of the Seychelles, is a breathtaking destination boasting pristine beaches, lush mountains, and vibrant culture. Explore its diverse landscapes, from the bustling capital Victoria to secluded coves, offering an unforgettable island escape. Tourist Attractions - Beau Vallon Beach: This stunning beach boasts soft, white sand and calm, turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. It's a popular spot for water sports and offers breathtaking sunset views. - Victoria Market: A vibrant marketplace where you can find local crafts, spices, fruits, and souvenirs. It's a great place to immerse yourself in the Seychellois culture and pick up unique gifts. - Morne Blanc: Hike to the summit of Morne Blanc for panoramic views of Mahé Island and its surrounding islands. This challenging but rewarding hike offers stunning vistas and a chance to connect with nature. Travel Tips The best time to visit is during the drier months, from April to October, when sunshine is abundant. Getting around is easy with a mix of taxis, buses, and car rentals available. Enjoy your time!

📍 Basic information at a glance - Location: An archipelago of 115 granite and coral islands in the western Indian Ocean - Best season: dry season from May to October (temperature 24-30℃), rainy season from November to April (occasional showers, more affordable air tickets and hotels) - Visa: Chinese citizens are exempt from visa for 30 days. They need to fill out an entry application through the electronic border system in advance and pay 10 euros. - Language: English, French, Creole - Currency: Seychelles Rupee (SCR), USD/Euro are also accepted. It is recommended to bring a small amount of cash for the market. 🚀 Key highlights of the trip 1. A tour of the world’s top three beaches - Beau Vallon Beach: Mahe Island's iconic 4-kilometer silver beach, a paradise for water sports, with an amber-colored sea at sunset - Anse Lazio: The "Garden of Eden" on Praslin Island, where giant granite rocks and emerald waves interweave, was once rated as the most beautiful beach in the world by National Geographic - Anse Source d'Argent: La Digue Island's "photography paradise", where hundreds of mushroom-shaped reefs are exposed at low tide, forming a surreal picture with the turquoise sea 2. Primitive ecological secrets - May Valley (Vallee de Mai): Praslin's "Mini Garden of Eden", hike through more than 7,000 sea coconut trees, look for the "love fruit" weighing 30 kilograms, and encounter the endangered black parrot (most active in the early morning/evening) - Aldabra Atoll: The world's largest coral atoll, take a charter flight to explore millions of giant tortoises and migrating seabirds (booking is required 3 months in advance) 3. Luxurious experience like celebrities - North Island: Prince William's honeymoon destination, 11 villas on 11 beaches, private butler + customized helicopter sightseeing - Cheval Blanc: A newly opened hotel under the LVMH Group, with 52 villas with a 13-meter swimming pool, Guerlain spa and Michelin restaurant - Six Senses Zil Pasyon: Tree house villas suspended in the rainforest, star bar overlooking the 4,000-meter deep sea 🗺️ 5 days and 4 nights classic itinerary Day 1: First visit to Mahe Island - Morning: Arrive at Mahe International Airport and check in to Eden Bleu Hotel on Eden Island (newly opened in 2025, a modern design hotel next to the pier) - Afternoon: Stroll around Victoria Square and visit the Central Market to buy spices and coconut crafts - Evening: Have a drink at the Sunset Bar on Beau Vallon Beach. We recommend trying the Seychelles Kiss cocktail (rum + coconut milk + passion fruit) Day 2: The Natural Wonders of Praslin Island - Morning: Take a catamaran (Cat Cocos) (1 hour) or a small plane (15 minutes) to Praslin Island - Noon: Lunch at Cote d'Or seafood restaurant, order Creole curry lobster - Afternoon: Explore the May Valley (it is recommended to follow a guide who can explain in depth the secrets of the reproduction of the sea coconut), and stargazing at Lazio Beach in the evening Day 3: Slow life on La Digue Island - Morning: Take a 15-minute boat ride from Praslin Island to La Digue Island and rent a vintage bicycle (about 100 rupees/day) - Noon: Picnic at Des Argents Beach (recommended to bring coconut pie from a local bakery) - Afternoon: Snorkel at Anse Georgette Beach, encounter a group of green turtles, and check in at the President's private beach before returning Day 4: In-depth tour of Mahe Island - Morning: Take a glass-bottom boat at Eden Island Pier and visit St. Anne's Marine Park (you can feed manta rays) - Afternoon: Hike in Copolia Botanical Gardens to learn about 1,000+ tropical plants and enjoy a panoramic view of the island from a mountaintop cafe - Evening: Savor samosas with mango chutney at Mahek Indian Restaurant, and experience Creole traditional dance after dinner Day 5: Madness before leaving the island - Early morning: Surfing at Anse Intendance Beach (best from May to October) - Morning: Purchase sea coconut souvenirs at the market (purchase receipts are required for customs clearance) - Noon: Shopping for vanilla rum and handmade soap at the airport duty-free shop, return 💰 Budget reference (2 persons 6 days) Project Economy (￥15,000) Comfort (￥30,000) Luxury (￥80,000+) Airline tickets Chengdu/Beijing transfer (￥6000) Emirates Business Class (￥18,000) Private charter (￥50,000+) Accommodation B&B/3-star hotel (￥400/night) 4-star resort (￥1500/night) One island, one hotel (￥8000/night) Catering Market simple meals + convenience stores (￥150/day) Restaurant meals (￥400/day) Michelin restaurants (￥1000/day) Activities Public transportation + free beach Island hopping + snorkeling package (￥3000) Helicopter + private charter (￥20,000) 📌 Practical Tips 1. Avoid traffic pitfalls - Car rental on Mahe Island is about 40 euros/day (right-hand drive, many sharp turns on the mountain roads), and chartering a car is recommended on Praslin Island (150 euros/day) - Book your island hopping ticket 3 days in advance, Cat Cocos will provide free hotel pick-up 2. Food Map - Creole Kitchen (Mahe): Creole fish stew with plantains - Le Rendez-Vous (Praslin): Coconut shrimp with mango salsa - La Digue Island Lodge: Grilled octopus with passion fruit jam 3. Hidden gameplay - Traditional music performances at Victoria Market every Friday - Aldabra Atoll can apply to participate in the turtle protection project (need to contact the Seychelles Tourism Board 6 months in advance) - Coco de Mer Hotel on Mahe Island has a sea coconut themed dinner every Wednesday 4. Photography Tips - Best time to take photos at Des Argent Beach: 2 hours after low tide (check the tide table in advance) - Backlit portraits on the Lazio beach, using a reflector to fill in the light - Use a telephoto lens to capture the dynamics of black parrots in May Valley 🚨 Emergency handling - Medical treatment: Victoria Hospital on Mahe Island provides 24-hour emergency treatment. It is recommended to purchase travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue. - Safety: Avoid walking alone at night and store valuables in the hotel safe - Environmental protection: It is forbidden to pick corals/shells, and do not touch marine life when snorkeling 🌊 Seychelles, the pearl of the Indian Ocean, rated by National Geographic as one of the “50 places to visit in a lifetime”, has both the purity of the Maldives and the wildness of Tahiti. When you walk barefoot on the pink and white sand beach and watch the giant tortoises slowly crawling through the shadows of palm trees, you may suddenly understand: this is what the legendary "Garden of Eden" should look like.

Pack your bags and go! Here are travel tips for these 5 visa-free countries. Even with a blank passport, you can still have a blast around the world 🌍 📍United Arab Emirates (Dubai/Abu Dhabi) Visa-free policy: Chinese passport holders can travel directly! Multiple entries are allowed within 6 months, with a cumulative stay of 90 days. You can have fun as soon as you land~ Must-do activities: • Visit the 124th floor observation deck of the Burj Khalifa for a bird's-eye view of the entire Dubai • Go skydiving over Palm Jumeirah and enjoy an aerial view of the eighth wonder of the world • Experience the Bedouin lifestyle with desert dune bashing + camel riding + desert camp BBQ. Tips: The weather is most comfortable from November to March. It can get extremely hot in the summer! Remember to visit the Dubai Mall, where you can also see a huge aquarium and water screen movies in addition to shopping~ 📍Serbia (Belgrade) Visa-free policy: Ordinary passport holders can travel whenever they want, with each stay lasting 30 days, which is enough for an in-depth tour! Must-do activities: • Visit the Belgrade Fortress to see the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers • Feed pigeons in Novi Sad's Liberty Square for a super healing experience • Take a night tour of Skadarlija, where the bar live music creates a great atmosphere. Tips: The best time to visit is from May to September, as it is extremely cold in winter! Prices are reasonable, and you can have a filling meal for CNY 20. Remember to exchange some Serbian dinars~ 📍Seychelles (Mahé/Praslin) Visa-free policy: Passport + round-trip ticket + hotel booking confirmation = direct entry, with a maximum stay of 30 days~ Must-do activities: • Lie on Beau Vallon beach and watch the gradient glass sea • Look for coco de mer in Vallée de Mai, which are even rarer than giant tortoises! • Ride a bicycle on La Digue Island and encounter giant land tortoises. Tips: The best time to visit is from April to May/October to November. Avoid the rainy season! The local currency is the euro. Remember to bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent~ 📍Mauritius (Port Louis) Visa-free policy: Passport + flight and hotel booking confirmation, directly granting 60 days of stay, and the visa can be extended for another month! Must-do activities: • See the color-changing magic of the Seven Coloured Earths • Visit Black River Gorges National Park to see the volcanic crater + waterfall diving • Participate in the Walking with Lions program and get up close with big cats. Tips: The peak season is from November to April, and it is cheaper but rainier from May to July! Local Creole cuisine is super delicious, and seafood curry is a must-try~ 📍Fiji (main island/outer islands) Visa-free policy: Passport + return ticket, directly granting 30 days of stay, which is enough for island hopping! Must-do activities: • Visit the night market in Nadi Town on the main island and experience Fiji Time • Snorkel in the coral reefs of the outer islands and watch the Nemo fish storm • Hike in the Cloud 9 rainforest and breathe in the natural oxygen bar. Tips: The driest time is from May to October. Remember to bring long-sleeved sun protection clothing! Fiji water is super expensive, so it's more cost-effective to buy large bottles at convenience stores~ 💡General Tips: 1️⃣ Print out all booking information in advance, as customs may check it 2️⃣ Exchange some local currency, as cash is used in small shops/for tips 3️⃣ Buying a local phone card is N times cheaper than roaming 4️⃣ Respect local religious customs and avoid wearing revealing clothing in mosques/churches 5️⃣ Safety first! Avoid going to remote places alone at night