Vietnam is one of our favourite destinations, with a great combination of incredible scenery and  a varied history with vibrant cities, great food and exceptionally friendly people - laze on the beach,  explore the cities, head to the hills or combine all of it! Escape Worldwide 's Mark visited most parts of the Country on a whirlwind visit recently, and brings you his take on this incredible destination . . . Vietnam is a country of contrasts, none more apparent than that of its two main cities, the elegant and charming capital Hanoi; and the vibrant southern powerhouse Saigon. Vietnam’s geography makes it easy to start your journey in one and finish in the other, and to my mind both are well worth a few days Meet Uncle Ho! Hanoi's  French influence is apparent in its buildings and avenues, while the Old Quarter dates back 1,000 years and is a fascinating place to wander - I got completely lost ...

84 per cent of British holidaymakers claim holidays are worth more to them in terms of wellbeing than the money they spend on them, a survey by Kuoni Travel and Nuffield Health reveals today. The UK's largest healthcare charity and Kuoni Travel surveyed 2,845 UK adults between 14 April to 30 June 2012 to find out how a holiday can help to alleviate the effects that everyday life has on our mental and physical wellbeing. The research showed that taking a break can improve our lives in four key ways: It enables us to break out of our routine Gives us an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones Gives us fresh perspective on our lives Enables us to relax and recharge our batteries These benefits explain why almost a third (32 per cent) of Britons say that every pound they spend on a holiday is worth 2-4 times more to them in terms of wellbeing, 21 per cent say it’s worth 5-7 times more, more than a quarter (27 per cent) say that its worth 8-10 times ...

We arrived at the Heritage Le Telfair for the night and wow what a place. The reception area has a cool, colonial feel and the view out over the swimming and resort was simply stunning. I was taken and checked into my room, sorry, suite! My suite at the Heritage Le Telfair After dinner at the fine dining Gin'Jar restaurants which we had the most amazing sushi start and steak main course it was time to retire for the evening.... well actually it was time to head to the very classy Cavendish bar for a finally beer or two. The following morning we were treated to a lovely breakfast just by the beach at the stunning sister hotel, the Heritage Awaili Golf Resort & Spa , which is a great 5* all inclusive property next door to the Le Telfair and has a great African Feel, with a wide choice or bars and restaurants and a long stretch of beach. Heritage Awaili Golf Resort and Spa After inspecting both hotels we were then told that it was lunchtime.... great...

We arrive for the night at the lovely Veranda Paul and Virginie Hotel   which is a lovely boutique hotel on Mauritius North Coast by Grand Gaube. The property had a lovely, romantic feel with friendly staff and spacious rooms. We arrive just in time for a delicious buffet dinner, before a few drinks (or should I saw amazing home grown flavoured rums) at the bar. The following morning awoke to a beautiful blue sky and views of Coin De Mire. After a quick dip in one of the hotels pools headed to breakfast. One of the pools at Veranda Paul and Virginie After breakfast we checked out and headed East. The coast line and beaches on the East are stunning with crystal blue seas and white sandy beaches. Beaches on Mauritius East Coast We stopped of lunch and a spot of free time at the Veranda Palmar Beach Hotel , which is a lovely little resort set on a stunning beach. The hotel offers All Inclusive so you don't need to worry about a thing other than kicking...

Next stop Pamplemousse Garden, which were renamed Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens in 1988 but still tends to be known by it's former name. The Gardens are stunning, a collection of amazing tropical planets and trees and is a haven from the heat of this tropical paradise island. I spent a couple of hours strolling around, visiting the lilly pond, with some amazingly huge water lilies and looking at the fruit bats sunning themselves in the palm trees. Amazing water liles in the garden Next....work time, I went to visit a lovely hotel call the Veranda Pointe Aux Biches , one which we use alot and try to visit whenever we are in Mauritius , just to check it is still as great as it always is. The hotel has a great, relaxed beach feel, and it works to a philosophy that, shoes off when you arrive and stay off until you leave, a real kick back and relax hotel. One of my favourite areas of the hotel is the Footloose Bar, which has a great chil...

I just got back from  Mauritius  yesterday and I have to say, what an amazing place. I was on a bit of a flying visit, only 4 nights but I managed to fit in the odd Spa treatment, went shopping in Port Louis, a cookery class and even went Quad biking. We flew with British Airways which offers a direct service from Gatwick to Mauritius  ( Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport - which was named after the first Prime Minister)  My trip started off in Grand Baie which is a lovely little place at the North of the island, about an hour and a half from the airport. The area has a good range of shops, bars and restaurants, as well as a lovely little beach. The area has a great relaxed laid back vibe with really friendly people. Just off the beach you have street stalls selling local food and locals play French Bowls as the sun sets over the bay.   On of the great bars in Grand Baie I stayed at the Veranda G...

Darren and Mark from our office met up with TV presenter and explorer Simon Reeve this week, chatting about his BBC2 programme 'Indian Ocean' and his adventures in this beautiful part of the world. If you want to follow in Simon's footsteps then catch the next installment of his programme this Sunday on BBC2 at 8pm, or visit the destinations yourself by visiting  www.indianoceanescapes.co.uk  or calling Escape Worldwide on020 8989 0970 today. Snorkelling in the Maldives    " Before I went I presumed the brochures must have been airbrushed or photoshopped, but the Maldives really is that beautiful! When we went snorkelling, I found myself surrounded by 8 giant manta rays swimming in formation - it was so mesmerising I forgot to breathe and my snorkel fell out of my mouth!" Our Top Tip At the Kuramathi Island Resort , guests can visit the Eco Centre to get involved with the coral reef research and to learn about the programme to improve environmenta...