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Tipple & Feast: Darjeeling Express
Ampersand's Travels...
Welcome to Ampersand's travel blog. This is where you'll find out all the latest goings on from our travels across Asia, the Far East, and Southern Africa.
Our motto is that luxury is in the experience: watching tigers padding through the Kanha jungle in the company of an expert guide; camping out under the Ladakh stars wrapped in cashmere blankets; exploring the art galleries and fine dining restaurants in Cape Town... these are the things we adore.
All over Asia and Southern Africa – from Bhutan to Bali, Cape Town to Victoria Falls – we know the most charming privately-owned hotels, the best secret beaches, the prettiest temples, and the most exclusive safari trails in the untouched wilderness. Our Little Black Book contains the best textile buffs, the keenest foodies, the wittiest maharajas, the most expert guides and the loveliest spots to drink champagne in the moonlight.
But what we love most of all is revealing these treasures to our clients. In our blog we hope to inspire and inform you by providing the latest travel news, hotel openings and luxury holiday ideas across Asia, the Far East, and Southern Africa.
Lost Cities of Angkor
While Angkor’s grand capital rightly draws millions of visitors every year, few of those ever make it beyond the ancient city. Strewn throughout the dense Cambodian jungle are the suburbs and
Henry Wilson – A tribute to a man who truly loved India
Henry Wilson was a much loved photographer, author and textile designer, known for his deep love and knowledge of India. Through his books and photographs, he bought India’s mysterious style to life and devoted a large part of his life to bringing his subject to an international audience. Here we remember the man, genius and Indophile behind the lens…
Glamorous Great Gatsby hotels
“In his blue gardens men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars.” ― F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
A Journey Through Rajasthan, the Land of Kings
Some time has now passed since Lola returned from her Indian adventure and her spirits have not dampened. Having discovered a new corner of the world, she was surprised at her reaction of India, and how positively uplifted it left her feeling. Follow in the footsteps of her journey with this beautiful and insightful photoblog...
Do like the Japanese do… in a traditional Ryokan spa retreat
Ampersand adores ryokans. Literally translated as ‘traveller’s inn’, these havens of relaxation offer so much more than a place to rest one’s head. Sumptuous 'kaiseki', hot spring 'onsen' baths, manicured gardens and more...
Beautiful Bhutan: A Himalayan Kingdom
Ellie has just returned from beautiful Bhutan, the Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern fringes. She spent a week gallivanting and exploring the very best this breath-taking county has to offer; from monasteries and fortresses, to dzongs and dramatic landscapes that range from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys. Here are her top highlights in a photoblog of her journey…
Insider View: Pondicherry
Pondicherry is charming coastal city with a distinct Indo-Mediterranean flavour. Pastel-coloured houses, friendly locals and stylish boutiques are prevalent in this unhurried sun-drenched haven. Our insider guide seeks out some of the most special corners of Pondicherry to experience this unique destination like a true local…
Dining Al Fresco: 10 of London’s Best
Summertime is when London takes it outside. Michelin starred restaurants, family-run cafés and glittering bars. There’s so much to choose from that it helps to know where look for the best outdoor hot spots. Here's our al fresco dining guide of London’s ten best outdoor eating options...
Insider India: Meeting Mallika Ahluwalia, Co-Founder of the Partition Museum, Amritsar
The Partition Museum has opened in the formerly derelict town hall of Amritsar, and tells the stories of the millions whose lives were impacted by the 1947 partition. We met with Mallika Ahluwalia, the museum co-founder and guiding spirit to find out more about the vision of the new museum…
