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.

Dining with the Nawabs: A Culinary Tale of two Countries

Dining with the Nawabs: A Culinary Tale of two Countries

‘Dining with the Nawabs’ reveals a glimpse into the present-day lives of the rulers of India. An exquisitely produced book which profiles several Muslim royal families across India and Pakistan through their culinary traditions of Indian cuisine. Author Meera Ali, is herself married to the Raja of Kotwara, and uses her insider access to give us a rare seat at the tables of princely families of the subcontinent…

Bangalore on a Plate

Our favourite Bangalore-based foodie, Nirja Raju, reveals what she thinks would make the ideal 2-day tour of this burgeoning city's epicurean hotspots. ©Paul FernandezWhen planning a trip to India, it

Insider Q&A: Indian food historian Jonty Rajagopolan shares her top Hyderabad travel tips

Welcome back to Ampersand’s Insider Q&A series where we pick the brains of our special suppliers and ask them to share their tips and local perspective on some of our favourite destinations.Sharing

Just back from… Hoi An, Vietnam

Just back from… Hoi An, Vietnam

“Xin chào” and hello from Ampersand’s marketing manager, Sacha Smith-Laing, who recently returned from Vietnam where she caught some rays, ate many a phở and strolled the fairytale lanes of Hoi

Do things differently with Ampersand Travel

At Ampersand we don’t do cookie cutter tours. Each and every trip is tailor-made to provide our clients with a mixture of the best-of-the-best luxury accommodation (mixed in with a few charming

Ampersand's foodie favourites: Culinary experiences worth travelling for!

Ampersand is currently more food obsessed than ever... we have all recently returned from research trips throughout Asia and our taste buds are suffering withdrawal symptoms after our mouth-watering

Thank you Diana!

A big thank you to our friend, renowned chef and hotelier Diana von Cranach, who gave a great talk at our drinks party on Friday night. She was here at the Ampersand office to personally promote the


Client Testimonials

I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka

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