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.

5 Unmissable Experiences in North India

5 Unmissable Experiences in North India

It is easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer variety of enticing activities on offer in North India, but fortunately our specialists have done the hard work for you and scoured the region in search of the crème de la crème. See below for our top five…

Ampersand's Unusual Escorted Tours for 2019

Ampersand's Unusual Escorted Tours for 2019

Nothing creates a bond than experiencing an unfamiliar setting and culture in the spirit of adventure and fun. As the world gets increasingly more digitally connected people are in fact seeking

24 Hours in Luang Prabang, Laos

24 Hours in Luang Prabang, Laos

If you are seeking a relaxed pace of life and a warm welcome, there’s no better place than Laos; golden temples, saffron-robed monks, rusty old bicycles meandering down crumbling colonial boulevards, and a scattering of river islands upon the mighty Mekong River. Follow our whistle-stop guide for a magical 24 hours in Luang Prabang…

A mini-guide to Hampi, an ancient world of Rocks & Ruins

A mini-guide to Hampi, an ancient world of Rocks & Ruins

A near-mythical landscape of mysterious boulders, ancient temples and remnants of a 14th century lost city, Hampi is like nowhere else in India. Called the subcontinent's own Machu Picchu, this former

Introducing Ampersand's 7 Unusual Escorted Journeys

Introducing Ampersand's 7 Unusual Escorted Journeys

The world may be conquered, but enough secrets remain for us to whisk you off on a magical carpet ride, and reveal some of the rare, unexplored experiences that the globe has to offer. We have

Ampersand's Bespoke Cultural Tours: The Pearls of Punjab & Mumbai

Ampersand's Bespoke Cultural Tours: The Pearls of Punjab & Mumbai

Ampersand’s bespoke cultural tours with Cosmo Brockway was launched recently with a trip to India to visit the magical destinations of Punjab and Mumbai. An intimate group of ‘Ampersand-ites’, led by

Shimla: Queen of The Hills

Shimla: Queen of The Hills

The cool breeze of the Himalayan foothills has long attracted people escaping the heat of the Indian high summer casting its fiery spell over the cities and plains of the subcontinent. Beginning in

At Home at Highclere: Dining at the real Downton Abbey

At Home at Highclere: Dining at the real Downton Abbey

Highclere Castle, the 19th century home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, is a jewel of English heritage. Lady Carnarvon is a historian and author, passionate about Highclere’s heritage, and has just written the fascinating story of entertaining at the great house entitled ‘At Home at Highclere’. Here she shares with us about the journey of the book and its inspirations...

Revisiting Japan: Our top 20 highlights

Revisiting Japan: Our top 20 highlights

After moving back home to England after studying in Tokyo for a year, I was longing to go back to immerse myself in Japan’s incredible culture, scenery and food.

Kathmandu: Insider's Guide

Kathmandu: Insider's Guide

Kathmandu is ‘the Queen of the Himalayas’. An intoxicating and ancient city, adorned with golden spires and fluttering prayer flags, truly friendly locals and a soaring mountain setting… She has risen from the ashes of the catastrophic earthquake of 2015 and is back on her feet with aplomb. Read our insider’s guide here…


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’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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

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