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.

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

Ampersand Culture: India Design ID Fair 2018

Ampersand Culture: India Design ID Fair 2018

Delhi is a city full of 'happenings' with a thriving arts, literary and design scene attracting the brightest talent from across the country. From the stunning exhibitions,

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

Where to travel in 2018 based on your Zodiac Sign

Where to travel in 2018 based on your Zodiac Sign

Happy New Year! A new year, a new you and a whole new 12 months to travel and explore some of the world’s most exciting destinations. But what to choose, and where to begin? At Ampersand Travel we

15 Dream Honeymoon Spots in Asia (Romance Guaranteed...!)

15 Dream Honeymoon Spots in Asia (Romance Guaranteed...!)

Asia has an abundance of heart-stirring destinations and extraordinary experiences. From swimming in the gin-clear waters of Indonesia to discovering the majestic forts and palaces of Rajasthan, we have picked out the most dazzlingly romantic travel ideas for you and your loved one…

Great Thinkers of India

Great Thinkers of India

India is a culture of thought and philosophy. From art to space exploration, the subcontinent has influenced the millennia. Twelve Indians have won the Nobel Peace Prize, while the fields of science and mathematics have had many sons and daughters of Hindustan as celebrated leaders. Here are a handful of revolutionary thinkers whose lives and work helped change the world…

Mumbai Moments: Insider Culture

Mumbai Moments: Insider Culture

The city of Mumbai has many hidden gems for the culturally inquisitive traveller, and the ‘incredible cavalcade of life’ is a richly rewarding place to explore day or night. Artists, filmmakers, authors and adventurers have been drawn for centuries to Mumbai’s raffish charm contributing to a vibrant arts scene that grows more exciting by the year…

Kashmir - Paradise on Earth: An Insider’s Guide

Kashmir - Paradise on Earth: An Insider’s Guide

The northern state of Kashmir is the ideal off-the-beaten-track destination with stunning scenery. Srinagar boasts an old-fashioned charm, buzzing souks, and a slower pace of life. Further up the Vale of Kashmir, the scenic town of Gulmarg is reminiscent of an alpine resort with a romantic history. Read our insider’s guide to Kashmir here…


Client Testimonials

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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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

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