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Suggested itineraries in December
The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is the ideal place to forget the stresses of a busy year – although it can be visited year round, many people don’t realise that winter is a great time to go. The weather is predominantly dry and bright, views are crystal clear and, though chilly and crisp, there is nothing like warm blankets and wood fires at a luxury property to make you feel snug and content. For another alternative Christmas holiday we suggest a trip to Burma, where the cool season makes for comfortable temperature with little rain. A perfect climate to explore the sacred stupas of Bagan and the traditional lost-in-time charm of Lake Inle. A visit to Sri Lanka at this time of year is a dream. Unwind on the white-sand beaches of the south west coast or up in the Hill Country when its picturesque but often rainy tea plantations are at their driest. For truly intrepid travellers, the ski season starts in Gulmarg, Kashmir, in Northern India. These exotic powder pistes offer an unforgettable and unique skiing experience!
>> Read our blog: How to say Merry Christmas in 26 different languages
A Family Wilderness Adventure in Kipling Country
This bespoke Indian wildlife adventure has been especially designed for families travelling with children, bringing to life Rudyard Kipling's stories.
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A Week in Laos
Explore the charming highlights of northern and southern Laos at a restful pace on this perfect seven day introductory itinerary...
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Best of the Best in Burma... The Ultimate Luxury Tour
It is no secret that Burma is a cultural treasure trove, but for those of you who love luxury too,...
View hereBest-of-the-Best Luxury Tour of Vietnam
Vietnam’s impressive roll call of cultural, culinary and natural highlights make her one of Asia’s most enticing destinations. She is...
View hereBeyond the Sky... Uma Punakha & Uma Paro
Perfect for both family holidays and honeymoons, Bhutan remains an exclusive, romantic and adventurous destination. COMO Hotels, with the addition...
View hereBonjour Vietnam… A Fabulous Food-lover's Tour
This tour is ideal for food-lovers. Enjoy an expert-led street food tour of Hanoi, a cooking course in Hue and...
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Burma... Return to the Golden Land
With so much to see and experience, Burma is not a one-time destination. This itinerary is perfect for those looking...
View hereA Cambodian Discovery… Jungle, Beach & City
This intrepid itinerary takes in Cambodia’s highlights and lesser known attractions, from the markets and culture of Phnom Penh, to...
View hereCheeky Monkeys, Blue Whales and King Coconuts… Family Fun in Sri Lanka
This itinerary was created for families young or old who love little adventures and wildlife. It is the perfect way...
View hereClassic Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia’s Temples of Angkor
This is one of our most popular trips and constantly gets marvellous feedback from clients. It includes a very extensive...
View hereCocoa Island by COMO, Maldives
Located a 40-minute speedboat journey away from Male Airport, Cocoa Island is one of our favourite properties in the Maldives. Understated...
View hereColours of Rajasthan, North India
This is a wonderfully vibrant way to experience India: from bustling Delhi and the impressive Taj Mahal to the 'Pink City'...
View hereConrad Rangali, Maldives
Conrad Maldives Rangali is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Winter Sun Destinations and Top 10 Romantic Retreats. This romantic resort offers sophisticated luxury...
View hereCultural Gems of Cambodia
This is a great trip to Cambodia for first-timers, with two essential elements: Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Start with...
View hereEssential India... Our Comprehensive Tour of North & South India
This itinerary is one of our absolute favourites. It combines the fascinating historical and natural gems of the northern regions...
View hereFour Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa
Four Seasons Kuda Huraa is a beautiful resort just a short speedboat ride from Male airport. All the guest rooms are...
View hereFrom Bhutan to India’s Andaman Islands... A Romantic Adventure from Mountain to Beach
Bhutan and the Andamans could hardly be more different, a fantastic itinerary of mountain peaks and tropical reefs…
View hereLaid-back Luxury... From Laos to Cambodia's Angkor Temples & Song Saa Private Island Resort
In less than two weeks combine Laos and Cambodia to experience the World Heritage city of Luang Prabang, the awe-inspiring...
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Gently Down The Ganges... A Slow & Spiritual Boat Journey in North India
The Ganges River has long been a draw to the Hindu faithful and foreign travellers alike. With the introduction of...
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Grand Tour of North India... Our Favourite Luxury India Holiday
Named the Grand Tour for good reason! Experience Delhi, the majestic Taj Mahal, the sacred city of Varanasi and Khajuraho...
View hereGrand Tour of South India... Our Signature Family-friendly Holiday
This fabulous journey cherry-picks the region's highlights, from the colonial charm of Cochin and the buzzing temple-town of Madurai to the...
View hereGroup Diving in Raja Ampat
There is no better way to explore the mysterious and undiscovered world of Raja Ampat than by luxury sailing yacht.
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If Tarzan went to Sri Lanka...
- Kalpitiya
- Wilpattu National Park
- Sigiriya
- Kandy
- Gal Oya National Park
- Kumana National Park
- Galle
- Sinharaja
- Bentota
This tour is an Ampersand favourite! If Tarzan went to Sri Lanka we are sure that he would do something...
View hereIndia with Aman: A sophisticated journey for the senses
India is a divine destination for an Aman journey. The rich culture you'll discover here is a delightful sensory whirlwind....
View hereIntroduction to Nepal
The perfect short tour of Nepal combining its cultural and scenic wonders. Explore ancient Hindu and Buddhist sites in Kathmandu;...
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Lions & Wolves: Gujarat’s Exceptional Wildlife
Experience the rare wildlife and pristine landscapes of Gujarat on an all-encompassing wildlife itinerary to track the elusive Asiatic lions.
View hereLuxury Adventure in Nepal
From the Himalayan mountains to the jungle habitats of the tiger, this itinerary combines adventure with the best of Nepal:...
View hereLuxury Indochina… Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia
This trip gives you the most luxurious taste of Indochina. Enjoy Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia’s best boutique hotels, including one...
View hereLuxury Surfing in Sri Lanka
9 days from £4,400 for 2023/24
Hit the waves in Weligama and Tangalle for the ultimate Sri Lankan surfing holiday, perfect for those who also love...
View hereMaharajas' Express - North India’s Most Luxurious Train
Experience India’s most luxurious train, the Maharajas’ Express, on a fascinating route through bejewelled cities, cultural sites and wildlife parks.
View hereMeandering Down the Mekong... Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam
- Chiang Rai
- Luang Prabang
- Vientiane
- Si Phan Don
- Pakse
- Kratie
- Siem Reap
- Phnom Penh
- Mekong Delta
- Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
This is our ‘super luxe’ Mekong itinerary. Sleeping both on the boat and in hotels, you will experience four countries...
View hereMystical Tamil Nadu... Our Sacred South India Tour
Exploring the myths and legends of the sacred south-east, this journey encapsulates the essence of the spiritual state of Tamil...
View hereSri Lanka’s Natural Wildlife Wonders
Experience the astonishing diversity and natural beauty of Sri Lanka's rivers, lakes, mountains, jungles and beaches.
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Ampersand’s Signature Sri Lanka Tour
If money was no object this would be our ideal cultural tour of Sri Lanka. This in-depth tour encompasses the...
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Sake, Snow, Shrines, Sand and Sushi
Japan has world class ski resorts as well as beaches to rival the best in Bali. So why not combine...
View hereSheer Indulgence... From Cambodia’s Angkor Temples to Phuket & Bangkok in Thailand
This indulgent journey combines three of the most fascinating facets of Cambodia and Thailand, using its finest hotels. Enjoy a...
View hereSiam in Style - Jungles, Trains & Beaches in Thailand
This luxurious itinerary travels from the hills of northern Thailand to the stunning beaches and islands in the country's south....
View hereSoneva Fushi, Maldives
Soneva Fushi is one of the most stunning and intimate resorts in the Maldives. Offering barefoot luxury at its best, the adventure...
View hereSouthern Vietnam & Cambodia’s Ancient Kingdom of Angkor
Go beyond the traditional tourist trails on this overland journey combining southern Vietnam and Cambodia. Begin in the bustling and...
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Sri Lanka’s Sublime Aman Experience
Combine the discovery of 400-year old Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the balmy seclusion of a palm-fringed...
View hereTaj Exotica, Maldives
Taj Exotica is a stunning resort is situated in the middle of one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives. Sandy beaches...
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Tamil Nadu & Kerala... A Luxury Tailor-made Tour of South India
Towering temples, mist shrouded hills and palm fringed beaches are just a few of the incredible sights that await you...
View hereTamil Nadu & the Andaman Islands... Cultural Tour & Beach Holiday in South India
A chance to experience two extremes of India: Tamil Nadu, a fabulous alternative to Rajasthan renowned for its incredible centuries-old...
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The Best of Laos... Mountains & Mekong Tour
This is a great trip if you are perhaps on your second trip to Laos and want to get under...
View hereThe Cultural Gems of Indochina... Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia
This trip gives you the perfect taste of Indochina in under two weeks. Despite travelling through three countries – Vietnam,...
View hereThe Golden Land of Burma… A Luxury Tour
Having recently returned from Burma, James & Mark have put together their ideal trip to the 'Golden Land' using their...
View hereThe Hidden Beaches of the Andaman Islands
Explore the hidden beaches and secret gems of India’s underrated and laid-back Andaman Islands on this relaxing 12-day itinerary.
View hereThe Historical Treasures & Natural Wonders of Laos
Uncover the charm and cultural gems of this utterly alluring country on this perfect introductory tailor-made itinerary. Travel from south...
View hereBelmond's Road to Mandalay... Burma by Boat
Meandering up the Irrawaddy on a luxury river boat is a wonderful and relaxing way to experience Burma. As this...
View hereThe Ultimate Adventure Tour of Thailand
The perfect balance of action and relaxation, ideal for nature and adventure-lovers. Enjoy several of Thailand’s natural splendors, from wildlife-rich national...
View hereThe Ultimate Burma Tour... No Stone Left Unturned
- Yangon (Rangoon)
- Kyaikhtiyo
- Inle Lake
- Putao
- Mandalay
- Maymyo (Pyin Oo Lwin)
- Hsipaw
- Bagan
- Mrauk U
- Ngapali Beach
This is our definitive Burma itinerary. As well as taking in all the major sites, this journey showcases all of...
View hereThe Ultimate Laos Adventure Tour
This is the ultimate way to experience Laos – ideal for people who have already begun their love affair with...
View hereThree Little Tastes of Heaven in Sri Lanka
It is said that Sri Lanka was the original Garden of Eden and it only takes one visit to see...
View hereTiger Blue, Indonesia: The Ultimate Sea Safari
Make it up as you go along on the ultimate Indonesian sea safari. Any stay on board the Tiger Blue...
View hereUltimate Helicopter Tour of Nepal
A real holiday of a lifetime around Nepal by private helicopter with an expert guide throughout – on foot this...
View hereUndiscovered Burma... Luxury Sailing in the Mergui Archipelago
Are you looking for a new way to experience Burma? We have the answer: a 12-night luxury adventure featuring her...
View hereWellness and Discovery at COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali, Indonesia
Whether you want total relaxation, post-natal fitness or to improve your athletic performance, this package is the perfect introduction to...
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Events in December
Hornbill Festival Nagaland (India): 1st - 10th December 2020
Named after the large colourful forest bird, the week long annual Hornbill Festival celebrates and showcases the diversity of customs in warrior tribes of Nagaland, who joined forces during World War II to fight against the invading Japanese army.
Kumbhalgarh Festival (India): 1st - 3rd December 2020
This festival brings together India’s art forms and the finest artists – musicians, dancers performing classical dance recitals – set against the backdrop of the magnificent Kumbhalgarh citadel.
Lao National Day: 2nd December 2020
Celebrating the 1975 victory of the people over the monarchy in establishing the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in 1975, this national holiday is commemorated with parades, speeches and dancing.
Thailand Constitution Day: 10th December 2020
Chennai Music Festival (India): 15th December 2020 onwards
An extravagant six week event, the Chennai Music Festival, or ‘Madras Music Season’, is held from mid-December to mid-January at various venues in Chennai.
Christmas & Boxing Day: 25th & 26th December 2020
An annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ celebrated around the world on the 25th December.
Mahabalipuram Dance Festival: 25th December 2020 - 15th January 2021
The annual four-week long Mahabalipuram Dance Festival pays tribute to Tamil Nadu’s rich and ancient heritage of music, dance, art and culture, and celebrates different dance forms from all over India.
Rajasthan Fashion Week (Jaipur): TBC
ILTM Cannes (France): TBC
