Temple to Taste [The Times Luxx]

07/12/2019

Lisa Grainger steps inside the new Aman Kyoto

To fully appreciate the Aman Kyoto, which opened on November 1, it is worth considering what’s around it and what it has become. Formerly the home of the country’s emperors (hence its name: “Kyo” meaning capital and “to” meaning city), the once sacred city, with its moated castles and gold filled temples, orange-painted shrines and lander-lit streets, is one of Japan’s most popular destinations. …Read More

Check in to Check Out [Tatler Travel Guide 2020]

01/12/2019

Where to go around the world to recharge, recalibrate and re-tune

Svatma, Thanjavur, India: Few places are as spiritually nurturing as this oasis of birdsong, rippling water and shaded verandahs in Thanjavur, the capital of Tamil Nadu. Svatma’s eight-day Siddha programme is a powerful detox with plentiful offerings of spiritual practices such as hatha yoga, chanting with a Vedanta priest, Nadi astrology and access to the Navagraha astrological temples (international power players fly in to reap the ‘life-changing effects’ of a visit to all nine of the Hindu temples). …Read More

The Himalayan Hideout: Taj Rishikesh [Condé Nast Traveller]

01/12/2019

In the Gold List 2020, Steve King follows India’s sacred river to discover a new sanctuary rooted in tradition above the town where rock stars went transcendental.

People often say that it was the Beatles who put Rishikesh on the map when they visited in 1968. This is not quite true. Even at its height, Beatlemania had nothing on Hinduism. Rishikesh’s location near the source of the Ganges has made it a pilgrimage destination for millennia. Countless billions of worshippers have travelled from all over India to its startingly white sandy shores to sprinkle themselves with holy water and perform Ganga aarti, a beautiful ritual involving prayers sung to a harmonium accompaniment and the launching of a flotilla of tea light candles on the river. …Read More

Top Travel Specialist for Sri Lanka & India [Condé Nast Traveller]

09/04/2019

These specialists are the best in the world. They'll pull off the impossible and spare you the logistics...

James Jayasundera - Raised in Rome by a Sri Lankan father and British mother, from an early age Jayasundera was the family travel planner – noting what his grandparents enjoyed and organizing logistics for a family of 12. Which is why, whether you’re looking for 10 parties over 10 days in 10 different palaces in India, with guests flown by private planes from around the world, or a tour of the Himalayas by helicopter to multiple summits in just seven days, he knows exactly how to make it happen. ...Read More

Body & Soul [Condé Nast Traveller]

01/09/2019

Relax, unwind and re-charge in style at these haves of calm and tranquillity.

Nihi Sumba, Indonesia

If it’s peace and quiet you’re seeking, you’ll find it in Sumba, a remote Indonesian island twice the size of Bali but relatively undiscovered by tourists. Blessed with long sandy beaches and waves coveted by surfers across the globe, Nihi Sumba is barefoot luxury at its best. The intriguing ‘Spa Safari’ will take you on an early morning trek through jungle, village and rice paddies, ending atop a cliff where you’ll be greeted by a team of spa therapists bearing cool towels and fresh coconut water. After a delicious healthy breakfast overlooking the ocean, you’ll be ushered into your treatment room for some all-important me-time, with the sounds of the sea and nature to lull you into a deep sense of relaxation. ...Read More

Travelista [How To Spend It]

06/07/2019

Wander woman Maria Shollenbarger fast-tracks international intelligence on where to be and what to see.

Like many before him, James Jayasundera, the founder of Ampersand Travel, fell hard for South Africa’s Cape Winelands the first time he visited years ago; unlike most, he invested in 50 hectares of hillside at the mouth of the Franschhoek valley, and set about creating a dream home. This, fortunately for travellers, has since morphed into 7 Koppies, a two-suite, three-room guesthouse kitted out in vibrant Cape-contemporary style – think ebullient textiles, handmade rugs and tiles, gaily painted Malawi chairs and lashings of sisal. The open plan kitchen and living areas are perfect for mingling with other guests (not forgetting the 40-plus excellent restaurants within a 10-minute drive) – or for celebrating if you’re a group buying out the property in exclusivity, which is really the way to go. …Read More

The Travel File: How To Travel Like An Expert [Flannels.com]

27/06/2019

The Travel File: How To Travel Like An Expert

Fancy exploring the farthest reaches of the Indian Subcontinent? Or the tropical paradises of South East Asia’s uncharted regions? James Jayasundera is your man. A seasoned traveller with an appetite for adventure and a penchant for luxury, Jayasundera has been travelling in style since birth. Spurred on by a desire to share his passion with the world, he founded Ampersand Travel in 2003. It’s a tailor-made travel agency specialising in luxe trips with a dose of adventure, and the no. 1 destination for those looking for travel experiences with a difference. Speaking your language? We got chatting to this stylish man of the world to find out more. …Read More

Power Tripping [Tatler]

01/04/2019

With £100,000 holidays on the rise, Matthew Bell discovers how far the super-rich go for rest, relaxation and palaces to rent.

When Madonna sang ‘Holiday’, she wanted ‘just one day out of life’. Today, she’d be more demanding. A three-week cruise in the Antarctic, or a multigenerational break on a private land. Forget buckets and spades on Camber Sands: it would be heli-skiing on glaciers or jet-hopping over four continents. But it’s not just rock stars who are willing to spend north of £100,000 on a week’s holiday; it’s businessmen, tech entrepreneurs, bankers – anyone for whom time is a prized commodity. Which, these days, is everyone. …Read More

Indian Summer [Ultra Travel]

01/03/2019

A dishevelled beauty, charming Chennai has much to offer the curious traveller – not least one of India’s great heritage hotels. By Steven King

Elizabeth Taylor, who had form when it came to acquiring things, losing them, then reacquiring them – just ask Richard Burton – once lost a La Peregrina, an antique pearl of extreme beauty and historical significance, in the white shag-pile carpet of a Las Vegas hotel room. The joint was turned upside down but to no avail. Eventually the search was called off, the priceless knick-knack abandoned – only to be retrieved at the last minute from between the teeth of the actress’s trusty lapdog. …Read More



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Client Testimonials

I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, 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’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 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
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
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
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
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
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
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
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 have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
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
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India

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