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.

Top 10 Tips for a First Trip to India for a luxury traveller in 2022

Top 10 Tips for a First Trip to India for a luxury traveller in 2022

James Jayasundera, founder of Ampersand Travel has been arranging luxury tailormade holidays for the last 30 years. Below are his top 10 tips for a first trip to India for a luxury traveller in 2022.

70 Best Places Around the World to Celebrate and Learn About Black History & Culture

70 Best Places Around the World to Celebrate and Learn About Black History & Culture

In recent months the importance of recognising Black history and culture has been the forefront of discussion more than ever, and a growing number of people have been taking active steps to educate

Is it Time to Travel Again?

Is it Time to Travel Again?

Is it just us or is there a little more optimism in the air? Our inboxes are, once again, filling up rapidly as ground handlers, hotels, camps and airlines are getting in touch to say they are

YES - I would consider a luxury holiday soon

YES - I would consider a luxury holiday soon

YES! Wonderful - we would love nothing more than to give you an escape to look forward to!Safety is our key priority, closely followed by comfort and enjoyment. Our team is currently looking into the

MAYBE - I may consider a holiday soon

MAYBE - I may consider a holiday soon

MAYBE... This is fully understandable, and on some days, I feel the same. Safety, enjoyment and comfort are our key priorities. Our team is currently looking into the best travel insurance providers, the

NO - I would not consider travelling just yet

NO - I would not consider travelling just yet

NO Thank you, this very helpful to know. Once a vaccine or treatment for COVID-19 has been found, we look forward to being back in touch and designing your long-awaited getaway! And if you change your

The Best Travel Blogs to Follow

The Best Travel Blogs to Follow

In this day and age of digital nomads, travelistas who have left behind the world of desks and Pret lunches to blaze across the continents documenting their finds for followers, there is an

Wander Women Index 2020 - The Best Destinations for Women Travelling Solo

Wander Women Index 2020 - The Best Destinations for Women Travelling Solo

Our annual Wander Women Index that reveals the best destinations for women travelling solo, is back! In 2019 we first launched our insightful Wander Women Index, which guided women around the world on

Travel Trends for 2020

Travel Trends for 2020

2019 has been a year of growing awareness of the need to better cherish the world we live in. From Greta Thunberg’s impassioned plea to halt the environmental crisis and inspiring a generation to

2020: Hottest New Hotel Openings

2020: Hottest New Hotel Openings

2020 is poised to be a year of new beginnings. Not perhaps since the Millennium, has the turning of a calendar year seemed so notable. The constellation of hotels set to burst onto the wanderlust


Client Testimonials

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
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
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
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 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
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
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
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India

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