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Luxury Hotel Openings in 2025
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 Tailormade Tour of West Bengal with Ampersand Founder James Jayasundera
Our Founder James has recently returned from another extraordinary trip to India. Here, he shares his highlights of West Bengal, from sipping tea in the Himalayan foothills to pandal hopping through the busy streets of Kolkata during Durga Puja Festival.
Updated Travel Guide to Thailand: Where to Travel Now
Whether you're visiting Thailand for the first time or returning to rediscover its charm, the country's culture, landscapes, luxury hotels and warm hospitality ensure every trip feels like a new adventure. Here, we share an ideal 3-destination itinerary, plus our favourite hotels in each location, to help you explore the best of Thailand with Ampersand.
Choosing the Perfect Resort in the Maldives
No matter which resort you pick in the Maldives there are some guarantees - lush tropical islands with pure white beaches, balmy weather, great swimming and diving, and a wonderful sense of remoteness. But each resort is also unique, so how do you pick the one that’s perfect for you?
Where to Celebrate New Year's Eve in Asia
Asia is home to some of the most exciting and diverse celebrations in the world, with New Year's Eve celebrations being no exception. From extravagant firework displays and all-night parties to traditional cultural ceremonies, these are our top recommendations for an unforgettable NYE experience in Asia.
The Best Street Food & Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Japan
Japan’s food scene is a remarkable journey through flavours, tradition and innovation, offering something for every type of food lover. From street stalls serving stir-fried noodles and fish-shaped pastries to the world’s highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants, Japan is a true culinary paradise that’s as diverse as it is delicious.
Best Wildlife Experiences in Asia
From the majestic Bengal Tigers of India to the elusive leopards of Sri Lanka, these two incredible countries are home to some of the best wildlife destinations in the world. In this blog, we’ll explore where to go for the most luxury camps and high-quality safari experiences in India and Sri Lanka.
Discover the Magic of Japan Beyond Cherry Blossom Season
While cherry blossom season (sakura) is world-famous and an incredibly popular time to visit Japan, this unique country has so much to offer year-round. Explore historic temples, ski on fresh powder in the Japanese Alps, hike through hidden valleys, discover ancient pilgrimage routes, go diving in tropical waters, take part in a traditional tea ceremony or try a kimono in any season.
Geoffrey Bawa: The Pioneer of Tropical Modernism
Geoffrey Bawa (1919 - 2003) is considered Sri Lanka’s most iconic architect and is often referred to as the “pioneer of tropical modernism." Redefining how the built form could harmonize with its natural environment, his prolific body of work blended modernist design with the tropical landscapes of South Asia. This blog explores some of Bawa’s key works across the island.
Luxury Travel with Ampersand Travel: Planning the Year Ahead
As summer starts to fade and we gradually get into the back-to-school mindset, at Ampersand Travel we think this is the perfect time to start planning your holidays for the year ahead. Based on our own travels and our extensive experience, we’ve mapped out our travel plans across Asia and Southern Africa over the next 12 months.
