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Ampersand Guest Posts on Travelspinner

As featured by our friends at Travelspinner, Ampersand's UK specialist Ellie Boulstridge chats about the unique appeal of holidaying in the UK & Ireland

image of a wooden gate giving into a green field
A Green and Pleasant Land

Brief CV – Ellie Boulstridge, UK & Ireland Product manager
With globe-trotting parents (a French mother and an English father), I took my first long-haul flight aged 3 months and spent my formative years living in a variety of far-flung places – from Sakhalin Island off Vladivostok in Russia, to Muscat in Oman, Diyarbakir on the Iraqi border of Turkey and the Hague in Holland. I started my career as a management consultant but, perhaps unsurprisingly, I grew frustrated and turned my back on corporate life for the thrills and luxury of travel!

Why Great Britain and Ireland?
At Ampersand we sell only destinations we know and love. Although we travel to Asia frequently, our office is in London and it seemed madness that we were not selling the UK too! The UK & Ireland offer such rewarding and diverse holidays – from multi-destination cultural tours to romantic city breaks, rural escapes and family adventures… There are historic country houses, royal palaces, ancient castles, stunning landscapes and world-class food all jostling for your attention here. Whilst I love Asia, for me it’s a dream to sell the best of the best on my doorstep.

What kind of feedback do you get from your clients?
Every Ampersand journey is designed to the client’s requirements, whatever their idea of fun or relaxation may be. Itineraries are as handheld as desired, and can be led by Blue Badge guides, for instance. And they can include add-ons such as being met off the aircraft at the airport for those who want a truly indulgent experience – which most of our clients do. The majority of our clients travelling to the UK are from Brazil, Australia or America and they are not afraid to pay for the best arrangements (travelling in style in the UK is a fair bit more expensive than in Asia!). But often they like a mix of extremes, so they may be staying at a luxury castle in the Scottish Highlands, but as a contrast we like to throw in a laid-back lunch of freshly shucked oysters at our favourite little food shack!

image of a man loading suitcases into a classic car
Personal Service Ballyfinn style

Expect the unexpected?
Our tours focus on the more academic traveller, providing them with specialist guides, insider access and unique experiences – perfect for lovers of art, architecture, literature, fashion, royalty and special events. Quirky British experiences include getting tailor-made kilts by the Queen’s kiltmaker, private out of hours viewing of Hampton Court and Lake District food safaris.

What’s new?
London continues to amaze with the choice of luxury hotels on offer. Every global brand and a whole host of amazing boutique properties reside here. Two of the latest which I love are Ham Yard (Firmdale’s new flagship property) and the celebrity-favourite (for good reason), the Chiltern Firehouse. Combined with what is already on offer I would say London is the most exciting luxury destination in the world right now! I’ve also got my eye on The Beaumont hotel, hopefully opening in the autumn, which is the first foray into hotels for Corbin & King, my favourite restaurateurs.

Dish to die for?
Scotland is a foodie’s heaven. Recently I had a spectacular springtime jaunt across the country and – with many whisky tasting tours and Michelin-starred meals under my belt (I’m also partial to a good black pudding) – I put on a few pounds. But it was entirely worth it! My favourite restaurant is the Witchery in Edinburgh which is dripping in medieval atmosphere and set right next to Edinburgh Castle, but the stand out meal of my trip was at the fine dining restaurant at Kinloch Lodge on the Isle of Skye; the whisky sours there are also divine.

image of a castle and a loch in Scotland
Under a Scottish Sun – Loch Laich north of Oban

The challenge!
Ampersand works with boutique hotels, lesser known contemporary classics and unmissable grande dames…treasures like Claridge’s, Lime Wood, Aldourie Castle, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Royal Crescent and Ballyfin in Ireland. The challenge is not to allow yourself to be swayed by what is new and shiny – it’s easy to make something look appealing on a website or on first sight. Instead, our job is to judge the true quality of the property in terms of service, style, food, location, clientele and vibe. It’s not simply to experience our chosen hotels and activities first hand; it is also about being purveyors of good taste and an acid test for excellence.

Dream itinerary?
Our ‘Best of British’ itinerary is my favourite itinerary blueprint – it can be tweaked and tailored depending on interests, but it works wonderfully as is, capturing our signature destinations in one whirlwind 13-day tour. It takes you from one corner of the British Isles to the other, visiting world heritage cities, majestic cathedrals, royal palaces, snow-capped mountains and lakes along the way. Start in London with a stay at Claridge’s and visit the city’s classic sites. Move on to Cambridge to explore the university’s historic buildings and colleges with a private guide. In Oxford, stay slightly outside of the city at Raymond Blanc’s beautiful Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, located in a sleepy and picturesque village.

Next, head to Stratford-upon-Avon for the opportunity to watch the Royal Shakespeare Company in action before driving to Scotland’s royal city, Edinburgh. Venture into rural Scotland and stay at Gleneagles where you’ll you have endless country pursuits to keep you occupied – from gun-dog training and clay-pigeon shooting to off road driving and, of course, golf. From Edinburgh, fly to Dublin where you’ll finish the tour by staying in the luxurious Shelbourne hotel. Explore Joyce’s Dublin on a literary walking tour or simply soak up the city’s Georgian streets and many Irish pubs!

an image of the Rooftop bar at the ME Hotel and the London skyline
An Evening Cityscape – the view from the Rooftop Bar at the ME hotel

If you could change any one thing about Great Britain and Ireland…
As you will have gathered, I absolutely love Scotland – its amazing landscapes, food, friendly people, outdoor activities and gorgeous cities. However, I wish there were more luxury-level hotels on offer. Scotland excels in cottages to rent, cosy B&Bs and historic castles, but in my dreamworld Scotland would be home to a Lime Wood equivalent – where style, luxury, food and comfort all come together perfectly.

Contact Ampersand on +44 (0)20 7819 9770. You can read Travelspinner’s Review of Ampersand Travel here.

 

image of the soldiers that guard Buckingham Palace in London
London Pride – the Guard at Buckingham Palace


Client Testimonials

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

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