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Off-Grid Asia: Three Remote Regions to Rediscover
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.
Exploring India with James Jayasundera: From Mumbai to Rajasthan
Join Ampersand’s founder, James Jayasundera, on a recent journey through Mumbai and Rajasthan — a route shaped by decades of travel, deep cultural insight and a genuine love for India. From Mumbai’s coastal landmarks to Jaipur’s artistic traditions and the rural landscape of Amanbagh, this itinerary offers a vivid look at the regions James knows best.
Beyond the Taj Mahal: Discovering Agra’s Mughal Heritage
The Taj Mahal may define Agra, but it’s only one chapter in the city’s story. Beyond its marble perfection lie forts, mosques and tombs that reveal the full scope of Mughal artistry — from Akbar’s red sandstone citadels to the intricate inlays of Itimad-ud-Daulah. Together they trace a dynasty’s evolution in stone, blending Persian, Central Asian and Indian influences into one of history’s most remarkable architectural legacies.
South Korean Temple Stays: Complete Immersion in Living Tradition
Far from the bustle of Seoul, South Korea’s temples offer something rare — a glimpse of daily monastic life much as it’s been lived for centuries. Wake to temple drums, join morning chants and share simple, silent meals in wooden halls surrounded by forest and mountain. It’s not luxury in the traditional sense, but a deeper kind of experience: stillness, immersion and insight into one of Asia’s most enduring traditions.
Our Top Christmas Holidays Destinations
Christmas holidays can be the hardest to get right. Lots of people to please, demand at its peak and everyone in need of a proper break. With that in mind, we’ve put together our top picks for spending the festive season away from home. From Bhutan’s snow-dusted peaks to barefoot celebrations in the Maldives, these are the places where you’ll come back rested, inspired and glad you travelled.
Sexiest new hotel openings in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is in the middle of a hotel boom, and it’s changing the way people experience the island. From tea-country estates to barefoot beach houses, the latest openings bring a mix of style, heritage and atmosphere that reflects just how diverse Sri Lanka’s hospitality scene has become. We’ve rounded up six of the most exciting new stays — each with its own character, and each a reason to put Sri Lanka back on your list.
Exploring Indonesia Aboard Vela
Sailing through Indonesia aboard Vela is an experience defined by space, style and thoughtful exploration. From world-class diving and elegant cabins to a warm, capable crew, this is island-hopping at its most refined.
A Different Kind of Island Luxury: Cap Karoso
Cap Karoso is a bold and ambitious retreat on the wild coast of Sumba. With an untouched beach that stretches for miles, exceptional food and service, and some of the best-appointed rooms in Indonesia, it offers a thoughtful and rewarding take on island escape.
Why we love NIHI Sumba
NIHI Sumba is where truly wild beauty meets quiet, refined and contemporary luxury. Voted the World’s Best Hotel twice, it’s one of our favourite places to disappear and return changed.
Dear Mr Ampersand: How do I plan the perfect honeymoon?
Planning a honeymoon is about more than where you go, it’s about how you want to feel. In this guide, Mr Ampersand shares eight thoughtful tips for crafting a honeymoon that’s emotionally intelligent, well-paced and quietly unforgettable.
