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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.

29
Monday
January, 2018
AT 17:53

Goa Food & Feasting

As January rolls into February, we cannot help but dream of sunnier climes, and the South Indian idyll of Goa is our perfect winter sun escape. With its palm fringed coves, pastel-coloured colonial

25
Thursday
January, 2018
AT 15:46

Japan's Wild North: James' Winter in Hokkaido

Last February, I visited Hokkaidō – the northernmost, least developed part of Japan – with the Japan National Tourism Organization and JTB. This incredible trip covered the remote eastern corner of

24
Wednesday
January, 2018
AT 17:05

Top 10 favourite Japanese Food Experiences

Japanese cuisine is renowned for being one of the best in the world, for good reason as it really is one – of the many – perfect creations in Japan! Food is an integral part of the country’s culture... read on to find out our favourites

16
Tuesday
January, 2018
AT 16:50

At Home at Highclere: Dining at the real Downton Abbey

Highclere Castle, the 19th century home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, is a jewel of English heritage. Lady Carnarvon is a historian and author, passionate about Highclere’s heritage, and has just written the fascinating story of entertaining at the great house entitled ‘At Home at Highclere’. Here she shares with us about the journey of the book and its inspirations...

12
Friday
January, 2018
AT 11:05

Ampersand Travel Presents... Southern Africa!

You need to get a few things right to do what we do. Excellent ground handlers, an enviable contacts book, expert in-house consultants and frequent research trips are all key, but the crucial thing

10
Wednesday
January, 2018
AT 12:34

Revisiting Japan: Our top 20 highlights

After moving back home to England after studying in Tokyo for a year, I was longing to go back to immerse myself in Japan’s incredible culture, scenery and food.

03
Wednesday
January, 2018
AT 15:10

Where to travel in 2018 based on your Zodiac Sign

Happy New Year! A new year, a new you and a whole new 12 months to travel and explore some of the world’s most exciting destinations. But what to choose, and where to begin? At Ampersand Travel we

19
Tuesday
December, 2017
AT 17:18

Kalinko: A love affair with Burma

Kalinko, a brand of ethically crafted textiles and homewares, was founded in Yangon by Londoner Sophie Garnier. Sophie works with a tribe called Ka-Lin-Kaw who are renowned for their weaving skills, and the collection comprises of linens, throws, beautifully cut garments, patterned cushions, all handmade on wooden looms. Here we get an insider glimpse into the land she now calls home…

18
Monday
December, 2017
AT 13:09

Scotland: Festivals and Events

Scotland has plenty to offer, including several annual events that we absolutely love. Read on to learn which ones we recommend, as well as a few of our personal favourite haunts and must-do activities.

14
Thursday
December, 2017
AT 10:15

Ashok Ferrey: My Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an island creative minds and artistic talents. Colombo-based Ashok Ferrey is one of its most celebrated contemporary authors, and his recent novel, The Ceaseless Chatter of Demons, wittily and irreverently portrays the Sri Lankan society in which Ferrey grew up and rebelled against in youth…

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Client Testimonials

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

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

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

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 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

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 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 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 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

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 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

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 Travels...

Goa Food & Feasting

As January rolls into February, we cannot help but dream of sunnier climes, and the South Indian idyll of Goa is our perfect winter sun escape. With its palm fringed coves, pastel-coloured colonial

Japan's Wild North: James' Winter in Hokkaido

Last February, I visited Hokkaidō – the northernmost, least developed part of Japan – with the Japan National Tourism Organization and JTB. This incredible trip covered the remote eastern corner of

Top 10 favourite Japanese Food Experiences

Japanese cuisine is renowned for being one of the best in the world, for good reason as it really is one – of the many – perfect creations in Japan! Food is an integral part of the country’s culture... read on to find out our favourites

At Home at Highclere: Dining at the real Downton Abbey

Ampersand Travel Presents... Southern Africa!

You need to get a few things right to do what we do. Excellent ground handlers, an enviable contacts book, expert in-house consultants and frequent research trips are all key, but the crucial thing

Revisiting Japan: Our top 20 highlights

After moving back home to England after studying in Tokyo for a year, I was longing to go back to immerse myself in Japan’s incredible culture, scenery and food.

Where to travel in 2018 based on your Zodiac Sign

Happy New Year! A new year, a new you and a whole new 12 months to travel and explore some of the world’s most exciting destinations. But what to choose, and where to begin? At Ampersand Travel we

Kalinko: A love affair with Burma

Scotland: Festivals and Events

Scotland has plenty to offer, including several annual events that we absolutely love. Read on to learn which ones we recommend, as well as a few of our personal favourite haunts and must-do activities.

Ashok Ferrey: My Sri Lanka

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Latest posts

Archive

Client Testimonials

Ampersand's Travels...

As January rolls into February, we cannot help but dream of sunnier climes, and the South Indian idyll of Goa is our perfect winter sun escape. With its palm fringed coves, pastel-coloured colonial

Last February, I visited Hokkaidō – the northernmost, least developed part of Japan – with the Japan National Tourism Organization and JTB. This incredible trip covered the remote eastern corner of

Japanese cuisine is renowned for being one of the best in the world, for good reason as it really is one – of the many – perfect creations in Japan! Food is an integral part of the country’s culture... read on to find out our favourites

You need to get a few things right to do what we do. Excellent ground handlers, an enviable contacts book, expert in-house consultants and frequent research trips are all key, but the crucial thing

After moving back home to England after studying in Tokyo for a year, I was longing to go back to immerse myself in Japan’s incredible culture, scenery and food.

Happy New Year! A new year, a new you and a whole new 12 months to travel and explore some of the world’s most exciting destinations. But what to choose, and where to begin? At Ampersand Travel we

Scotland has plenty to offer, including several annual events that we absolutely love. Read on to learn which ones we recommend, as well as a few of our personal favourite haunts and must-do activities.

All Categories

Tags

Latest posts

Archive

Client Testimonials

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