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.

10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Japan Now

10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Japan Now

Catriona has just returned from an introductory tour of Japan, taking in the iconic sights and must see highlights, travelling from Hiroshima to Tokyo. Here she lists her top ten reasons for why you should jump on a plane right now and visit Japan…

A Complete Visitors Guide to the Terracotta Warriors

A Complete Visitors Guide to the Terracotta Warriors

The Terracotta Army is one of the most spectacular archaeological discoveries of the modern era. Quietly lying undiscovered for over 2,000 years, until its accidental discovery in 1974, the 8,000 strong army protect their Emperor. Read our complete visitors guide to the Terracotta Warriors, with everything you need to know about this ancient archaeological site...

Aurangabad: The gateway to India’s ancient treasures

Aurangabad: The gateway to India’s ancient treasures

Aurangabad gives the impression of being a rather unremarkable destination; a bustling city surrounded by hot and dusty arid land. How looks can be deceptive! Aurangabad is the base from which to explore many of India’s ancient treasures – the famous Ellora and Ajanta Caves and the mighty Daulatabad Fort...

A mini-guide to Chengdu: China’s lesser known gem

A mini-guide to Chengdu: China’s lesser known gem

Chengdu is China’s lesser known gem. It has secrets that the rest of the world does not yet know, ripe to be explored and savoured. Infused with history and culture, Chengdu is set on the 2,000 year-old Silk Road and a trip to Chengdu has a totally different feel from other Chinese cities. One of the distinguishing Chengdu attractions is the fact that it manages to effortlessly combine the feel of a cosmopolitan, up-and-coming city whilst still being a historically unique destination. From Giant Panda breeding to face-changing opera; we have put together six of the things that make Chengdu stand out from the crowd and why it should be included in your guide to China...

Valentines Day

Valentines Day

Valentine’s Day is a time to really splash out on the one you love, and there are some truly elaborate ways you can celebrate your blossoming romance to show your beloved just how much they mean to you. This infographic is about luxury gifts for travel lovers, so you can say “I love you” in style…

Five ludicrously underrated destinations

Five ludicrously underrated destinations

Over the years we have organised thousands of tailor-made holidays, and in our experience, the most exceptional trips were where our clients travelled to extraordinary destinations, many of which hover under the radar, where they can escape the crowds, be individually looked after and experience rituals and landscapes that have remained unchanged for centuries...

Photoblog: A Chinese Adventure

Photoblog: A Chinese Adventure

“Ni Hao!” We have returned from their particularly thorough 3-week recce of China, and now can reflect on their adventures. Three times larger than India, there is little doubt of the plethora of experiences on offer in China, but the difficulty is knowing where to begin. Follow in the footsteps of their journey with this energetic photoblog...

Six Reasons to go to Burma

Six Reasons to go to Burma

Burma’s burgeoning tourism industry is going from strength to strength, and over the last few years there has been extraordinary demand for tailor-made holidays to the country. Following Rosie and Chloe’s extensive 3-week recce to Burma, they have rounded up the most important reasons for visiting this magnificent country…

Photoblog: Our Top 10 Highlights of Burma

Photoblog: Our Top 10 Highlights of Burma

Rosie and Chloe have returned from an extensive 3-week recce to Burma, fine-tuning Ampersand’s existing expertise. With frontline experience of the country’s celebrated charm and character, qualities which are still very much alive. They say a picture speaks a thousand words, so let this photoblog do the talking…

The Artisans of Burma (Myanmar)

The Artisans of Burma (Myanmar)

We write of the stunning skills and the tireless efforts of Burma’s creative artisans. From inside humble workshops, true artisans of their trade ply their crafts, magic is created and marvellous things are formed. Fuelled by a desire to immerse ourselves in the worlds that these experts inhabited we share some of what was discovered…


Client Testimonials

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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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

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