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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.

Our Favourite Properties Across Southeast Asia

Our Favourite Properties Across Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia, a region renowned for its vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes and diverse experiences, offers some of the most beautiful and luxurious properties in the world. In this blog, we explore our favourite properties across this region that all promise a unique and unforgettable experience.

Summer Reading List: Our Favourite Books to Inspire a South East Asia Adventure

Summer Reading List: Our Favourite Books to Inspire a South East Asia Adventure

If you’re embarking on an adventure to Southeast Asia, then what better way to prepare for your journey than by diving into some captivating reads that explore the region’s rich history and diverse cultures? We’ve curated a list of our favourite fiction and non-fiction books to inspire and enrich your Southeast Asia adventure.

Best Active Holidays in Asia

Best Active Holidays in Asia

Active holidays in Asia are not just about physical activity; they are about immersing yourself in the diverse beauty and culture of this rich continent. Whether trekking through the Himalayas, surfing waves in Sri Lanka, skiing in India or diving in Indonesia, browse our itineraries for ideas on how to create your own unforgettable active getaway.

Durga Puja Festival in Kolkata

Durga Puja Festival in Kolkata

Every autumn, Durga Puja festival transforms Kolkata into a spectacle of divine pageantry and communal revelry. Typically held in September or October and lasting 10 days, Durga Puja is not just a religious festival; it is a cultural, social and artistic event that brings the community together, transcending social barriers. It celebrates the empowerment of women, the triumph of good over evil, and the importance of family and community.

5 Top Tips for Travelling to Japan with Kids

5 Top Tips for Travelling to Japan with Kids

Safe, clean and culturally-rich, we consider Japan to be one of the most child-friendly countries in the world. To inspire your next luxury family holiday to Japan, we’ve put together a few tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to this one-of-a-kind destination.

5 Reasons Why Bhutan Should Be On Your Travel List

5 Reasons Why Bhutan Should Be On Your Travel List

This year marks 50 years since Bhutan opened its doors for the first time to foreign travellers, making it one of the most fascinating, untouched and least-visited places in the world. If you're seeking a destination that's both enriching and enchanting, here are five reasons why Bhutan should be on your travel list.

9 Unmissable Festivals in Asia

9 Unmissable Festivals in Asia

We believe that destinations in Asia are often at their best during festivals: locals in welcoming holiday mode, streets awash with colour and a chance to see centuries-old traditions played out in front of you. If you’re currently planning a luxury tailormade cultural tour in Asia, these are the nine festivals to try to factor into your forthcoming trip.

Six Senses Vana Q&A with Ampersand Founder James

Six Senses Vana Q&A with Ampersand Founder James

Our Founder James has just returned from his latest stint at Vana, marking his first experience under the new stewardship of Six Senses which started in January 2023. Here, he shares his candid thoughts and observations, answering those burning questions that seem to pop up time and again.

8 Eco Hotels in Asia Doing Things Differently

8 Eco Hotels in Asia Doing Things Differently

On Earth Day - a dedicated day to raise awareness for the environmental action needed to protect our planet - we wanted to highlight some of our favourite properties across Asia that go above and beyond to combine luxury experiences with sustainability.

A Two Week Gourmet South Africa Itinerary

A Two Week Gourmet South Africa Itinerary

One of the best ways to get to know South Africa is by sampling its local specialities and remarkable wines as you meander through its stunning landscapes and vineyard-clad hills. Keep reading for our top recommendations across the country.

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Client Testimonials

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

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