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.

Superlative Travel: Ampersand's Best-of-the-Best Travel Ideas

Superlative Travel: Ampersand's Best-of-the-Best Travel Ideas

Most people in the UK have about 25 days holiday leave annually which amounts to a maximum of 7% of the year to travel the world. With so little time to escape and spoil oneself, settling for second best shouldn’t be

Aman Tokyo, Japan: Ampersand’s inside view

Aman Tokyo, Japan: Ampersand’s inside view

Enter the slick and shiny realm of the Otemachi Tower in Tokyo’s Financial District and you may struggle to notice the low-key Aman Tokyo welcome desk on the ground floor. The ‘wow’ moment happens

Just another brick in The Wall

Just another brick in The Wall

As a child I was told that an ancient people called 'The Chinese' built a big wall hundreds of years ago that still stands. It was so long that it could surround all of Britain and so big that

China: A Land of Numbers

China: A Land of Numbers

"The most of this...the oldest of those...the biggest of that..."Conversations about China can be both overwhelming and dizzyingly littered with

Ampersand's Spotlight on... London Theatre

Ampersand's Spotlight on... London Theatre

London is on fire at the moment. Not in a “London’s burning, London’s burning…” way, as goes the nursery rhyme that tells the story of the Great Fire in 1666. No. But it is now one of the most important creative hubs in the world...

Amandayan, China: Ampersand's Inside View

Amandayan, China: Ampersand's Inside View

We were extremely fortunate to be one of Amandayan’s first guests. In typically effortless Aman style, there were none of the teething issues that are usually par for the course for a new opening – in

Ampersand's mini-guide to Tibet

Ampersand's mini-guide to Tibet

Tibet is a vast country - five times the size of Nepal and even with its current high political profile it is still seen as a mysterious entity by the West. It is the high-altitude

The Ampersand Team's Dream Honeymoons

The Ampersand Team's Dream Honeymoons

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, here at Ampersand we’ve been arranging a number of romantic trips for our clients. Without giving anything away, let’s just say there are going to be a few

Jewish Heritage Tours of China & India

Ampersand has created two new tours especially for our Jewish clients who would like to learn more about the rich ancient history of Judaism in India and China. There is an extraordinary amount of

'Year at Aman'... Travel the World with Ampersand & Aman

Are you an Aman-junkie? Have you ever wondered what the best Aman resort in the world is? Or have you ever wished – in your wildest dreams, perhaps – that you could make your Aman experience go on


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

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