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.

Give me sunshine! Ampersand’s top five Vitamin D top-up trips

If it gets to this time of year and your body is crying out for some Vitamin D, here are our top 5 tours for some sizzling-hot sunshine between December and March...1. Boutique South India – 15 days

Top 6 London Hotels

Top 6 London Hotels

If you fancy hunkering down in a fabulous luxury London hotel this winter then rest assured we’ve done the hard work for you. From a Grand Dame city institution to a beautiful glittering landmark,

Yoga in the witching hour at the ghost city of Bhandarh, India

Happy Halloween! Here’s an idea for a wonderfully haunted holiday experience: head for the deserted city of Bhangarh for a yoga session on an abandoned temple plinth as the sun rises. Built in the

Top Ten Highlights of a Holiday to Japan

Top Ten Highlights of a Holiday to Japan

We have picked some of our favourite things to do when visiting Japan

Musing upon the Japanese art of wabi-sabi‏

Musing upon the Japanese art of wabi-sabi‏

Ampersand’s Japan specialist David Wall explores the uniquely Japanese concept of wabi-sabiTwo birds on a branch, painted sparingly on a sliding wooden door; sunset-red maple leaves strewn in the

Ampersand Guest Posts on Travelspinner

As featured by our friends at Travelspinner, Ampersand's UK specialist Ellie Boulstridge chats about the unique appeal of holidaying in the UK & IrelandA Green and Pleasant LandBrief CV – Ellie

Top 3 Spiritual Escapes

James Jayasundera, founder & MD of Ampersand Travel, opens up his Little Black Book… this time sharing his top 3 spots for a spiritual escapeAhilya Fort, Maheshwar, India Owned by Indore royal family,

Cricket and Tea Plantations! Watch Sri Lanka VS England this November & December 2014

This November or December is the perfect time to travel to Sri Lanka to support England when they play the seven ‘fun to watch’ One Day International Cricket matches. Sri Lanka’s cricket team have

Bangalore on a Plate

Our favourite Bangalore-based foodie, Nirja Raju, reveals what she thinks would make the ideal 2-day tour of this burgeoning city's epicurean hotspots. ©Paul FernandezWhen planning a trip to India, it

Insider Q&A: Indian food historian Jonty Rajagopolan shares her top Hyderabad travel tips

Welcome back to Ampersand’s Insider Q&A series where we pick the brains of our special suppliers and ask them to share their tips and local perspective on some of our favourite destinations.Sharing


Client Testimonials

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

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