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.

Sri Lanka: To-Do List

Sri Lanka: To-Do List

When in London, we dream of the Sri Lankan sunshine and evenings spent sipping cocktails, watching the magical sunsets over the Indian Ocean whilst getting a decent dose of vitamin D!

Ampersand's Unusual Escorted Tours for 2019

Ampersand's Unusual Escorted Tours for 2019

Nothing creates a bond than experiencing an unfamiliar setting and culture in the spirit of adventure and fun. As the world gets increasingly more digitally connected people are in fact seeking

The 10 Best Long Haul Holidays for 2019

The 10 Best Long Haul Holidays for 2019

Our collection of long-haul destinations combine culture, history, wildlife, sumptuous cuisine, a dose of tropical sunshine, and a truly luxurious flair. Explore the cultural delights of Vietnam or

Ampersand's Favourite Boutique Hotels: Sri Lanka

Ampersand's Favourite Boutique Hotels: Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has such a wide array of places to stay, including all the new and exciting properties that crop up every year, so it can be hard to whittle down the options to just the perfect few. Here are our thoughts on our favourite boutique hotels on the island to help you decide upon your choices. Please get in touch for more information if any of them appeal to you...

The Ultimate Travel Calendar: Every Festival Around the World in 2019

The Ultimate Travel Calendar: Every Festival Around the World in 2019

The new year is almost here, meaning it’s time to start planning your travels in 2019. To give you a hand, we have compiled the ultimate guide to everything you need to know about what’s happening

5 Globetrotting Books for Christmas

5 Globetrotting Books for Christmas

Christmas is coming! We have curated a short-list of our favourite globetrotting books for gift ideas. From the inside world of HH The Dalai Lama to the art of Japanese cooking, there is something for

Ballyfin - A history & restoration of the ‘best hotel in the world’

Ballyfin - A history & restoration of the ‘best hotel in the world’

The heart of Ireland is often overlooked for its coastal counterparts with visitors flocking to the delights of West Cork and the rugged Connemara coast. However, within their green valleys and

24 Hours in Luang Prabang, Laos

24 Hours in Luang Prabang, Laos

If you are seeking a relaxed pace of life and a warm welcome, there’s no better place than Laos; golden temples, saffron-robed monks, rusty old bicycles meandering down crumbling colonial boulevards, and a scattering of river islands upon the mighty Mekong River. Follow our whistle-stop guide for a magical 24 hours in Luang Prabang…

Top 20 Burma (Myanmar) Travel Tips

Top 20 Burma (Myanmar) Travel Tips

Our Ampersand specialists have picked up a few helpful hints and tips while travelling around Burma (Myanmar)... Here are a handful of their insider tips:

Sincere Wellness: Why Vana is the Best Wellness Retreat in India

Sincere Wellness: Why Vana is the Best Wellness Retreat in India

At Ampersand we believe that if you are true to yourself, you will excel. This is very much proven by Vana, which was set up by Veer Singh, who is as sincere as they come. Veer is a 36-year old


Client Testimonials

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

Let us keep you up to date

Sign up to our newsletter and never miss out on unmissable exclusive luxury experiences