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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.

Destination Weddings & Honeymoon Report: Wedding and Honeymoon Statistics

Destination Weddings & Honeymoon Report: Wedding and Honeymoon Statistics

Our destination weddings and honeymoon report is the latest round-up of statistics and facts about weddings, honeymoons, destination weddings and engagements.

7 Unbelievable Asian Honeymoons Loved by Discerning Travellers

7 Unbelievable Asian Honeymoons Loved by Discerning Travellers

To the misinformed, Asia is a world of backpackers, poverty and archaic cultures. To the conversant, Asia is a vast continent designed by contrasts; where there is poor there will be riches, where

Top 10 Romantic Retreats in India & Sri Lanka, Perfect for Lovers or Honeymooners…

Top 10 Romantic Retreats in India & Sri Lanka, Perfect for Lovers or Honeymooners…

If you are planning your honeymoon or even if you've just got a bit off time off and are dreaming of jetting off somewhere romantic, we have picked out the most dazzling travel ideas for you and your loved one. Just call us cupid!

Ampersand Loves: 10 Honeymoon Hotels To Discover

Ampersand Loves: 10 Honeymoon Hotels To Discover

We are at the height of wedding season, from the recent Royal Wedding to Princess Eugenie’s upcoming nuptials, every weekend seems to feature showers of confetti and champagne...

15 Dream Honeymoon Spots in Asia (Romance Guaranteed...!)

15 Dream Honeymoon Spots in Asia (Romance Guaranteed...!)

Asia has an abundance of heart-stirring destinations and extraordinary experiences. From swimming in the gin-clear waters of Indonesia to discovering the majestic forts and palaces of Rajasthan, we have picked out the most dazzlingly romantic travel ideas for you and your loved one…

All Aboard! Your Private Yacht to Paradise...

All Aboard! Your Private Yacht to Paradise...

With over 17,000 islands which stretch across 5,000 km, the world’s largest archipelago offers a greater variety of sights, sounds, cultures and customs than anywhere else on the planet. And what better way to explore the region than by luxury sailing yacht? Here is our round up of the ten most impressive luxury yachts in Indonesia…

Ampersand's mini-guide to Indonesia

Ampersand's mini-guide to Indonesia

Our seasoned Indonesia specialist, Emily Gillman has just returned from a rigorous 5-week research trip to Indonesia. Travelling across seven of the biggest islands and visiting almost 100 hotels, Emily has the most up to date intelligence and first-hand experience of the finest hotels and experiences on offer...

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

Where are you taking your loved one for Valentine's Day

Song Saa Private Island, CambodiaWhat is the perfect Valentine's gift? In these increasingly frenetic times, quality moments together rank high on the list. For those of you who remember your

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

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