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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.

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

Diwali Delights – An Intimate Grand Tour of North India

Diwali Delights – An Intimate Grand Tour of North India

As the world becomes smaller, with the advent of technology and social media, people are in fact are becoming less connected to each other. At Ampersand Travel we love to engage people with incredible

An Intimate Grand Tour - Join Our Escorted Journeys to North India

An Intimate Grand Tour - Join Our Escorted Journeys to North India

At Ampersand we love nothing better than curating astonishing experiences for our travellers. A country as vast and packed with options as India can be overwhelming to approach and so we have launched

14 Incredible Festivals to Visit in Asia

14 Incredible Festivals to Visit in Asia

Thousands and thousands of festivals take place every single year. From music and performance to art and dance, food and gastronomy to wine and beer, religious ceremonies to street parades, historical

20 Places to Fall in Love with India

20 Places to Fall in Love with India

India is a beguiling, energetic, romantic and colourful country, awash with a variety of diverse travel experiences for both the daring and the cautious traveller. From vibrant festivals to quiet sunsets, here are twenty places you will fall head over heels in love with one of our favourite destinations…

Art Fever: Visiting India’s Art Scene

Art Fever: Visiting India’s Art Scene

The Indian art scene is booming. With record-breaking sales and clamouring international interest, the ninth India Art Fair welcomed over 100,000 attendees and Kochi held its third Art Biennale. There has never been a better time to invest in Indian art, from emerging artists to the larger names who have seen their value skyrocket over the past few years…

Cars & Cartier: Ampersand goes to Hyderabad

Cars & Cartier: Ampersand goes to Hyderabad

We have just returned from the city of Hyderabad for the fifth Cartier Travel with Style Concours d’Elegance, one of the world’s most prestigious vintage car events. The glamorous celebration is held every two years at locations across the subcontinent and this year saw the ‘city of pearls’ hosting the occasion at the Taj Falaknuma Palace…

A Hindustan Calendar: festivals and events in India

A Hindustan Calendar: festivals and events in India

India undoubtedly has the world’s largest collection of 'happenings'. From the smallest jungle village to the sprawling cities, the joyful clamour and colour of festivals and events are a daily part of life. Millennia-old ceremonies and contemporary exhibitions jostle together in the most buzzing calendar in the world…

Polo and Peacocks: British Polo Day in Jodhpur

Polo and Peacocks: British Polo Day in Jodhpur

A celebrated and ancient sport, Polo has been played since the time of the Mughals. But it was in the late 19th century that polo came to Jodhpur in its modern form. British Polo Day enjoys three days of events, rich in intrigue, romance and the majesty of India...

India Design Pavilion launched at the 10th Anniversary of London Design Festival

India Design Pavilion launched at the 10th Anniversary of London Design Festival

The annual London Design Festival brings together creative talent from across the globe. For the first time this year, emerging Indian design talents were also given a platform, and the Old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch was the site for ‘This is India’ Pavilion…

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Client Testimonials

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

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