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.

2020: Hottest New Hotel Openings

2020: Hottest New Hotel Openings

2020 is poised to be a year of new beginnings. Not perhaps since the Millennium, has the turning of a calendar year seemed so notable. The constellation of hotels set to burst onto the wanderlust

6 of Southern Africa’s Most Romantic Escapes

6 of Southern Africa’s Most Romantic Escapes

The southern countries of the continent of Africa, a landscape that would perhaps take a lifetime to explore, effortlessly sets the scene for the most exotic and magical of escapes. From candlelit

When and where can you see the Cherry Blossom in Japan?

When and where can you see the Cherry Blossom in Japan?

Japan’s cherry blossom season is one of the most iconic times of year to visit, often cited as a symbol of the transient nature of life. Here you can read about the best hotspots in the height of the season, and the more unusual spots which will see you dodging the crowds…

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

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

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...

Ladakh - Summer on the Silk Route

Ladakh - Summer on the Silk Route

A tiny mountain kingdom nestled in the Himalayas and annexed to the much larger Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh has been captivating the most intrepid travellers since the mists of time. Today it remains one of the most intact Tantric Buddhist societies on earth, both tranquil and otherworldly…

Our Top 10 Northern India Holiday Highlights

Our Top 10 Northern India Holiday Highlights

India has completely captured our heart like no other country – we are all complete and utter Indophiles. Usually centred around Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle, or combining the ‘metros’ of Mumbai, Calcutta and Hyderabad, this research trip combines the parts of the country we love best.

Namibia: An Ageless Land

Namibia: An Ageless Land

I recently had the immense pleasure of travelling to Namibia, one of the countries that has long been on my bucket list. Our journey began in Namibia’s Capital, Windhoek located in the country’s...

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…


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
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 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’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 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
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 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

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