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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.

Dear Mr Ampersand: For a first trip to India, should I visit the North or the South?

Dear Mr Ampersand: For a first trip to India, should I visit the North or the South?

North or South? A very Indian dilemma. For first-time travellers to India, choosing between the grand spectacle of the North and the lush tranquillity of the South can feel impossible. In our latest blog, Mr Ampersand settles the score.

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.

India on a Plate: A journey of taste from East to West

India on a Plate: A journey of taste from East to West

Nowhere is India's universal appeal more apparent that in its wealth of cuisines. From the rich feasts of the Mughal courts that dazzled ambassadors and explorers such as Marco Polo to the colonial

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…

Introducing Ampersand's 7 Unusual Escorted Journeys

Introducing Ampersand's 7 Unusual Escorted Journeys

The world may be conquered, but enough secrets remain for us to whisk you off on a magical carpet ride, and reveal some of the rare, unexplored experiences that the globe has to offer. We have

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...

Little Black Book: Discover the Pink City – Jaipur

Little Black Book: Discover the Pink City – Jaipur

The fabled city of Jaipur, rose-pink capital of Rajasthan, has been busy captivating travellers to the subcontinent for centuries, not least for its unrivalled collection of shopping and dining destinations. Join us on a magic carpet ride through some of our insider places to discover Jaipur’s thriving design scene...

Heritage & Hindustan: Nathdwara, A Divine Art Form

Heritage & Hindustan: Nathdwara, A Divine Art Form

They say a picture describes a thousand words, and to the artists of the Hindu temple town of Nathdwara, art has been a traditional way of depicting sacred imagery of gods to countless illiterate worshippers over the centuries…

Valentines Day

Valentines Day

Valentine’s Day is a time to really splash out on the one you love, and there are some truly elaborate ways you can celebrate your blossoming romance to show your beloved just how much they mean to you. This infographic is about luxury gifts for travel lovers, so you can say “I love you” in style…

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

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