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The official top ten
Secret Gems

If you’re hankering after something a little different, a little special for your next holiday, we have 10 secret gems that are truly lovely yet off the radar of most travellers. We’ve selected a range of quirky options, from Rajakkad Estate, an ancient teak home in the forested hills of Southern India, to Li’An Lodge, a traditional Chinese chalet perched in Longsheng’s terraced rice fields, to The Amara, a beautiful English-style country cottage in Burma.

Habaraduwa House is Sri Lanka’s chicest new beach villa, or for Dutch Colonial splendour, spectacular golf and sweeping views, Clingendael is another of our secret gems – an exclusive 5-bedroom boutique hotel in the ravishing hills near Kandy.

In Japan, The Garden Terrace overlooks the bay in Nagasaki, 'San Francisco of the East.' It's a design afficionado's dream making great use of bamboo in the building and grounds, by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. Nearer to Kyoto in central Japan, Ryokan Kurashiki by a scenic old trading canal has just six lovingly furnished traditional rooms with open beams and a fine collection of antiques from Japan, China and Europe. At once homely and luxurious, it served as Sophia Loren's hideaway on her recent visit to Japan.

Jeeva Beloam Beach Camp in Lombok is a place to completely switch off from modern life and enjoy one of the most beautiful white beaches you will ever see; Lakshman Sagar is a candy-coloured heritage fort hidden away​ in the Rajasthani desert; or for the true luxury nomads amongst you, we highly recommend The Ultimate Travelling Camp which pops up in some of India’s most beautiful and remote regions. Secrets are for sharing!

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Amara Mountain Resort

  Amara Mountain Resort is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Secret Gems.  A quaint colonial cottage which dates from 1909, Amara Mountain Resort is the best hotel in town, and...

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Habaraduwa House

  Habaraduwa House is one of our Ampersand's Top 10 Secret Gems, Top 10 Private Villas in Asia and Top 10 Venues for a Wedding or Party Originally built in 2001 but completely re-designed and renovated in 2011...

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Li'An Lodge

  Li'An Lodge is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Secret Gems.  Struck by the beauty of the Longsheng rice terraces, artist Keren Su returned to the area to open the Li-An...

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Ryokan Kurashiki

  Ryokan Kurashiki is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Secret Gems and Top 10 Luxury Ryokans. Nestled along the picturesque willow-lined canal in Kurashiki, Ryokan Kurashiki is a captivating retreat with a rich cultural heritage...

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Clingendael

  Clingendael is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Secret Gems. Located on the Victoria Golf and Country Resort, around 40-minutes from Kandy town, The Clingendael is situated on a hill at...

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The Ultimate Travelling Camp, Chamba Camp

  The Ultimate Travelling Camp, Chamba Camp is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Secret Gems. The first truly mobile luxury camp in India, ‘The Ultimate Travelling Camp’ offers the opportunity to...

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Jeeva Beloam Beach Camp

  Jeeva Beloam Beach Camp is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Secret Gems and Top 10 Beach Hotels. Situated two hours from the airport in the remote and untouched southeast of Lombok,...

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Brij Lakshman Sagar

  Lakshman Sagar is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Secret Gems. Opened in 2011, Brij Lakshman Sagar is a hidden gem nestled in a remote, rural setting between the vibrant cities...

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Rajakkad Estate

  Rajakkad Estate is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Secret Gems. Set 1,000 metres above sea level, in the cool foothills of the Wester Ghats, Rajakkad Estate is an intimate garden...

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Garden Terrace

  Garden Terrace is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Secret Gems. By all accounts this is the superlative place to stay in Nagasaki. Designed by Kengo Kuma, it impresses from the...

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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
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
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 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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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’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

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