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.

Emily’s Tour of South India

Emily’s Tour of South India

Emily, Ampersand’s Senior Consultant, ended 2024 with a very special two week holiday to South India. From Hampi to Hyderabad, Goa and Mumbai, Emily shares her experience of each location and why this itinerary ticks all the boxes for your next Indian adventure.

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

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…

Ampersand's Bespoke Cultural Tours: The Pearls of Punjab & Mumbai

Ampersand's Bespoke Cultural Tours: The Pearls of Punjab & Mumbai

Ampersand’s bespoke cultural tours with Cosmo Brockway was launched recently with a trip to India to visit the magical destinations of Punjab and Mumbai. An intimate group of ‘Ampersand-ites’, led by

Mumbai Moments: Insider Culture

Mumbai Moments: Insider Culture

The city of Mumbai has many hidden gems for the culturally inquisitive traveller, and the ‘incredible cavalcade of life’ is a richly rewarding place to explore day or night. Artists, filmmakers, authors and adventurers have been drawn for centuries to Mumbai’s raffish charm contributing to a vibrant arts scene that grows more exciting by the year…

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…

David’s Shooting Star: Jews of Mumbai

David’s Shooting Star: Jews of Mumbai

India has ebbed and flowed with a kaleidoscope of races since time began and within this, the little-known Jewish community have a long and captivating story to tell. Their charming legacy, distinctly Levantine but infused with local colours, has been woven into Mumbai’s metropolis which was once a Jewish haven under British colonial rule...

Goodby grey skies, hello sunshine!

Happy New Year! I thought a good way to lift January spirits and provide inspiration for your 2012 Easter and summer holidays would be to treat you to some dreamy photos of our favourite destinations.


Client Testimonials

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
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

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