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.

Q&A: James answers FAQ on a first trip to Japan

Q&A: James answers FAQ on a first trip to Japan

We’ve been thrilled by the incredible response to our recent newsletter on Japan — it’s been wonderful to hear from so many of you! Your questions have been insightful, and we thought we’d take a

Japan Q&A with James Jayasundera

Japan Q&A with James Jayasundera

Welcome to our Japan Q&A. In this blog, we’ve gathered some of the most intriguing questions we received about this extraordinary country, all answered by our founder James following his recent trips.

Luxury Hotel Openings in 2025

Luxury Hotel Openings in 2025

As we bid farewell to 2024 and look ahead to the new year, there’s plenty to be excited about in the world of travel for 2025. In this blog, we’re spotlighting four highly anticipated hotel openings or renovations that offer the perfect reason to plan your next getaway.

The Best Street Food & Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Japan

The Best Street Food & Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Japan

Japan’s food scene is a remarkable journey through flavours, tradition and innovation, offering something for every type of food lover. From street stalls serving stir-fried noodles and fish-shaped pastries to the world’s highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants, Japan is a true culinary paradise that’s as diverse as it is delicious.

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

Six Offbeat Ski Destinations Around the World

Six Offbeat Ski Destinations Around the World

There is nothing quite like the thrill of the slopes. One of the great unifying sports of the world, skiing crosses cultures and borders in a blaze of brilliant white adrenalin. Join us on a whirlwind

Japanese Art & the Courtesan

Japanese Art & the Courtesan

The Japanese culture throughout the ages, has attached ceremony to every part of life. No element was allowed to descend into mundane squalor or ugliness that pervaded western societies. This sense of

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…

James' Perfect Introduction to Japan

James' Perfect Introduction to Japan

By James Jayasundera, MD & Founder of Ampersand Travel: Japan is the first country I ever fell in love with. I remember the day it happened – I was 7, I was living in Rome and it was a scorching hot

18 of the Best Surfing Locations in Asia

18 of the Best Surfing Locations in Asia

Asia; home to noisy, vibrant cities, exciting markets, ancient cultures and some of the best beaches in the world. The dreamlike beach backdrops provide a landscape where old meets new, where cultures clash and where expert and budding surfers alike can grab their boards and head to one of these top surf spots in Asia...


Client Testimonials

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
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 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

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