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.

Aurangabad: The gateway to India’s ancient treasures

Aurangabad: The gateway to India’s ancient treasures

Aurangabad gives the impression of being a rather unremarkable destination; a bustling city surrounded by hot and dusty arid land. How looks can be deceptive! Aurangabad is the base from which to explore many of India’s ancient treasures – the famous Ellora and Ajanta Caves and the mighty Daulatabad Fort...

A mini-guide to Chengdu: China’s lesser known gem

A mini-guide to Chengdu: China’s lesser known gem

Chengdu is China’s lesser known gem. It has secrets that the rest of the world does not yet know, ripe to be explored and savoured. Infused with history and culture, Chengdu is set on the 2,000 year-old Silk Road and a trip to Chengdu has a totally different feel from other Chinese cities. One of the distinguishing Chengdu attractions is the fact that it manages to effortlessly combine the feel of a cosmopolitan, up-and-coming city whilst still being a historically unique destination. From Giant Panda breeding to face-changing opera; we have put together six of the things that make Chengdu stand out from the crowd and why it should be included in your guide to China...

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…

Five ludicrously underrated destinations

Five ludicrously underrated destinations

Over the years we have organised thousands of tailor-made holidays, and in our experience, the most exceptional trips were where our clients travelled to extraordinary destinations, many of which hover under the radar, where they can escape the crowds, be individually looked after and experience rituals and landscapes that have remained unchanged for centuries...

Photoblog: A Chinese Adventure

Photoblog: A Chinese Adventure

“Ni Hao!” We have returned from their particularly thorough 3-week recce of China, and now can reflect on their adventures. Three times larger than India, there is little doubt of the plethora of experiences on offer in China, but the difficulty is knowing where to begin. Follow in the footsteps of their journey with this energetic photoblog...

Aman Tokyo, Japan: Ampersand’s inside view

Aman Tokyo, Japan: Ampersand’s inside view

Enter the slick and shiny realm of the Otemachi Tower in Tokyo’s Financial District and you may struggle to notice the low-key Aman Tokyo welcome desk on the ground floor. The ‘wow’ moment happens

Amandayan, China: Ampersand's Inside View

Amandayan, China: Ampersand's Inside View

We were extremely fortunate to be one of Amandayan’s first guests. In typically effortless Aman style, there were none of the teething issues that are usually par for the course for a new opening – in

'Year at Aman'... Travel the World with Ampersand & Aman

Are you an Aman-junkie? Have you ever wondered what the best Aman resort in the world is? Or have you ever wished – in your wildest dreams, perhaps – that you could make your Aman experience go on

Top 6 London Hotels

Top 6 London Hotels

If you fancy hunkering down in a fabulous luxury London hotel this winter then rest assured we’ve done the hard work for you. From a Grand Dame city institution to a beautiful glittering landmark,

Confused about India?

Fascinating, intense and at times maddening, India – like the most interesting people – can be mystifying. Here, the Ampersand team answer your questions and fears, and share our top luxury India


Client Testimonials

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
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
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

Let us keep you up to date

Sign up to our newsletter and never miss out on unmissable exclusive luxury experiences