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.

Christmas & New Year Escapes in India & Sri Lanka

Christmas & New Year Escapes in India & Sri Lanka

Christmas is nearly upon us and we are dreaming of the most exotic experiences in India and Sri Lanka; rich in wonderful destinations for the ultimate festive celebrations. With charming seasonal traditions, decorations and firecrackers at dawn, it’s hard not to enter into the spirit of Christmas…

Geoffrey Bawa: An Island Visionary

Geoffrey Bawa: An Island Visionary

Sri Lanka is a paradise for lovers of architecture. The island is dotted with villas and bungalows set like jewels in sweeping gardens and plantations waiting to be explored. Many of these buildings were conceived by the man called ‘Sri Lanka’s greatest architect’, Geoffrey Bawa…

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...

Top 3 Spiritual Escapes

James Jayasundera, founder & MD of Ampersand Travel, opens up his Little Black Book… this time sharing his top 3 spots for a spiritual escapeAhilya Fort, Maheshwar, India Owned by Indore royal family,

Cricket and Tea Plantations! Watch Sri Lanka VS England this November & December 2014

This November or December is the perfect time to travel to Sri Lanka to support England when they play the seven ‘fun to watch’ One Day International Cricket matches. Sri Lanka’s cricket team have

New video: Kahanda Kanda boutique hotel, Sri Lanka

New video: Kahanda Kanda boutique hotel, Sri Lanka

Our dear friend George Cooper, owner and designer of Kahanda Kanda boutique hotel near Galle, Sri Lanka has just produced a short video which we think shows off the property really nicely. It

Ampersand's top 5 breathtaking holidays in Asia

Ampersand's MD, James Jayasundera, dips into his knowledge of Asia to find five breathtaking trips for Square Mile magazine1. Best for adventurous culture-vultures: Jodhpur, IndiaWant a dose of

'Discovering Sri Lanka' at the Royal Geographical Society

The Ampersand team thoroughly enjoyed exhibiting at Wednesday's Sri Lanka event at the Royal Geographical Society, London. It was an informal evening for RGS members and those curious to learn more

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

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 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

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