James Jayasundera is Founder and Managing Director of Ampersand Travel in London. Ampersand Travel is an award-winning tour operator specialising in tailor-made holidays to Asia and Africa. James was raised in Rome by a Sri Lankan diplomat father and British mother, and from an early age he was travelling throughout the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Although he loves comfort, he is not blinded by five-star luxuries – the Ampersand motto is “luxury is in the experience” and it is that indefinable quality that makes something special which James is always on the look-out for. James founded Ampersand Travel in 2003, and since then the company has developed an excellent reputation for in-depth knowledge of its destinations, candid and impartial opinions on hotels and locations and a formidable network of contacts within the industry and its destinations.
India is a beautiful country with love and romance evident around every corner. Where better to holiday with a loved one than in one of the wonderful locations below where you and your partner can revel in luxury and soak up some of the most iconic views from around the world… Ladakh, North India Soaring […]
Asia is home some of the best spas in the world. Whether you’re looking for romantic downtime, solitary pampering or to experience the practice of Ayurvedic medicine, a great spa for a relaxing holiday is crucial. For the spa lovers and those looking to rest their weary body, we’ve put together seven of the very […]
China remains an enigmatic location for many travellers, particularly those looking for luxury, but it is home to some of the most incredible destinations and experiences for those who like to enjoy the finer things in life. Below are 11 locations that any luxury traveller will be impressed with when they visit tremendous China… 1. […]
Burma is a beautiful country which has long been off the map for tourists to come and go as they please. However, in recent years Burma has become much more accessible and the tourist trade has grown with it to a point where it can now offer luxurious accommodation to rival its Asian neighbours. Here […]
It makes sense that pregnant ladies and fathers-to-be want to make the most of their last chance at rest, relaxation and pampering before their new bundle of joy arrives and turns their lives on its head. Perhaps you’ve been working throughout your pregnancy while simultaneously attending medical appointments, purchasing the necessary baby paraphernalia and decorating […]
Asia is a fantastic place to enjoy luxury and is also home to some of the best eco retreats in the world. If you’re looking for a dream break that lets you rest your weary body in a sustainable way then we’ve put together ten of the very best places to sit back, relax and […]
India is an incredible country packed with diverse things to see and do. To accomplish everything in one trip is nigh on impossible, so you need to pick your battles and aim for the best bits first to ensure you don’t miss out. We all know about the Taj Mahal and beaches of Goa, but […]
You’ve just landed in the surprising, thrilling and ever-changing city of Tokyo. Every single day here is a surprise; because this fast-paced capital just never stops moving. But you have a dilemma; you have just 24 precious hours to get the most out of Tokyo’s neon lights and endless noodle bars. So where do you […]
Asia is a lot of things. But above all else, it’s a vast continent built on history and spirituality. When it comes to exotic landscapes and unusual destinations, it’s a traveller’s paradise. But what you may not know about Asia is its very unique approach to luxury and extravagance; there are so many incredible resorts […]
Imagine soft sand pressing under your feet, a sea that’s impossibly blue, and all the opulence you can dream of; imagine that with open waves crashing beneath your surfboard. Great surf and prolific luxury can co-exist. In fact, it does exist and here are 3 dream surfing destinations in Asia to prove it. Kuda Huraa, […]
It may be a backpacker’s paradise with its thousands and thousands of islands and laidback lifestyle, but if you’re in search of luxury in Indonesia, you needn’t look far. This sovereign state and archipelago is filled with amazing sights that will blow you away; volcanic backdrops and dramatic temple ruins, paradise beaches and world class […]
There’s something so modestly beautiful about colonial travel; the contrast of grand architecture against the backdrop of an Eastern sunset is remarkable indeed. Western imperialism in Asia was born with the Age of Sail in the 16th Century when trade routes were built between the East and the West. And today, we have the vestiges […]
The Bhutanese people are traditional and humble. Living a modest life on an unspoiled land, they are the faithful disciples of Mother Nature; committed to protecting the beauty of Bhutan and promoting sustainable tourism. So exploring this beautifully preserved landlocked country by bike is, without a doubt, the most wonderful way of seeing Bhutan. Because […]
Asia is a vast and beautiful continent, one which is veiled with hidden gems to entice the curious traveller. And for the adventurous honeymooning couple, Asia is full of romance and surprise. But to get the best out of your honeymoon, skip the executive suite in your favourite luxury hotel chain – and opt for […]
For those longing for exotic and tasty dishes, India offers a wide range of culinary experiences to thrill even the most discerning foodie palate. A huge and diverse country, the cuisine differs depending on the local culture, seasonal availability of the fresh produce used, geographical location and the economics of the particular area. To get the […]
Ryokans are the last word in luxury rest and relaxation in Japan. They are traditional style inns devoted to fine ‘kaiseki’ traditional food, hot spring baths and the simple pleasures of life as it was lived before Japan hurtled into the slick, metallic 21st Century. Cedarwood baths, the poignant smell of tatami mat rooms, ornamental […]
