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Author Archive for James Jayasundera

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.

6 stops for a colonial tour of Asia

By James Jayasundera on Apr 03, 2015 in Asia, Attractions, Going Out, India, Myanmar, Regions, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Vietnam

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 […]

Bhutan for cyclists: luxury on two wheels

By James Jayasundera on Mar 12, 2015 in Asia, Bhutan, Leisure Travel, Road Travel, Speciality Travel

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 […]

3 stunning boutique hotels for an Asian honeymoon

By James Jayasundera on Feb 17, 2015 in Accommodation, Asia, Bed & Breakfasts, Bhutan, Honeymoons, Hotels, Japan, Leisure Travel, Resorts, Speciality Travel, Sri Lanka

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 […]

3 places for a foodie’s dream trip to India

By James Jayasundera on Dec 13, 2014 in Asia, India, Regions, Travel Miscellany

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 […]

Top 10 luxury ryokans in Japan

By James Jayasundera on Nov 20, 2014 in Accommodation, Asia, Bed & Breakfasts, Hotels, Japan, Regions

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 […]

5 recommendations for a luxury tour of Japan

By James Jayasundera on Oct 21, 2014 in Accommodation, Asia, Hotels, Japan, Leisure Travel, Rail Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel

If you’re a traveller with a sense of adventure then the Far East is a part of the world you absolutely must see. Japan is a particular jewel of East Asia and a remarkable place to visit. Culture shock is the phrase perhaps most often used by visitors to this intriguing island, but this is […]

Tasting luxury in Burma before the crowds arrive

By James Jayasundera on Sep 28, 2014 in Asia, Myanmar, Regions

It is difficult to find a country to explore these days. The world has become a smaller place with easily available flights to every corner, but some nations have yet to become regular tourist destinations. Burma is one such place. The country in Southeast Asia is one of few that still offers a bit of […]

The 4 best places for wildlife spotters on a luxury holiday in Sri Lanka

By James Jayasundera on Aug 26, 2014 in Adventure Travel, Asia, Attractions, Going Out, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Sri Lanka

With its prolific birdlife as well as wealth in elephants and leopards, it is no wonder tourists consider Sri Lanka as the ultimate wildlife destination in South Asia. Known as a land of exotic tropical beauty, this island-country is famous all over Asia for its diverse wildlife and rare creatures, such as the Asian elephant, […]