Hyderabad… India’s newest undiscovered luxury destination. This lively city has a new world-class international airport (recently voted top 5 in the world) with direct flights from London, and it is home to a phenomenal new hotel: the Taj Falaknuma Palace. Grand, opulent and steeped in history, this 19^th Century palace used to be home to the Nizam and has played host to European royalty and heads of state. It is now a true destination hotel: the spa, food and swimming pool are all sensational. Set in a peaceful location on top of a hill, you can almost step away from the city whilst still feeling a part of it and you can hear the Islamic calls to prayer at different times of the day.

CAMBODIA

Eco luxury on the southern coast… The ultra-stylish Song Saa Resort is a new opening designed in a Maldives-esque style with over-water stilted villas – a first in Southeast Asia. We love it because it offers a new and interesting alternative to Thailand as a sexy beach break. From Siem Reap simply fly to the coast and then take a 30-minute boat ride. The 25 villas each have their own private pool and their design is inspired by Cambodian fishing villages with features like thatch roofs and the use of drift wood. This ground-breaking luxury resort is also as environmentally friendly as they come and they work to protect the virgin rainforests, tropical reefs and glistening white beaches of this area. Diving has been dramatically improved since they restored the coral, or you can go sailing, kayaking or snorkelling.

SRI LANKA

The northeast & northwest coasts… Trincomalee (left) is the 5^th largest natural harbour in the world, located on the northeast coast. At present there is the upbeat and colourful 4 star Chaaya Blu which is a delightful property built in the 70’s and recently refurbished taking full advantage of the return in popularity of this iconic style. Another up-and-coming coastline is Kalpitiya, 150km north of Colombo. It is one of the most beautiful coastal areas located in the Western Province. The peninsula separates the Puttalam lagoon from the Indian Ocean and creates a marine sanctuary with a diversity of habitats ranging from bar reefs, flat coastal plains, saltpans, mangroves swamps, salt marshes and vast sand dune beaches. There is also a really fun and chilled out resort here called Bar Reef.

Eco Lodges & mud huts… These offer a taste of the traditional Sri Lankan village lifestyle – our favourites include The Mudhouse (left) in Anamaduwa, Galapita Eco Lodge in Buttala and Bar Reef in Kalpitya. Ulagalla Resort in Thirappane is a great example of the new trend for melding eco initiatives (it is powered by Sri Lanka’s biggest solar farm) and extreme 5-star luxury… it simply stunning with 21 chalets spread across 58 acres of natural woodland.

BURMA

Hot air ballooning over Bagan…Enjoy a sunrise balloon trip over Bagan with extraordinary views over hundreds of ancient temples & pagodas peeking out from this remote jungle. This is one of Asia’s most awe-inspiring experiences – perfect for those who have experienced Cambodia’s Angkor Wat and are looking for something more adventurous and arguably even more wondrous.

The idyllic palm-fringed beaches in Ngapali… Burma has one of the longest coastlines in Asia and it is a treasure trove of beautiful, unexplored beaches – many of which offer fantastic diving and snorkelling. Ngapali is the best up-and-coming beach and the location of our favourite hotel in Burma, Sandoway Resort.  It has 56 rooms, villas and cottages scattered through 6 acres of tropical gardens, a big pool, a great seafood restaurant and its own Art Deco style luxury cinema.

Hunting for precious gems… Burma is known for her top quality rubies, sapphires and semi-precious coloured stones. This experience introduces you to the miner families who teach you how to choose the best gems – perfect for those of you looking to treat yourself or your partner to a beautiful sparkler… perhaps even find the perfect handpicked engagement ring. The brokers are mainly women and great fun to deal with. Over tea, drinks and local snacks they will display an array of loose stones, explaining which are the better quality stones and why, the different ways of setting them together and negotiating the best prices. Traditionally, tourists will only be exposed to already set pieces; this is a unique experience because you can select the stone of your choice and decide on the design yourself. The stones are then set to your design and will be ready by the time you return from the rest of your trip!

BHUTAN

New luxury lodge… Set to open in September 2012, Uma Punakha is COMO Hotel’s second hotel in Bhuta. The first is Uma Paro, our favourite hotel in Paro – especially suited to people who are sporty and into wellness and yoga – and the two properties are a 5-hour drive from each other.  Their new resort has spectacular elevated views over the lush terraced valley and the rushing Mo Chu river. It is going to be a great base for hiking, white water rafting and cycling with an English-speaking guide. The other stunning, high-end options in Bhutan are a collection of lodges by Aman Resorts, who were the first luxury hotel chain to open here. They have five gorgeous rammed earth lodges in Paro, Thimpu, Punakha, Gangtey and Bumthang which make for the perfect circuit through the country. The great thing about Bhutan is the ability to combine untouched natural surroundings and an authentic cultural experience with impeccable and unpretentious luxury. Whatever you do, don’t miss the dramatic cliff-hike up to the sacred Tiger’s Nest monastery (pictured above).

INDONESIA

Sailing South East Asia… Tiger Blue is a 34-metre traditional teak and Phinisi schooner, hand-built on an Indonesian beach by local craftsmen. This stunning luxury yacht offers tailor-made trips exploring the islands of South East Asia. Available to charter year-round for groups of up to ten people or 14 for families with children, the boat comes with a nine-strong crew including a chef, laundry boy and dive master. With a unique blend of style and comfort, this beautiful vessel has been designed with outstanding attention to detail and has sumptuous en-suite cabins with cosy beds, hot showers and air conditioning. The top deck, with its plush loungers, is the perfect setting for relaxing with a sundowner at the end of an exciting day. Whether you want to sail around the Komodo Islands (best in March – Sept), cruise the famous Spice Islands in eastern Indonesia (best in autumn), or explore the abundant Raja Ampat Islands (best Dec – Jan), you are guaranteed a mind-blowing trip.

For new enquiries received from today for holidays departing before 31 March 2012, Ampersand Travel will give you one complimentary night for every 10 nights of paid accommodation. This promotion applies to all of Ampersand’s destinations and tailor-made itineraries and can be combined with the airline and hotel offers below – for example, this would allow you to stay at Song Saa Private Island Resort in Cambodia for 15 nights for the price of 10. Please quote this offer when you first contact us! Tel: 020 7289 6100; Email: info@ampersandtravel.com

1. Six Senses Soneva Fushi, Maldives

• “Stay 7 nights, Pay 6 nights” for 1-Bedroom Villas; or “Stay 7 nights, Pay 5 nights” for 2-Bedroom Villas and above. * Valid from 1 – 29 Feb 2012.

2. One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives
 “

• “Stay 7 consecutive nights, Pay 6 nights” including breakfast for 2 people in the Reethi restaurant and shared return boat transfer for 2 from/to Male International Airport. * Valid from 1 – 29 Feb for Water Villas only and from 1 – 31 March & 11 – 28 April for Beach Villas, Beach Villa Pool & Water Villas.

3. Dusit Thani, Maldives (opening soon)

• 45% off the price of your stay, including breakfast at the Market Restaurant. * Special opening offer valid for travel between 1 March – 30 April 2012. “Stay 7 nights, Pay 5 nights” for B&B Beach Villa and Beach Villa with Pool; or “Stay 7 nights, Pay 6 nights” for B&B with a meal plan upgrade to half-board in Lagoon Villas and above. * Valid for travel between 1 May – 31 July 2012.

4. Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali and Alila Villas Soori, Bali

• “Stay 5 nights, Pay 4 nights” or “Stay 10 nights, Pay 8 nights” for both hotels. * Valid for travel before 31 March 2012.

5. COMO Shambhala Estate, Bali

• “Stay 6 nights, Pay 5 nights” or “Stay 8 nights, Pay 7 nights” for Wellness Programmes, including a complimentary 3-hour chauffeured Ubud Tour. * Valid for travel before 31 March 2012.

6. Song Saa Private Island Resort, Cambodia

• “Stay 4 nights, Pay 3 nights”, “Stay 7 nights, Pay 5 nights” and “Stay 10 nights, pay 7 nights”. * Valid for travel from 13 Feb – 31 March 2012.

7. Six Senses Hideaway Ninh Van Bay, Nha Trang, Vietnam  

• “Stay 3 consecutive nights, Pay 2 nights” with breakfast included. * Valid from 16 Jan – 15 Dec 2012.

8. Fusion Maia, Vietnam

• “Stay 7 nights, Pay 5 nights”, “Stay 14 nights, Pay 10 nights”, “Stay 21 nights, Pay 15 nights” and so on. * Valid until 28 February 2012.

9. The Nam Hai resort, Vietnam
 

• For 1-Bedroom Villas & all Pool Villas: “Stay 3 nights, Pay 2 nights” or “Stay 4 nights, Pay 3 nights”. Inclusive of buffet breakfast with free-flowing Champagne at the restaurant and Pool Villa Club benefits, including butler service, laundry, free mini-bar and more. * Valid from 11 Jan – 20 Dec 2012 (but not valid between 1 – 14 April 2012).

10. Taj Safaris, India: Mahua Kothi, Baghvan and Banjaar Tola 

• Stay 4 nights, Pay 3 nights”, “Stay 8 nights, Pay 5 nights” and so on at any combination of Taj Safari Lodges. * Valid for bookings before 30 June 2012.

11. Emirates flights to India, Sri Lanka & the Maldives

• Savings of up to £750 per person on Business class flights to India. * Book by 15 Feb for travel by 10 March 2012. Savings of up to £750 per person on Business class flights to Colombo & Male. * Book by 15 Feb for travel by 29 March 2012.

12. Jet Airways flights to India

• Savings of up to £1000 per person on Business class flights to India. * Book & travel before 15 Feb 2012.

For more details and terms & conditions, please give us a call!

Ampersand Travel
Tel: +44 (0)20 7289 6100
info@ampersandtravel.com
www.ampersandtravel.com
Follow us on Twitter or Facebook

Best wishes,
James

James Jayasundera
 Ampersand Travel 
Tel: +44 (0)20 7289 6100
www.ampersandtravel.com
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook

Ampersand Travel
Tel: +44 (0)20 7289 6100
www.ampersandtravel.com

North India | South India | Bhutan | Sri Lanka | Burma | Nepal | Tibet |
Vietnam | Cambodia | Laos | Thailand |Maldives | Indonesia

A new male tiger that we kept on missing crossing the road very early in the morning was seen yesterday in splendid close up. He was first spotted crossing the road and going into the bush. But since he did not go very deep into the bamboo we could still see his contours, sleeping peacefully. We then parked at the side of the road and waited. He made us wait for an hour, but it was worth it. He got up, walked out of the bamboo and sat just out in the open. Then he did an amazing thing. He got up and came and stood next to the jeep, staring at the jeeps lined up, which by then had become 20 strong, plus 2 local buses. There were excited whispers of people everywhere and he was not the least bothered! For 5 minutes he looked us up and down, turned and stared at the jeeps in front. Then he went inspecting the jeeps in front, walked back along the bush line, behind our jeep, and then back to (our jeep) within 10 feet. I think he decided that we were the least noisy, so he comes and takes a prolonged rest, next to the jeep, giving my lady guest a minor heart attack. She told me later that she wanted to scream but was afraid that the tiger would jump up and land in the jeep! So we stayed frozen in excitement. He was actually so close that we could hear every breath that he took. After another 10 minutes he decided he had had enough of humans for the evening, crossed the road and disappeared into the bamboo. You could see the BIG smiles on the faces of the 100 odd tourists, who had had a spectacular tiger sighting!

OPTION A:

OPTION B:

OPTION C:

December welcomes the opening of the magnificently eco-luxe Song Saa Resort on the Cambodian coast, Southeast Asia’s first over-water stilted villas designed in very Maldives-esque style. We are excited by it because it is ultra-stylish and it offers people a new and interesting alternative to Thailand as a sexy beach break. This ground-breaking luxury villa resort is also as environmentally friendly as they come and very concerned with protecting the virgin rainforests, tropical reefs and glistening white beaches of this area.

Thirty minutes by boat from the southern coast of Cambodia, Song Saa Private Island is extremely secluded with the majority of its surrounding islands completely deserted, but is still accessible by plane from Siem Reap. The design is very much focused around luxury, sustainability and is inspired by Cambodian fishing villages with features such as thatch roofs and use of drift wood.

There are 25 villas all with their own private pool and have ocean views either on the hill, on the beach or over the water and all come with the amenities you would expect, outdoor showers and day beds. You can choose to dine anywhere on the island with 48hours notice or you can eat in their world class restaurant. Diving has been dramatically improved since they restored the coral, or you can go sailing, kayaking or snorkeling. With more than 20 deserted islands close by, opportunities for offshore adventure also abound.

Feast your eyes below, or for more information please contact our Southeast Asia specialist, Mark Wright on 020 7289 6100 or mark@ampersandtravel.com.

The Galle Literary Festival takes places from 18^th – 22^nd January 2012. It has been running for several years and has already gained an international reputation, attracting a broad range of highly renowned writers. Over five days, a series of literary discussions, poetry readings and workshops with the authors will take place throughout Galle Fort. The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Portuguese in the 16^th century before being taken over by the Dutch and then the British; it provides a magnificent backdrop to the event. We can arrange for guided architectural walks within the Fort as well as private party invitations to dine with the authors and the movers and shakers of Galle, which is known for its sophisticated yet splendidly hedonistic scene!

Our Bliss and Barefoot Luxury Tour is a very relaxed tour aimed at romantics and those seeking complete relaxation. We believe adding a day or two at the Galle Literary Festival would be a very interesting addition. After a week relaxing in secluded boutique hotels, enthusiasts can enjoy the challenge of a workshop or talk by one of their favourite authors. The tour lasts 13 days and includes time on a tea plantation and the peaceful south coast. Prices start from £2890 per person.

The Jaipur Literature Festival from 20^th – 24^th January 2012 is the other leading literary event in Asia and also caters for a well-heeled and well-read international audience. Appearances will be made by big name authors and there will be an impressive music line up at the beautiful Hotel Diggi Palace. It is programmed by historian and travel writer William Dalrymple (a big music fan) and publisher and novelist Namita Ghokale. It will play host to over 130 authors in 2012 including Simon Sebag Montefiore, Hari Kunzru, Deepak Chopra, David Hare and Zoe Heller. There will be theatre workshops, film screenings, readings, discussions and interviews during the day and great music in the evenings. And Jaipur is only three or four hours’ drive from Delhi.

Our Gems of North India Tour would be a great itinerary to take in the festival. This leisurely journey takes in Rajasthan’s classic sights: Imperial Delhi, the Taj Mahal, the Amber Fort, the Golden Triangle, the Pink City of Jaipur and the Lake City of Udaipur. Stay in contemporary and historic hotels and enjoy fabulous shopping – from bargain markets to opulent jewel stores. This tour lasts 10 days and costs from £3,980 per person, but do remember that we tailor every itinerary to suit your needs.

For more details, contact James Jayasundera on 0207 289 6100 or james@ampersandtravel.com.

Fresh off the back of our Sri Lanka research recces (collectively, the Ampersand Team spent a total of 30 days there during September visiting over 60 hotels), here are our thoughts on the island’s most exciting new properties. Please get in touch for more information if any of them appeal to you.

Bar Reef, Kalpitya

We liked this resort a great deal and we’d love to go back. There is a great U-shaped lounging and eating area which feels very Roman – the only thing missing is someone to feed you grapes! The accommodation looks like mud huts but they’re not – they are made of cement but they’re very, very open. The resort is on a really fun beach with a lagoon on one side and great sea on the other side, and it’s just really sweet and chilled out – it feels like a cross between a commune and a mud village. If you brought your kids here they would think you were really cool! There are some other resorts further along the beach and everyone’s very pally with each other so you can swim in each other’s pools and eat in each other’s restaurants. Kalpitya is an undiscovered area in the northern west of the island locals have always considered it to be unremarkable, but it has got its own beauty. It is very different to the rest of the island because it is so flat and sun-baked and bleached… more of a desolate beauty, which is interesting, particularly when you’ve seen everything else which is so different.
Be aware…
> The local villages are pretty messy.
> Beyond the properties own immediate area, the beach has a lot of debris on it (from since time began!), but bizarrely there is still something quite wonderful about it.

Chaaya Blu, Trincomalee

I loved it here! It was originally built in the 70s and it has still got that vibe, but they have refurbished it so that it feels really upbeat, fun and bright; the service and food is good – there’s a great crab restaurant – and the beach is great with nice clear water. I loved the mood of it – it was definitely 4-star not 5-star, but I felt really happy there. Nice pool, nice beach and nice spot!
Be aware…
> The main dining rooms are quite large and can get crowded but there is the wonderful crab restaurant to retreat to.

Malu Malu, Passekudah

Malu Malu means fish fish. It’s an interesting hotel, based around the concept of a fishing village. The rooms are in 2-story chalet-style villas with one room upstairs, one room downstairs and a little area to sit out in the front. The resort is laid out in a ‘U’ shape with the swimming pool in the middle and at the end of the pool are two fishing boats that have been converted into bars. It has a nightclub and quite a groovy bar. This place is best suited to people in their 20s and early 30s. If you want to go to Passekudah then for the time being it’s the only place to stay. While we admire the spirit in which it was built and (and we love the amazing beach), the look and feel of the resort is not suitable for our clients. It’s a step in the right direction though!
Be aware…
> It was built to appeal to a young, fun crowd, but the reality of the matter is that this hotel was a rushed job and the design is appalling.
> At the moment they are charging $350 a night.
> It’s a novelty hotel and the first so-called upmarket hotel in the area but new hotels are being built in and around it so it’s going to be relegated to history before long.

Maya Villa, Tangalle
This stylish and soothing property charmed the socks off us! Instantly captivating from the moment you enter the driveway past ancient trees and a small Buddhist shrine, Maya is a 110-year old manor house half an hour from Tangalle. It has been recently renovated with homage to its Dutch and British roots – the historic building exterior and intricately carved windows have been maintained – and the interior has been given a dreamy facelift by Niki Fairchild, an interior designer with an impeccable eye for style, detailing and subtle colouring. The house cradles an L-shaped pool and faces out onto a savannah-like landscape bordering lush jungle; there is a cool outdoor dining/ bar area and a secluded hammock in the garden to admire the views. The perfect balance of colonial and modern, Maya will impress the most style conscious and well-heeled clients – great for families with toddlers or ideal for honeymooners.
Be aware…
> The villa has 5 suites and it is quite small and intimate, so you would no doubt interact with other guests because of this.

Ulagalla Resort, Thirappane
WOW, this place is quite something – Ulagalla is very high-end and conceptualised resort combining ultra luxury with ultra eco initiatives. Laid out over a truly enormous area surrounded by buffalo fields, the villas are extremely luxurious – akin to an Aman villa but with more flair and colour – and all come with separate living rooms, private pools and amazing bathrooms. The quality of the fittings, fixtures, linens and mod cons are the best of the best. You could happily snuggle here for days with your partner and watch DVDs, swim, sunbathe and feel totally pampered and cocooned. Each villa comes with 2 bicycles and there are electric buggies to take you to the main pool and the handsome lobby/restaurant building. They have lots of eco-powered activities: cycling, kayaking, archery, horse riding (with very impressive stables & horses) and Sri Lanka’s largest solar panel to power the resort. The lounge bar is drop dead stunning with a glass-floored wine cellar, a fish pond, pool table and library. There is also a poolside air-conditioned gym, a helipad, a small spa and an “island” in the middle of a huge paddy field where they put on private candle-lit dinners.
Be aware…
> The eco theme could be deemed a little contrived with everything labeled on carved wooden signs (“Organic vegetable farm” etc) but no more so than, say, a Six Senses resort.

The Mudhouse, Anamaduwa
For adventure seekers looking for something truly special, The Mudhouse is our secret weapon – we think it is the new frontier in Sri Lanka. The team are unbelievably sweet and welcoming (with Kumar and his great giggle at its helm), which immediately allays any anxieties you might have about being in a remote forest sleeping in a mud hut with no walls! The adventure of this experience is the whole point and it feels like a real honor to live this traditional, age-old lifestyle for a few days. The three thatched-roofed mud huts are simple but pretty, made of wattle and daub and decorated with bowls of purple water lilies, hanging kerosene lamps, hammocks and scatter cushions. The “minibar” is an eskie with soft drinks and complimentary beer, and there are two bicycles parked outside. Next to the organic farm is a wonderfully atmospheric kitchen with traditional earthenware crockery where you can have cooking classes; other activities include early morning bird-watching excursions, cycling, fishing, and market and rock temple visits – guided or alone. The Mudhouse is great for adventurous families – teenagers would no doubt find it very cool! – or a honeymoon with a twist.
Here’s us as we first clamp eyes on our lovely little hut!

Be aware…
> It can get hot at night under the mosquito net – no electricity means no fans.
> There are several kerosene lamps hanging throughout the room that are lit for you at dusk, but overall there is very little light – no bedtime reading.
> The toilet and shower are in a separate hut down a 5m stone pathway so you need a torch at night (one is provided in the room).
> They have built a huge lake with tiny islands, one with a circular yoga pavilion hut, but there is no water in it yet – they expect it to fill up in the coming monsoon. It is going to be stunning once full and will attract even more water loving birds like storks and herons.
> The restaurant area is really rustic (10 min walk from room) with no decoration; just a roof with 4 tables looking out over the paddy field and lake. Personally, we loved eating buffalo curd with sweet kitul whilst looking out at the herd of roaming buffalo!

Mirissa Hills, Henwalle
Set in a breathtaking and remote location high up in the hills a half hour drive from Galle, this is a striking new property on the scene. It is extremely polished and contemporary, designed with artistic flair by one of Sri Lanka’s leading living architects, C. Anjalendran. An incredible centerpiece sculpture separates the dining and lounge area and there is a small in-house art gallery. A huge lawn juts out to the most incredible view of Weligama Bay and there are stunning views across virgin jungle and cinnamon trees from the four bedrooms. The bedrooms are very chic and understated but jazzed up with statues, artwork and splashes of colour.
Be aware…
> The villa is accessed via a very bad bumpy road (even by Sri Lankan standards!) up a steep hill.
> We think they missed a trick cocooning the swimming pool in the middle of the living areas – why oh why did they not put it on the enormous lawn with the enormous views?!
> We feel this one will improve with time – once a few more guests have partied and relaxed here it will feel more lived in.

Reef Villa, Wadduwa
Filling a luxury hotel gap on this stretch of the west coast, just an hour an a half south of Colombo, this immaculate new-build property is set amongst 3 acres of the most amazing tropical garden – thick foliage, colourful plants, ponds and fish – a magical sight lit up at night. All seven rooms are PALATIAL, as are the bathrooms and private terraces, and they are dreamily decorated with exotic art pieces, huge carved mirrors and ceiling fans – a great space for couples to feel pampered and romantic or for families to stretch out. Lovely resident Alsatians, too!
Be aware…
> Convenient location 1.5 hrs from Colombo and 45 minutes from Bentota but not a lot to do in the immediate area.
> The beach is very long and rustic – good for long walks but if you want to sunbathe on it go during the right season. As with many beach locations in Sri Lanka, at certain times of year there isn’t an awful lot of beach to speak of.

Buckingham Place, Rekawa
A large and contemporary luxury hotel with a warm and laid-back feeling – a great addition to this secluded farming area, 30 mins from Tangalle and a short walk downhill to Rekawa beach, a mecca for sea turtles to nest their eggs. The bar and restaurant is nice and atmospheric with chic decor, set amidst landscaped gardens which are lit beautifully at night. Each of the 11 villas comes with a canoe, which you can take town to Rekawa lagoon, and you can hear the sound of the waves crashing even from your room. The hospitality is warm and the food is a mix of Sri Lankan fair as well as a few Western crowd-pleasers like Fish & Chips with vinegar. 
Be aware…
> The pool is tiny but they are building another block, which will be ready in 2 years with a bigger pool, bar, pool table and art gallery.
> Bedrooms are so large they verge on being hanger-like and the second bedrooms that come with some suites are small and airless.
> It could feel a little surreal if you were staying there at a time when there are no other guests as it is a big hotel, but again, you might just want to absorb the nature and be romantic!
> Avoid looking out over the boxy exterior of other villas by booking into the lower tier villas – they have the most amazing uninterrupted views of the coast.

AND ON THE HORIZON…

There is a new Uga Resorts (the group behind Ulagalla) planned for right next door to the new Malu Malu resort in Passekudah – and it’s going to blow it out of the water. We have to say though, the area still feels a bit war torn and shell shocked and you don’t get those usual big smiles and the welcoming feeling you get in the rest of the island for the time being. But there is great snorkeling and diving – the sea is awesome because it stays shallow for about 300m into the sea and it is body temperature warm and safe to swim in. The Shangri-La will be opening two new properties – one in Colombo and one in Hambantota, which is in the south-east of the island where the new port and international airport will be opening in 2012. Also, Six Senses will be opening a resort in Ahungalla about 30 mins north of Galle, which we are very excited about.

This can happen at any point, but generally it is before university – i.e. a Gap Year – or once you’ve entered retirement after 40-odd years of work. But there are a growing number of us who are realising the benefits of taking a sabbatical – and that includes employers, too, many of whom are savvy enough to realise their experience-hungry employee will return to work with plenty more to add to the table.

There is also that other marvellous thing: gardening leave. This is when an employee leaves their job (through choice or otherwise) and has a notice period where they are instructed to stay away from work whilst still getting paid. What on earth will you do with all that time and money, you ask yourself! Take the time to travel to beautiful, enlightening places, of course. Yes, gardening leave has ripe potential to turn into “the holiday of a lifetime”.

If there is ever a time to turn to the travel experts, it is during these occasions in life when you have more time, money and expectations. And if it is the Indian Subcontinent and/or Southeast Asia you want to explore, nobody knows or loves it like we do. Our staff will tailor-make your itinerary to ensure you get exactly what you what from every moment of your one-, two-, three-, or even six-month adventure.

Whether you want a cultural, soul-searching journey or utter pampering in the height of luxury (or a mix of both), we will make it happen seamlessly. We will offer inspiration and advice on where to go and what to expect; we will open our little black book of contacts to ensure you are with the best people on the ground; and we will provide the security of knowing that we are at the end of the phone should you ever need us.

If you are one of the lucky ones who fall into any of the categories mentioned, call us on 020 7289 6100 or email info@ampersandtravel.com to start planning your holiday of a lifetime.

Travellers eager to take in the spiritual surroundings of the Himalayas are increasingly gravitating towards the magical Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan - and with good reason. It is a destination which promises to envelop you in a deep sense of serenity and, thanks to millennia of isolation and a unique take on tourism, it remains one of the world’s most mysterious and alluring wildernesses.

Entry was forbidden to visitors until 1974 and even since then, numbers have been minimal and strictly regulated. This landlocked country has been doubly protected from external influences by the mighty Himalayan peaks which surround it and, as a result, the traditional Buddhist way of life has survived largely intact. It is almost like an exotic Switzerland (possibly even cleaner), with valleys dotted with temples rather than churches. It feels old fashioned but in a good way; the people are gentle and hospitality is gracious in a way long forgotten by the modern world.

Most impressive is its soul-stirring scenery: colossal monasteries, often hanging over precipitous drops wreathed in mist; blankets of evergreen forests which seem to go on forever, and rugged mountain passes filled with fluttering prayer flags that feel like gateways to heaven. You’d be hard pushed to find a more perfect antidote to the stresses of 21^st century life, but what is so marvellous about Bhutan is there is no need to rough it in terms of accommodation and service. Tourism has advanced by leaps and bounds here in recent years: the Aman Resorts were the first luxury hotel chain to open here and they now have five gorgeous rammed earth lodges in Paro, Thimpu, Punakha, Gangtey and Bumthang which make for the perfect circuit through the country.

COMO Hotels followed shortly after with Uma Paro - our favourite hotel in Paro, especially suited to people who are sporty and into wellness and yoga. Though not marketed as a spa, it would give the world’s most esteemed spas a run for their money. After days spent trekking across sacred mountains breathing in fresh forest air nothing beats returning to a gourmet cuisine, sleek understated rooms and a hot stone massage to soothe your achy bones. COMO’s second hotel Uma Punakhaalso opens this year - the hotel site has spectacular elevated views over the valley and it will undoubtedly be a winner. The standard of local hotels has also improved considerably in the last few years and these can be used on their own or combined with more luxurious options to add variety to your trip.

Dont miss…

• The Dzongs

As well as places of worship and learning, these large monasteries also act as administrative centres and fortification against the invading Nepalese and Tibetans. Punakha’s dzong is considered to be the most beautiful, though Parodzong is also a favourite and guaranteed to make a huge impression on first time visitors. The interior of the dzongs are fairly similar so be careful to not get too “dzonged out” by seeing them all.

• Takstang, Paro

Also known as “Tiger’s Nest”, this is the most important and spectacular monastery in Bhutan. It was here that Guru Rinpoche brought Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8^th century AD as, according to legend, the monastery was carried through the air on the back of a flying tigress. Defying gravity, it clings to the cliff-side one thousand meters above Paro valley and is a 2 – 3 hour trek from the starting point. Special access can be granted by prior arrangement.

• Archery

This is Bhutan’s national sport and a popular pursuit for locals and tourists alike. Most afternoons you can see groups of men competing with each other, aiming at impossibly small targets (roughly the size of a frying pan) about 120 metres away. Rivals taunt and tease each other mercilessly to make them lose their concentration; when they hit the target they sing and dance. A heart-warming and often hilarious spectacle.

• Folk Heritage Museum, Thimpu

This small museum provides a great insight into traditional Bhutanese rural life and takes little more than 20 minutes to visit. The museum itself is a restored three-storey traditional rammed earth and timber house which still to this day is the way many people in the rural communities live.

Miss…

• Thimpu – Whilst Bhutan’s capital city is worth visiting, this can be done en route from Paro to the other valleys without spending a night there if there is a constraint on time. A rapidly developing and chaotic town, one’s time is better spent elsewhere.
• Big festivals –  Known as tsechus, the biggest of these religious festivals depicting the deeds of Guru Rinpoche are the Paro Tsechu held in spring and the Thimpu Tsechu held in late summer/early autumn. While fascinating, the tsechus put a strain on flights and hotels during these periods. One of Bhutans charms is that it is not normally over-run with tourists and you normally have the whole place to yourself, which is not possible during these periods. Smaller festivals, or even rehearsals in the dzongs, tend to take place throughout the year and are just as enjoyable.

Quick-fire facts

• National dress in Bhutan is compulsory for locals -the knee-length wrap-around “gho” for men and the ankle-length dress known as the “kira” for women.
• Bhutan is the world’s first non-smoking country (though behind closed doors people still do).
• The government’s top priority is “Gross National Happiness”, which strives to achieve a balance between the spiritual and the material.
• Traditionally daughters inherit everything leaving sons to fend for themselves!

Best time to visit…

Bhutan can be visited year round, but the most popular season is springtime - the rhododendrons are in bloom and it is the time for trekking. Autumn is equally lovely, but what many people do not know is that winter is also a great time to go: the weather is predominantly dry and bright, views are crystal clear and, though chilly and crisp, there is nothing like warm blankets and wood fires at a luxury property to make you feel snug and content. Perfect for a Christmas with a twist.

Ampersand Travel provides a unique and fresh approach to luxury travel to the Indian Subcontinent & South East Asia and has specialised in trips to Bhutan for over seven years. Contact James Jayasundera at james@ampersandtravel.com, +44 20 7289 6100 for more information about booking a holiday to Bhutan.