Best of luck!

They will inspect more than 40 of the region’s leading hotels, sleeping in a different hotel each night and spending each day testing out all the amazing experiences that their clients might ever want to have – from zip-lining over Meherangarh Fort, tiger tracking in Ranthambore National Park, sunset boating on Udaipur’s glimmering Pichola Lake, the Taj Mahal at sunrise and countless museums, forts, temples, palaces, galleries, designer shops and local markets.

They will test out the most talked about restaurants as well as the most irresistible street-side eateries; they’ll drink lassies in Jaipur, attend ceremonies with the Bishnoi tribe in Jodhpur and party with the glamour pusses at the Oberoi Delhi’s fashionable 360 bar. No hotel spa will be spared their eagle eyes… they will try out the massages at each of the luxury hotel groups – the Taj, Oberoi, Aman, ITC and the Leela – rating their products, soundtrack, lighting, smell, professionalism and technique of the masseuse, to the manner in which they adjust your towel.

Less glamorously – but equally important – they will inspect and report back on everything from lobby loos (always a good acid test and a reflection of how a hotel is run!), quality of service, hotel facilities and room categories, photographing and filming as much as they can. Ampersand has been to all these places year-upon-year and built up a strong relationship with all of their guides and hoteliers, but even by their standards, the journey these three ladies are embarking on is remarkably thorough!

Do take this opportunity to ask them to investigate anything for you whilst they are there, and feel free to pick their brains upon their return on the 25^th May.

sacha@ampersandtravel.com / 0207 289 2611

1. Vil Uyana, Sri Lanka

This highly individual eco hotel has 25 breezy guest suites in one of three distinct styles: water, marsh or forest. Each has its own unique feature – either a plunge pool, a private pool or a deck for private dining. The views from the bedrooms take in the surrounding nature with the resort centring around a lake and reed bed (attracting a great deal of birdlife), which creates a wonderfully peaceful vibe.

2. Six Senses Hideaway Yao Noi, Thailand

Combine rustic  eco bliss with chic boutique luxury on one of Thailand’s most beautiful island locations… Six Senses Yao Noi stretches over a jungly hillside on Yao Noi island near Phuket and the famed James Bond Islands. Enjoy beautiful views over Phang Nga Bay’s limestone islands from your comfy bed; should you need anything, your personal butler is on hand at the push of a button.

3. Uma Paro, Bhutan

Uma Paro is one of our favourite luxury hotels in Bhutan, especially suited to people who are into wellness, yoga and spa pampering. Part of the COMO Hotel group, its design draws on traditional Bhutanese dzong architecture and guest bedrooms look out over the breathtaking Paro valley – the perfect sleek and soothing spot to retreat to after a day’s gentle trekking.

4. Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam

Yet another Six Senses resort (they certainly have a knack for combining beds with views…), this stunning hideaway is set on a crescent-shaped bay only accessible by boat. There are 58 private villas dotted along the shore; for the best views opt for one of 5 Water Villas or one of 4 Rock Villas set amidst rocky boulders with a ladder directly into the sea.

5. Leti 360, India

Overlooking  distant snow-capped peaks, Leti 360 is set deep within the Ramganga Valley in the Indian Himalayas.  Built with local materials and age-old techniques, the camp is perched high on a precipice and each of the four rooms have panoramic glass walls for the ultimate in romantic stargazing.

6. Princess Junk, Vietnam

And finally, for a view that is constantly changing take a cruise on Halong Bay’s only one-cabin deluxe vessels, the Princess Junks. Designed in the style of a traditional Chinese Junk, these 17 metre boats have been handcrafted in teak and oak and come with sunbathing deck, dining area, staff quarters and an en-suite double cabin from which you can look out over clear jade waters, limestone islands and charming fishing communities.

www.ampersandtravel.com / 020 7289 6100

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IS INDIA THE ITALY OF ASIA?

Few countries in the world share as rich and fascinating a cultural heritage as India and Italy. Empires have risen and fallen, kingdoms have been wiped out and colonizers have come and gone yet both cultures have survived thanks to their ability to adapt to change and absorb different influences. What is it about the culture and spirit of these two countries that gives them the ability to do this?

Join us on an incredible, indulgent and unusual journey spending one week in India and one week in Italy; along the way we will explore the most wonderful aspects of both countries including their art, architecture, values, religion, society and what many would argue is the ultimate heart and soul of a culture – its food.

We will take you to our favourite locations, many of which are inaccessible to the general public, and introduce you to distinguished and flamboyant figures in culture and society. These fascinating people will be your hosts and unveil hidden gems to even those familiar with both countries.

Your hosts will be James Jayasundera from Ampersand Travel and Emily FitzRoy of Bellini Travel.

James Grace-Jayasundera, the boss of Ampersand Travel, is awfully well-connected, and his tours are testament to his ruby-encrusted contacts book.

- Sunday Times Travel Magazine

Emily FitzRoy is the owner of Bellini and the UK’s pre-eminent Italy specialist. She has access to some of its most patrician citizens – those who’ll not just make their private country estate or city palazzo accessible for a dinner, but be present to host her clients.

- Financial Times How to Spend It

CLICK HERE to view the full detailed itinerary and for more information please contact James Jayasundera at +44 207 289 6100 or email james@ampersandtravel.com.

Raja Ampat – A DIVER’S PARADISE

With the sort of marine life you usually only see on Blue Planet and scenic beauty to spare, the Raja Ampat archipelago is a mecca for divers. This 15,000sq mile area is considered to be the most bio-diverse region on the planet (a fact only discovered in the last decade)  – with the richest variety of species including an amazing 75 per cent of all known coral species. Found at the northwest tip of Bird’s Head Peninsula on the island of New Guinea, in Indonesia’s West Papua province, Raja Ampat (also know as the Four Kings) is an archipelago of over 1,500 small islands, cays and shoals surrounding the four main islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo. Above the blue, this area is wildly beautiful, home to Birds of Paradise and the Pacific’s most important Leatherback Turtle nesting site. The place to stay is Misool Eco Resort, a three-year-old resort housed on its own private island. Eight wooden water cottages (that wouldn’t look out of place in the Maldives or Fiji) hover over the so-blue water for direct access to some of the world’s best underwater scenery. A diver’s dream…

Nihiwatu Resort, Sumba – AN UNDISCOVERED IDYLL

To call Nihiwatu ‘off-the-beaten track’ would be a huge understatement. This 10-room eco resort is located on one of Indonesia’s most undiscovered islands, Sumba. Just a couple of hour’s flight southeast of Bali, the island is unlike its better-known neighbours. Here ancient religions still hold sway and the vast majority of the island’s tourists are surfers hoping to ride the fabled waves. Yet Sumba with its baskable beaches, true-blue waters and lush forests isn’t just for surf-junkies but also perfect for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and fans of diving with scuba diving, diving, fishing, hiking and mountain biking on offer. Unspoilt tranquility, as you’ve never experienced it before…

Tiger Blue – THE ULTIMATE SEA SAFARI

Indonesian tradition meets Western luxury aboard Tiger Blue – a 34-metre-long historic Phinisi yacht that explores the Indonesian Archipelago from Komodo Islands to North West Papua. Tiger Blue is based in the magnificent seas of Eastern Indonesia and guests can visit Komodo, Sumba, Flores, Banda – the remote Spice Islands, up to northwest Papua and see the dramatic landscapes, coastlines and natural history of this magnificent archipelago. As well as unrivalled cultural and historical interest, these areas are surrounded by the richest seas in the world and offer superlative diving, snorkelling and adventure. The boat is one of the finest yet most authentic live-aboards in Indonesia and can arrange customised itineraries, dive trips and specialised family holidays making this the ultimate sea safari…

Borobudur in Central Java – THE ESSENTIAL PILGRIMAGE

A world away from the megalopolis of Jakarta, rising from a mishmash of emerald rice paddy fields and visible above the swaying palms is the colossal Buddhist temple of Borobudur. A temple to rival Angkor Wat – built in the second half of the 8^th century AD, three centuries before the famous Cambodian religious complex – Borobudur, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Southeast Asia’s wonders. This three-tier mammoth structure is the largest Buddhist temple in the world and is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and home to 504 life-size statues of Buddha. The perfect base to explore Borobudur is the luxurious hotel of Amanjiwo. With amazing views of Borobudur, located in the midst of an aromatic coffee plantation and surrounded by mountains in all directions, Amanjiwo is nearly as unforgettable as its temple neighbour. The hotel can arrange sunrise and sunset visits to Borobudur when the colossus is at its best and elephant safaris around nearby Dagi Hill. No trip to Indonesia is complete without a personal pilgrimage to this ancient place…

Amanwana, Moyo Island – SAFARI-STYLE EXPLORATION

Far from the madding crowds, on the intoxicatingly remote island of Moyo – a nature and marine reserve 15km off the coast of Sumbawa (east of Bali), only accessible by chartered Cessna – is the jungle-chic tented camp of Amanwana. Twenty tantalizing tents make up the island’s only resort. In the turquoise sea that surround the seductively beautiful island the diving is superb; on land, in the lush forest birds abound and monkeys and indigenous rusa deer frolick. When staying on Moyo, not only is deer-spotting a must but so is island-hopping – Amanwana’s private boat can take visitors to nearby Rinca and Komodo islands where the legendary dragons live. An urban escapist’s fantasy destination…

Mount Bromo – THE SUMMIT OF VOLCANO EXPERIENCES

Proving that size truly doesn’t matter, Mount Bromo may be small in comparison to Indonesia’s other volcanoes, but what it lacks in height it more than compensates in spectacular scenery and the sheer drama of its stage setting. Located in the heart of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in east Java in a place called the ‘Sea of Sands’, the rumbling mountain is a photographer’s dream landscape and the place to see one of the world’s most spectacular sunrises. Stay at the rustic-chic hotel of Tugu Malang in the colonial throwback town of Malang, the only place to stay when exploring Mount Bromo. Remember an offering to appease the Gods – virgin sacrifice optional…

Yogyakarta – THE CULTURAL CAPITAL

Known lovingly as ‘Jogja’ to the locals, Yogyakarta city is Java’s heritage hotspot. A centre of the arts and learning, it is set against a backdrop of mountains including Mount Merapi – the island’s most active volcano. Highlights include the 200-year old Sultan’s palace, the Kraton; the old-world charms of Dutch colonial architecture; the delights of traditional Javanese dance; and the shopping – get your batik here. Savvy visitors stay at The Phoenix Hotel – a comfortable, colonial, 144-bedroom landmark dating back to the early 20^th century. Culturistas only need apply…

Browse Ampersand Travel’s Indonesian itineraries, which start at £3,170 per person and range from 11- to 17-day tours. For further information, visit http://www.ampersandtravel.com/itineraries/Indonesia

www.ampersandtravel.com / 020 7289 6100

There are still places on this unique tour which takes in Laos, Bangkok, Singapore, Bali and Java. Please get in touch if you would like more information on +44 207 289 6100 or james@ampersandtravel.com

As you know, we are great fans of Aman Resorts which we love using in India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Thailand and Indonesia. Aman Resorts have recently opened a stunning property near Bodrum in Turkey, the Amanruya, and to celebrate they are giving a very good introductory offer which expires on the 31st May. For stays of three nights or more you will automatically receive:

• Complimentary daily breakfast (normally EURO 40 per person / per day)
• Ottoman Feast Dinner (normally EURO 150 per person)
• 60-minute spa treatment for two (normally EURO 100 per person)
• Full day excursion to Ephesus (normally EURO 510 per couple)

TOTAL SAVINGS PER COUPLE = EURO 1250, OVER 3 NIGHTS

• Also, an additional 3^rd adult rate is EURO 170++ per person /per night.

See full details of this offer here: Amanruya_Cultural Sojourn_2012.

Please let us know if this is of interest and we will happily arrange your trip.

Best wishes,

James Jayasundera
Ampersand Travel
Tel: +44 (0)20 7289 6100
james@ampersandtravel.com
www.ampersandtravel.com
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Sri Lanka’s cultural charms and drop-dead-gorgeous looks make her the perfect island for a family holiday or a romantic escape.  With such an extensive a roll call of attractions, there really is something for everybody: temples and forts, jungle safaris, tea plantation walks, palm-fringed beaches and arguably the best boutique hotels in the world.

The walled fort town of Galle is the ideal place to kick back and unwind.  The area was colonised by Arab traders, then the Portuguese, then the Dutch and it is crammed with historic architecture, dominated by the UNESCO-protected Galle Fort.  It is a laid-back yet sociable place with a stylish colonial-boutique vibe and several sandy bays a short drive or tuk-tuk away. New domestic flights, helicopter transfers and a brand new motorway between Colombo and Galle have thankfully signalled the end of those bumpy 4-hour car transfers, meaning you can be on the beach before you know it.

There are several world-class wildlife destinations on the island.  First and foremost: Yala National Park, which has the highest density of leopards in the world.  Animal-lovers should also visit Udawalawe National Park to see great herds of elephants and Rekewa’s beaches to meet with marine turtles.  Head for Mirissa from December to April for some of the best blue and sperm whale watching in the world and one of the most sensational beaches around. Snorkel and scuba dive at Unawatuna, go for a sunrise surf at Hikkaduwa, or venture off on a mangrove safari in Balapitiya – a really fun way to observe Sri Lanka’s magnificent birdlife.

Time for a tea break? Escape inland to the island’s hilly interior to the witness the extraordinary beauty of Sri Lanka’s renowned tea country. Here, in the solitude of Celyon tea land, you can enjoy private walking tours through tea plantations to watch women pluck tea leaf by leaf and learn how it is harvested, dried, and aged.  To up the adrenaline there is mountain biking, white-water rafting and trekking through areas of amazing natural beauty.

For couples or a group of friends with a sense of adventure, Sri Lanka has some gorgeous eco lodges – perfect for those seeking to get back to their traveller roots with an added bit of comfort as an incentive!  If you have ever dreamt of sleeping under the stars in style, Galapita Eco Lodge in Buttala is the place for you.  It is pure eco bliss, with rustic huts perched on top of the rocks alongside the Menik Ganga (Gem River) in the middle of the jungle.  From here you can visit the beautiful rock temples of Dambegoda and Maligawila – which has the largest monolithic statue of Buddha on the island – and the holy pilgrimage site of Kataragama.

And don’t forget: visit in January for the esteemed Galle Literary Festival or in August for the Esala Perahera Festival at the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy – a flamboyant coconut husk-lit procession of fire-walkers, drummers and bejewelled elephants.

Where to stay

Nowhere does boutique hotels like Sri Lanka – there are so many it’s difficult to know where to start. Here are our top recommended places to stay:

Set in Sri Lanka’s rejuvenating central hill country, Tea Trails is something we’d recommend to those who want to really splash out and pamper themselves.  A series of four classic colonial bungalows built for British tea estate managers in the days of the Raj, the décor, service and attention to detail here is truly exquisite.  Enjoy cream teas by the log fire, dips in the swimming pool and strolls through the surrounding tea estates.

The Amangalla  is the ultimate colonial tropical fantasy, loved for her superb arrack sours, outstanding Ayurvedic spa and gigantic swimming pool.  One of the original hotels to open in Galle back when Dutch and Portuguese globetrotters would head straight here off the boat, the Aman Group have been gentle with their minimalist stamp, maintaining the feel of Galle’s colonial heyday.

The Dutch House is an elegant restoration of a classic Dutch villa built in 1712, voted one of the top 20 hip hotels in the world.  This four-suite villa, situated just minutes from town, has brilliant views of UNESCO-protected Galle Fort and comes with a croquet lawn, large gardens and a good sized infinity pool.

Kahanda Kanda  is a sprawling hideaway perched on a ridge north of Koggala Lake. It is one of southern Sri Lanka’s hippest new boutique hotels, with just 5 pavilion suites, a sexy Living Pavilion bar and a top-notch restaurant (if you don’t stay here, at least try to drop by for lunch).  The hotel can also be booked for exclusive use.

Once home to two prime ministers and a president of Sri Lanka, Tintagel has been converted to a luxury private hotel in the centre of Colombo by the hugely talented Shanth Fernando, Sri Lanka’s equivalent of Terrance Conran, who also owns Colombo’s most enduringly popular restaurant, The Gallery and the highly influential lifestyle store, Paradise Road.

Also renovated by design guru Shanth Fernanda of Paradise Road fame, Villa Bentotais a stunning ancestral house and the chicest private beach hotel on the west coast, just 1.5 hours drive from Colombo.  It opens onto the beach and has 15 airy rooms, two lovely swimming pools, a sea-view ambalama and thick tropical gardens.

Built as a family beach house, the owners of Lansiya in Tangalle still use it a lot so it is perfectly set up for family life. Although it has a very chic aesthethic, there is no need to worry about wet swimming costumes of sofas here! It comes with everything you could possibly need, including Sylvester, Lansiya’s lovely chef and housekeeper who will look after you and your family’s every need.

Call us for more information on Sri Lanka or email james@ampersandtravel.com