Tell us the story of Emerald Valley.

The lush hills of the Hinterland are truly the most beautiful areas of Byron Shire. Much focus has been put into the beach side living but I sought out the forests and the river. I wanted to have a very soft feminine property so that I could build a home to have a belated family. The beaches are all close by but I can return to the privacy and beauty of the hills.

I had become disillusioned with the ability of the people of the world to make any correct decisions for the good of the earth. I decided that after all my years of struggle it was pointless and that I would build a sustainable sanctuary. My vision was to build a truly beautiful, fragrant, sensuous, inspiring home that was sustainable and had abundant water and fresh fruit and vegetables. A home for me to bring a romantic partner in the future and start a family. A place that I could entertain friends and business associates and allow them to see how you can live in luxury but in harmony with the earth.

With your field of expertise in “green” Business, What were the must have criteria in the house and garden for you in the design?

It was essential that the house ran on 100% green energy and had solar hot water. I used beautiful recycled timbers wherever possible to avoid forest destruction. The swimming pool is oxygenated spring water so that when drained or overflows it does not pollute the environment. The majority of paints are non-toxic.

The brief for the gardens was fragrance, colour and abundance all year round. And they are designed to require little maintenance after they are established.

I know you have a great interest and passion in Green initiatives both professionally and personally.

Can you tell me a little about what you do and how this affects your design choices and how you run Emerald Valley Villa?

I am the founder of the Emerald Planet Trust. The Trust has focused for 10 years into creating companies that provide a vehicle for the commercialization of environmental technologies and services. These technologies and service companies are now helping to clean the earth and water as well as address the very serious issues of Climate Change both by way of reduction in greenhouse gas production and other dangerous particulates that pollute the air. More recently in the last 2 years Emerald Planet has become involved in biofuels and sustainable forestry in Asia as well as major Avoided Deforestation Initiatives in the forests of Indonesian Papua. The operation of the Trust is dedicated to the belief that all form requires a structure and that the creation of lasting beauty and abundance comes from the correct application of inspiration, structure, discipline and compassion.

All the buildings are located on areas that were worn out paddock; there are many green building codes in Byron Shire since it has a green council. However in all regards I exceeded the requirements. The fact that there is rainforest on the land is of particular interest because it can be protected and where needed I have commenced regeneration.

I had decided that I would use the materials of Bali as a predominant feature of the villa. So as I went to Bali on my trips I met with my young friend Tobias Garritt who had moved to Bali from Australia to marry a Balinese Princess who is from one of Indonesia’s most well respected families. As my trips progressed he asked me if I would create an environmental business with him in Indonesia. Initially I said that I would only help him since I wanted to semi retire but after several trips one thing led to another and I commenced the businesses that I am now involved in being to put large areas of rainforest into perpetual trust, provide multi-generational support and employment for the communities as well as conserve rare and endangered species. So I now live in Asia and the villa is rented so that others can enjoy this amazing private estate.

What does your ideal day staying in the house include?

Waking up to see the sun come up over the misty valley. Riding the Polaris down to the river and waterfall and having a swim in the powerful energy of that natural place. Breakfast in the Valley Rice Barn overlooking Emerald valley. Walking round the gardens. Lunching on the terrace. A spa bath watching the soft pink glow of the valley as the sun sets. Dinner in the living room with its high cathedral ceiling and then relaxing in the master bathroom prior to retiring to the super-king size bed!

The gardens are quite something; it is obvious there is a lot of love going on there.

I wanted the villa to truly connect to the gardens so that the inside connected to the outside. I wanted the outside to be fragrant, colourful, lush, soft and curving. We incorporated the use of terracing to provide interest. Designing theses gardens with Tim Hays was truly fabulous – we have so many special species that as the garden matures it will become a private botanical garden.

What is your favourite room in the house?

The master suite flowing through the walk-in robes to the marble master bathroom.

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Somewhere Great to Stay
Our choice was the Valley wing of the Shangri-la Hotel. It was a great decision. We were met at the airport by a very swanky limo, which was divine after a 12-hour flight. I will be the first to admit we decided to pull out the stops and go for the uber-swanky wing, but if you are travelling “light” the hotel has many options.
Sliding into the tub of our marble bathroom, flicking on the telly (yes, the bathroom one) I started mentally planning my outfit for the champagne lounge for complimentary Moet and canapés. Little things (like the stationery and the dimmers on the lights) to the major (having your own butler!) all make this a unique experience. The personal touches the hotel offers of everyone knowing our name, handmade chocolates in the room each night and the little teddy bear for the small person were all so appreciated. After a day or two, I cottoned on to the fact that the intense level of attention and security came from the Who’s Who of the guest register: royalty, US presidents, diplomats, ambassadors and stars. Suffice it to say I was made to feel no less important by the adorable staff.
Starting the day at my silver service complimentary breakfast in the divine atrium like dining room was heaven. And after days in Singapore of seeing trees everywhere, it wasn’t until I looked closer to see our hotel had grounds – normal in my part of the world but rare in Singapore! The four-hole golf course, giant swimming pool and tree lined rolling lawns are local luxury. And just five minutes of strolling put us bang in the hive of retail that is Orchard Road.

Eat
Singapore is famous for its Chilli Mud Crab, the Singapore Sling, and a series of amazing food festivals and events. This will give you insight into the passion the locals have for gastronomy. From the super-clean and busy mall-based food courts to the high-end restaurants, the eating options are quite something and the pricing is surprisingly reasonable. My food highlight, however, was about one minute from my room within the Shangri La hotel, at the Shang Palace restaurant.

Master Chef Peter Tsang’s specialty is modern Cantonese cuisine that was simply delicious art. The steamed scallops and radishes with knotted string bean would inspire the heck out of Donna Karan, and fortunately for me, they were the best example of scallops I have ever tasted. The following stream of dishes had me saying my thanks for the blessings. The level of excellence here extends to the décor. The red glass panels in the ceiling, engraved with peonies, would go unnoticed by many but I had heart flutters at the sheer beauty of them. I am already planning my return for another mouthful.

The Must-Sees
Taxis in Singapore are very inexpensive and they act as unofficial public relations for the island city. Our first expedition was to the Singapore Zoo. The 35-year-old zoo is one of the most well-regarded in the world and was a two-in-one for us, as it was right next door to the Night Safari. This is indeed an excellent way to view the wide range of exotic animals, as cages are not high on the list here… you’re more likely to be in one than the animals are.

The monkeys were by far our favourites, with the big Komodo dragon and white tigers other highlights. It’s a quick 100-metre walk to the Night Safari for a spot of dinner (keep walking past the fast food outlets, as there are more delish spots further in), where you can eat, drink, be merry, and then hop on the bus for a relaxing and fascinating nocturnal ogle. The pigmy hippos are absolutely adorable.

For a grand look at the human zoo, the Singapore Flyer definitely gives you the big picture. The giant wheel that takes 35 minutes to complete a full turn is a gentle and dramatic experience well worth doing.

Sentosa Island, (aptly meaning tranquillity) is where the locals go for a weekend of fun, beach and relaxation. You can only do so much city with a climate as warm as Singapore’s, and Sentosa is only a bridge away. We stayed at the Rasa Sentosa; it was simple and relaxed, in a great setting. Our small person had a ball on the water slides and giant swimming pools. The island attractions, such as the butterfly park, golf green, and the island’s famed music festivals, are all within easy reach, as are the beautiful native rainforest and walking trails.

I loved Singapore so much more than I expected to. I felt safe and really well looked-after, in a city proud of its identity. With stunning tree-lined streets everywhere, fantastic shopping and not an eyesore billboard in sight, Singapore indeed has a lot to be proud of.

Things To Know
• It is very hot and your hair will frizz, so pack an anti-humectant like GHD Smoothing Serum if you hate bad hair days.
• People dress up (even in the stifling heat) so bring smart looking, cool clothing.
• Budget more time than usual for shopping and wear flat shoes.
• A must-see is Takashimaya Ngee Ann City on Orchard Road – all KAREN’s favourite boutiques are there.

Kandra, the newest of the Karma franchise is spectacular. Perched high on a cliff top awash with sea air, the views from all over the property are spectacular and restorative and the site, located at Ungasana, on the very southernmost point of Bali, is a world away from everywhere.

Clusters of self-enclosed villas meander along the property, creating the feel of a Mediterranean village; white stone pathways contrasting with the shock colour of vibrant tumbling Bougainvilleas. Navigating the terrain slows you to a dawdle as you make your way down the luscious ravine to the beach, with a couple of pools on the way to cool you off.

Our villa, with its coloured front gate, was accessed by a small bridge over a fishpond – beautifully lit by night and frequented by the most dazzling red dragon flies. Our accommodation had three bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and outdoor and indoor shower. The big difference from most holiday accommodation was the slick kitchen, fitted with a washing machine and dishwasher, and opening to the dining and relaxing lounge areas. This is well-thought-out luxury, with necessities that are often overlooked, and felt just like a glorified version of our home, transported to a different country. (I have a few sad tales of garments losing all life after being sent to resort laundries.)

Daily ‘let-it-never-end’ treats were stepping onto the deck and immersing ourselves in the deliciously temperate private plunge pool, and lolling around with a book in the garden cabana. The comfortably luxurious villa design creates a great bonding opportunity for the family, as even leaving the villa to explore became a really tough choice.

The two-to-four-bedroom private villas are designed for families, retreats or parties, and weddings with romantic beach ceremonies are often held here. The Di Mare restaurant, with its jaw-dropping views and high-end dishes using local produce, is popular with both guests and visitors, and the Moroccan-themed Temple bar perched on the rooftop also cashes in on the staggering vista.
At the bottom of an inclinator is Nammos Beach Club, poised on one of the most private and remote beaches on Bali. It’s a happening attraction, not only for guests but also for the expatriate locals. Their ‘Lazy Sundays’ with cocktails and pizza have become a big hit. Beach party anthems tinkle in the background while you wade in crystal-clear, warm water fringed with white sand, luxe cabanas and beach loungers. At night, this is the site of full moon parties, movie nights, events and wedding celebrations.

To our delight we arrived in time to be guinea pigs for the newly launched Karma Spa brand. Set up by spa expert Judy Chapman, this is not something to miss out on – in fact, it was the highlight of our stay at Karma. With the treatment huts perched high on the edge of the cliff, the spa is the most heavenly spot to unwind and surrender to the exquisite menu of treatments.

You can’t do better than booking the Karma Signature treatment upon arrival – there’s no quicker way to gently ease into the land of the gods. It’s so good that I would love to be able to put it into words, but I was transported; lifted and placed so beautifully that my brain wasn’t really running the situation. But take my word for it. As a seasoned traveller of many years, I have come to believe a massage when you first arrive makes the whole trip more pleasurable, and is therefore a great investment. Even our photographer David, who never (truly) gets massaged, became a convert at the hands of the Reiki-trained masseuses practicing a range of styles from Shiatsu to Balinese traditional massage.

The spa, with infrared sauna, salt-water spa, the famed Intraceuticals oxygen facial, seaweed wraps freshly harvested from the beach below, private outdoor showers and the private deck facing the Indian Ocean, makes this spot unique. Your comfort is considered at every step, right up to the sweet, cold ginger tea you are offered after your treatment. Packages range from the indulgent ‘Martinis & Manicures’ treatment to deep cleansing, makeover boot camps and yoga retreats. Nothing too demanding is scheduled before a civilised time of day; as spa leader Chapman puts it, pleasure must also be part of the cure.

One of my highlights was the Sunset Yoga sessions on the rooftop. Surrounded by Moroccan lanterns, with a full moon eclipse happening, we worked on core strength to sharpen up that beach body. And that’s as tough as it gets at Karma Kandra: a little yoga, a few laps in the big pool and a lot of well-thought-out decadence. karmakandara.com

Watching newly hatched turtles make their slow, arduous and hazard-strewn journey across the beach to the ocean is to witness one of nature’s most miraculous events.

Within seconds of coming into the world, the tiny creatures, barely the size of a biscuit, instinctively use their minuscule fins to push vigorously towards the sea, braving the multiple threats of furrowed sand, marauding seagulls, prowling foxes and predatory crabs.

During the mating season, the captivating spectacle can be seen on parts along the lengthy coastline of Oman, including the beach at Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, a popular nesting spot for hundreds of turtles, who make their way back to the exact beach where they were born.

The extraordinary sight entrances everyone who is privileged to witness it, including movie star Zhang Ziyi, who recently visited the country to see for herself the sterling conservation efforts being made by the eco-conscious Omani authorities.

To witness the spectacular turtle show first hand, Zhang, who is brand ambassador for Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, did not have to venture too far from her luxury room at the swish, ocean-side property. Every night during hatching season, female turtles flip‑flop their way up the beach to dig holes in the sand, where they lay a batch of around 100 eggs; about two months later, fledgling turtles emerge, ready to make their instinctive, stuttering dash towards the shoreline.

Shangri-La takes conservation so seriously that a turtle ranger is on the resort staff, hired specifically to ensure the turtles’ safety and provide information to guests and visitors. Omani Mohammed Al Hasni, whose family have fished the coastline for generations, is a fervent conservationist, who sees it as a personal mission to help save the threatened species.

The affable Omani acted as personal guide for Zhang for both shoreline turtle-watching and ocean dolphin-spotting missions during the making of Zhang Ziyi’s Oman, a documentary about the magical Middle Eastern nation due to be released later this year.

“It is so great to be able to see the wonders of nature close up,” says Zhang, star of Memoirs of a Geisha and the Oscar winning Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. “I learned some amazing things, too. For instance, whether the turtle is male or female depends on where the mother lays the eggs. If the sand is cooler, they are more likely to be male; if it is warmer, they are more likely to be female.

“It is also fascinating to learn that when the turtles become adults, they find their way back many years later to exactly the same beach where they were born. And we know they don’t have a compass to help them locate the beach!”

Tracking devices attached by scientists have shown that the turtles roam the oceans from birth to adulthood before an uncanny instinct brings them back, some two decades later, to the place where they first crawled and stumbled into the ocean.

The actress, who takes a keen interest in conservation issues, also learned that the chances of a newborn turtle surviving are incredibly slim, with only an estimated one in a thousand hatchlings making it to adulthood.

The threats begin even before birth. Once the female turtle has laid her eggs, the shallow beachside nest is immediately a target for hungry birds and animals that prowl the beaches of Oman, including swooping seagulls and prowling foxes. Even assuming the minutes-old baby turtle makes it to the ocean, the tiny creature has to avoid the unwanted attentions of fish, sharks and seabirds, all on the lookout for an easily acquired meal.

But the youngsters who do live to adulthood face the prospect of a long life, with plenty of travel opportunities. The turtles venture far and wide – green turtles think nothing of making the long trek down from the Middle East to South Africa and back – and can live up to 100, or even beyond.

“When I see the dolphins and turtles in their natural habitat, it makes me more passionate about conservation, as it is the only way to ensure that these creatures survive,” says Zhang, 30. “We cannot live without them – everything in nature is interdependent and interconnected.

“I was very impressed by the work Shangri-La has done to make sure the turtles have nesting places here at the resort in Oman. It is amazing that such a hotel can coexist with nature. Here is a luxury hotel, which allows people from all over the world to come and learn about the culture and conservation of a country.
“I was also involved in a similar project with Shangri-La at their Rasa Ria Resort in Sabah, Malaysia, where they are helping to save the orang-utans. They have a sanctuary, with rangers, to help nurse orphan babies to adulthood. The Shangri-La group is doing something wonderful and meaningful. They give back by having professionals who make sure the animals are safe and protected.”

During her time in Oman, the Beijing-born star also headed out to view, close up, the pods of dolphins that call the Arabian Gulf home, in the warm and clear waters just off Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa. Swimming with dolphins is forbidden off the coast of Oman, but the actress had ample chance to get up close and personal with the playful mammals.

Zhang watched with fascination as a pod of up to 1,000 dolphins made their way slowly past her personal speedboat, putting on a show of dramatic flips and twirls. The star, no slouch herself when it comes to graceful, martial-arts-style action, was beguiled by the natural grace of the creatures – and their natural inclination to perform for an audience.

“I have seen dolphins; but, not like this, so close to so many of them,” she says. “I wish I could swim with them – I am a good swimmer – but they say if you get too close to the baby then the mother will pick you up and lift you out of the way, which sounds very dangerous!

“This trip has allowed me to get very close to nature. I only knew about Oman from Sinbad the Sailor, the fairytale story, and now I am here to see it for myself. Fantastic.”

During the filming, Zhang became immersed in the culture of the ancient nation, mesmerised by the stunning Arabic architecture and charmed by the gentle grace of the Omani people. The sultanate, ruled for almost four decades by Sultan Qaboos bin Said, is an undiscovered gem, a nation with its ecological treasures still intact and its traditions strong.

The appeal of Oman as a tourism destination, particularly for eco-conscious travellers, was outlined to Zhang during an interview with a member of the royal family, Her Highness Sayyida Tania bint Shabib Al Said, a passionate advocate of conservation, whose initiatives are helping Oman maintain the balance between development and tradition. Up-market tourism, targeting ecologically aware visitors, is seen as a way of generating revenue without posing any threat to the natural world.

Among the princess’s environmental initiatives is a scheme to persuade locals to abandon plastic bags in favour of reusable bags, a message that has been welcomed warmly by conservationists, particularly those charged with looking after the welfare of turtles.

“Plastic bags are a real hazard for turtles; they think they are jellyfish and try to eat them and often they end up entangled in the bags and suffocate,” says Ahmad Kronfol, operations and community outreach manager at the Ras al-Jinz Scientific and Visitor Centre, on the far eastern tip of Oman’s coastline.

“The bags can take a thousand years to degrade, so they remain a hazard in the ocean. Little things like that can make a difference, if people stop to think. The turtles are endangered today … and they have been around since the time of the dinosaurs.”

Conservationists such as Kronfol and his colleagues have to strike a balance between allowing visitors to experience the wonder of watching the turtles hatch and too much human encroachment on the creatures’ natural habitat. Strictly limited numbers are allowed on the conservation centre’s beach daily; most people are assured of seeing at least one turtle lay eggs, and a hatchling make its way into the world, while those lucky enough to go during the peak breeding season may see hundreds.

Observers are sternly warned not to interfere in any way, to keep quiet, switch off torchlights and maintain a respectful distance. Many are shocked and saddened to see babies killed only minutes after they come into the world by animals or birds on the lookout for an easy snack.

“Nature can be very hard on the turtles,” says Krofol, whose organisation estimate that some 30,000 turtles nest annually on the beaches of Ras al-Jinz. “They are eaten by crabs and red foxes and make a delicious meal for fish. Only one in a thousand survive and the decreasing number of beaches further threatens the survival rate.

“At the centre, we don’t interfere either positively or negatively. We could put scarecrows on the beach to scare off the birds but we don’t. The fox has to have food and it feeds off the turtles; who is to say we should let the fox die?

“It is all about balance and keeping the purity of nature. What we can do is make sure that the beaches still exist and are not reduced by building, and leave nature as it should be. We promote ecotourism and sustainable development.”

The young guide never tires of explaining the miracle of turtle-hatching to visitors who make the long trek out to Ras al-Jinz, located some four hours from the capital, Muscat. He and other staffers hammer home the message that the relentless hunting of turtles, for their eggs, skin and shells, has reduced the numbers to the point where six of the seven species are facing the prospect of extinction after surviving for something like 110 million years.

The more their plight is spotlighted, the more likely it is that people worldwide will be spurred into action. High profile stars such Zhang Ziyi, a gigantic star in her native China and now a famous face in Hollywood, can help beat the conservation drum loudly by lending their name, and time, to the cause. In Zhang’s case, she saw, close up, the stringent efforts made by Shangri-La to help ensure the long-term survival of the endangered turtles.

“They are remarkable and precious creatures,” says Zhang. “Visiting Oman and seeing unspoilt nature has made me even more passionate about helping to save what is still surviving. Time is running out and everyone can do their bit to help . . . ”