Environment is the topical issue, especially after the recent conference in our homeland of Bali, and the Villa & Yacht contributors have excelled themselves to bring us eco friendly and environmentally conscious travel options from all over the Indonesian Archipelago. Indeed 2008 is Visit Indonesia Year and with this issue being our first of the year it’s only appropriate that we show the world the marvels Indonesia has to offer. Kate Allen, Inge Huijbrechts and Rachel Greaves take us on a fascinating journey through Atuaro, Flores, Komodo, Sumba, Sumatra and East Java.

A little further afield, Paul Dean ventures south of Indonesian waters sailing to Tasmania, whilst guest writer Anna Liard enjoys a cruise north, through Malaysia and Thailand, aboard the stunning sailing yacht Raja Laut. The clever chaps in the office also managed to escape the monsoon aboard Sailing Yacht Polaris and drop anchor at the Villa & Yacht sponsored Phuket Invitational Superyacht Rendezvous, off the coastline of the delightful Amanpuri Resort. Don’t miss our review on page 26.

In keeping with our environmental theme I’m also delighted to showcase ‘Earthrace’ a pioneering eco vessel which runs off 100% bio-diesel fuel and is about to embark on an attempt to circumnavigate the Earth in record breaking time.

Closer to home we have an intriguing murder mystery for you to solve as our Cluedo inspired fashion shoot kept us out of the rain at The Arsana Estate. See if you can guess who killed Dr. Black. If you’re wondering what I’m talking about Cluedo (Clue in North America and Detective in Brazil) is a board game invented by Englishman Anthony Pratt in 1949 and is now published by John Waddington Ltd. The game involves six characters who are the murder suspects and six murder weapons. The aim is to guess who is the murderer, what was the murder weapon and in which of the nine rooms the deed took place. The game was adapted into a movie in 1985 which has become a cult classic. The movie saw the addition of Yvette, the French Maid, who once again has joined the party in Bali. Remember it’s only a game! Also in Bali we check into the award winning Dala Spa, along with a look through the keyhole at luxury villas: Vajra, Cube, The Kayana and Superhome Branimir. Plus a debut from Indonesian writer Raisa S. I. Bari as she interviews the acclaimed Jakarta artist Ina Rachma. Thanks as always to all our contributors whose fantastic writing, photography and styling has created another fabulous issue – all the best for an eco friendly 2008 to everyone from the Villa & Yacht team.