Plettenberg Bay – 18 February 2026
As a global tourism organisation, Skål International unites over 12,500 members across 302 clubs,
with representation in 84 countries. Each year club members nominate organisations within their
region for the Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards covering eight different categories.
During 2025 Skål International’s Garden Route club nominated Kwendalo for the Education and
Social Programmes category, which achieved fourth place and ranked highest in the African
continent.
Rene Stoltz, President of Skål International Garden Route, presented John Cavill with a plaque in
recognition of the company’s achievement at a celebratory lunch held at Kwendalo’s Harmony
Centre.
“I am greatly honoured to have received this international recognition for Kwendalo’s Education
and Social programmes that focus on aspects of nature and sustainability.
The successful pilot introduction of The Harmony Project at Bahia Formosa School in
Plettenberg Bay, leading to the school becoming the first international school outside the UK to
achieve Harmony School Accreditation, has clearly proved the value of our approach to
improving child education in South Africa. We now look forward to introducing the concept at
other schools on the Garden Route.
Kwendalo’s more recent development as a BirdLife South Africa member, GoBirding
Accommodation Centre and hosting partner for the Bitou Birding Festival, has extended our
work towards becoming the centre for avitourism on the Garden Route”
Dr John Cavill, Founder/CEO, Kwendalo
About Kwendalo:
Kwendalo is a 16-hectare holistic wellness farm located on the outskirts of Plettenberg Bay
providing organically grown medicinal herbs, fruit and vegetables, a coffee shop, natural therapies,
birding activities, educational facilities and self-catering accommodation. Kwendalo is also the
South African partner for the UK-based Harmony Project, which promotes a new way of learning
that puts sustainability and nature at the heart of education.
