Kwendalo founder, John Cavill – a successful tech entrepreneur – has been a lifelong student of the journey towards a more comprehensive approach to wellness. While engaged in a career as a high-growth business coach, academic and strategist, John travelled the world, seeking holistic wellness treatments – growing and learning from his experiences.
But it was to Plettenberg Bay in South Africa that UK-born John returned year after year. In the easy-going coastal lifestyle, John found regeneration and inspiration in the natural surroundings, sun-kissed days, and fresh air. Over the years, John connected with thought-leaders in wellness, biodiversity and nutrition, and the seed of an idea was sown. What if – in this unique paradise – there was to be found a personal cure for individual unwellness? John nurtured this idea and, on the day that he viewed a singular estate – then known as Rietvlei – settled comfortably against a hillside outside Plettenberg Bay with views of the Tsitsikamma Mountains and the warm Indian Ocean, that the idea finally bloomed into… Kwendalo.
Kwendalo means “of nature” in local isiXhosa and our country estate is situated on 16 pristine hectares. Our location distils the belief that our environment and our place within it contributes significantly towards wellness and we invite you to refresh yourself in our gardens and natural surroundings.
In a modern world, we find ourselves in increasingly poor physical and mental health, where we are harried and buffeted by the demands of life – feeling out of balance and unwell. We have stopped growing and started simply surviving. Kwendalo’s holistic approach to wellness encourages self-knowledge, harmony and growth. This is a place where you can restore your balance and learn to start growing again.
At Kwendalo, we are inspired by our tagline, Nature. Nurture. Nourish. which has evolved into a philosophy of how the following six key dimensions of wellness – physical, emotional, environmental, mental, social and spiritual – dovetail, much like the pieces of a puzzle, to contribute towards a personal harmony and sense of well-being.
We passionately believe that, in a modern society, we have stopped growing and started simply surviving. In doing so, our individual dimensions of wellness have become unbalanced and, therefore, need a unique, personalised approach to restoring that balance – that harmony – of wellbeing.
Plettenberg Bay is a coastal town on the famous Garden Route of South Africa. Forming a part of the UNESCO Garden Route Biosphere Reserve, Plettenberg Bay, or Plett, is a hub of biodiversity and natural attractions offering an immersive combination of world-class beaches, ancient indigenous forest and endemic fynbos. Gently flowing rivers and lagoons share space with some of the best adventure, hiking, dining and marine wildlife experiences to be enjoyed in South Africa. Kwendalo is nestled against a hillside with views across the ocean to the Tsitsikamma Mountains, and within a short drive of the Garden Route National Park, Robberg Nature Reserve, the town of Plettenberg Bay, whale, dolphin and seal viewing experiences.
Kwendalo founder, John Cavill – a successful tech entrepreneur – has been a lifelong student of the journey towards a more comprehensive approach to wellness. With vision and determination – often locked down in the UK – John has steadily gathered a team of passionate and exceptional therapists and subject specialists who are cultivating Kwendalo into a place that will nurture and nourish the mind, body and soul of all who visit.
Dr. Matthew Zylstra is Programme Director with the Kwendalo Institute and coordinates the research, education and outreach programmes being implemented through the Institute. His is developing Nature Referrals (NRx) – a local multi-stakeholder programme that empowers primary healthcare professionals to formally ‘prescribe’ nature-based activities as part of a complementary lifestyle intervention for optimal wellbeing. Matthew is also creating education courses that speak to the Institute’s mission of promoting dynamic nature-inspired learning for human and planetary health. From a research perspective, Matthew tracks innovations in human-nature connectedness as well as evaluating the impacts of nature-based interventions for conservation, education and wellness.
Matthew Zylstra is a systems ecologist focused on deepening the human-nature relationship for the health of people and planet. He has over 20 years of international experience in social-ecological research and outdoor facilitation. Matthew completed his MSc at Wageningen University (2005) and a transdisciplinary PhD at Stellenbosch University / The Sustainability Institute. His research explored how meaningful nature experiences motivate pro-environmental behaviour for action in sustainability education. Insights from this research have informed several global initiatives, such as #NatureForAll and the Planetary Health Alliance’s education framework. He was a founding co-director for Living Lands (2007-2011), education associate with Sea Change Trust (2014-2019) and field lecturer for Wildlands Studies university programmes in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand (2009-2018). Matthew is a Scientific Advisor for NatureFix and Research Fellow with the Centre for Sustainability Transitions (CST) at Stellenbosch University. He is also registered as a Professional Natural Scientist with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions.
Contact Matt on institute@kwendalo.co.za
General Manager
My name is Ryan de Lange, and I am an experienced entrepreneur and business director with a proven track record of leading and developing ventures both within South Africa and internationally. With a career spanning over two decades, I have been privileged to work across a range of industries, including wellness and hospitality. My expertise lies in strategic business development, operational management, and leadership across diverse organisational structures. I have consistently demonstrated the ability to identify growth opportunities, implement efficient systems, and build high-performing teams that align with an organisation’s vision and long-term goals. Having worked across national and international markets, I bring a global perspective to business, combined with a deep understanding of local market dynamics and regulatory environments. I am passionate about driving meaningful and measurable outcomes while maintaining a strong commitment to ethical leadership and values-driven entrepreneurship. I continue to be inspired by innovation, collaboration, and the opportunity to create businesses that are not only commercially successful but also socially and environmentally responsible.
With over 20 years of experience in the corporate environment, Simoné brings a strong background in graphic design, guest relations, and wellness to the Kwendalo team. Her career journey also includes more than a decade as a professional makeup artist, as well as running her own successful skincare business for five years, deepening her passion for health, beauty, and holistic wellbeing.
Simoné’s experience in hospitality is equally notable, having worked at prestigious 5-star game lodges such as Chitwa Chitwa and Gondwana Private Game Reserve. Her daily interactions with guests and staff have shaped her commitment to exceptional service and authentic connection.
A passionate lover of photography, nature, and wildlife, Simoné finds joy in spaces that celebrate natural beauty, mindful living, and personal transformation — values she proudly shares through her work at Kwendalo.
Gift brings twelve years’ of extensive farming experience on the Garden Route to Kwendalo’s farm and gardens. Familiar with both the inner workings of the farm and the guest experience, Gift aims to continue growing and evolving our beautiful gardens leading the Kwendalo Gardens team to work with the land to bring about maximum benefit for our guests from our chakra, medicinal and market gardens, with maximum benefit to the earth around us.
Patricia comes to Kwendalo with a wealth of guesthouse experience and an exceptional attention to detail. Her passion for interior design and creating welcoming, nurturing spaces is sure to be noticeable to our guests and makes her the ideal candidate for managing Kwendalo’s housekeeping.
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