Knysna lodge nominated by World Travel Awards

Knysna's Phantom Forest Eco Reserve has again been nominated for an eco award by the World Travel Awards.

This year's nomination in Africa's Leading Green Hotel category follows two previous nominations and an award in 2007 for Africa's Leading Ecotourism Destination and, last year, the lodge was nominated in the World's Leading Green Resort category.

The five-star lodge on the Knysna river boasts a biodiversity of Afromontane forest, Cape coastal fynbos and estuarine wetland.

There are more than 165 bird species, bush pig, bushbuck, grysbok, blue duiker and smaller game.

Owner Kit Stewart said on Tuesday the lodge first captured the attention of eco-conscious travellers in 2001 when it won the Best Eco Experience of the Year award by the Western Cape premier's Award for Tourism.

"When we built the lodge, we wanted to ensure that we touched the earth lightly, with as little disturbance as possible to the forest and the natural environment," he said.

This included using alien vegetation removed from the area in floors, furniture, roofs and boardwalks.

"I believe a harmonious balance between luxury and nature has been achieved and it is extremely gratifying that our efforts have been recognised internationally," Stewart said.

Posted at 08:31AM Nov 11, 2009 by Editor in Market  |