Turbine Hotel & Spa, one of the finest boutique hotels for South African vacations, offers a unique blend of modern luxury and rich history. Located on the picturesque Thesen Islands community in Knysna, the hotel is part of the Heritage Walk and boasts four imposing steam towers that mark its historical significance. Despite its heritage roots, the hotel is anything but old-fashioned, featuring state-of-the-art 5-star amenities that make for a comfortable and memorable stay, perfect for South African vacations.
Guests can indulge in a range of experiences, from relaxing at the renowned Turbine Spa to dining at the exceptional Island Café. Overlooking the tranquil canals, the 90-seater Island Café serves an a la carte menu with an array of extraordinary dishes, offering a delightful culinary journey in a beautiful setting. For those enjoying South African vacations, the Gastro Pub is perfect for after-work drinks, watching sports, or enjoying a nightcap with a hearty selection of pub-style snacks. Geoff’s Deck, with its expansive views and extensive drinks menu, provides the ideal spot to unwind after a day of exploration during your South African vacation.
The Turbine Spa
For the ultimate in pampering, book a luxurious treatment at The Turbine Spa. Situated in the heart of the hotel, this well-known spa in Knysna features single and double treatment rooms and offers an impressive range of body, facial, and beauty treatments for both him and her. A standout feature of the spa is the exotically mosaic-tiled Rasul Steam Room, a perfect experience for couples looking to relax during their South African vacations. Guests can also enjoy the exclusive Spa Massage Pedi Chair, where a back massage and pedicure can be enjoyed simultaneously for a truly indulgent experience.
Art at Turbine Hotel & Spa
The Turbine Hotel not only wows guests with its industrial chic décor but also celebrates the vibrant local art scene, making it a great cultural stop on South African vacations. In collaboration with the Knysna Fine Arts Gallery, the hotel has transformed many of its spaces into informal art galleries. Guests can admire a stunning collection of works by talented South African and international artists, with pieces displayed in the hotel’s public areas and bedrooms. If something catches your eye during your South African vacation, you can purchase the artwork and take home a piece of Knysna’s creativity.
For a more immersive experience, a short walk will take you to the Knysna Fine Arts Gallery in the historical Thesen House. The gallery showcases diverse exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, photography, and mixed media by some of the finest artists in the region, making it a must-visit for art lovers on South African vacations.
Guest Review: “Most Amazing Hotel”
“This is by far the coolest hotel we have ever stayed at. The attention to detail showcasing the old turbine power plant is unbelievable. Service and food are top-notch. Our room was unbelievable, with so much natural light, windows, and artifacts from the plant throughout the room.”
— Emser, South Africa (January 2024)
Turbine Hotel & Spa continues to captivate guests with its remarkable transformation from an old power station into a luxurious boutique hotel, making it a standout destination for South African vacations. Emser’s review reflects the unique charm of the hotel, where meticulous design, exceptional service, and a vibrant atmosphere come together to offer an unforgettable stay.
Rooms
The Rooms and Views
As one of the best boutique Knysna hotels, Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa offers 17 Standard Rooms, 6 Luxury Rooms, a Honeymoon Suite, and 2 self-contained suites adjacent to the hotel. Each of the 24 rooms boasts a unique personality, influenced by the industrial chic design that reflects the hotel’s history as a former power station, providing an excellent option for those enjoying South African vacations. The architects embraced this challenge, creating delightfully quirky spaces with natural light and a sense of playfulness.
The Standard Rooms, spread across six wings, feature extra-length king beds, en suite bathrooms, and beautiful décor, making them an ideal base for a relaxing South African vacation. For those seeking more space, the six individually-themed Luxury Rooms offer lounge areas, bar space, and in some cases, private balconies with stunning views. The Honeymoon Suite, with its high ceiling and classic finishes, overlooks the pool and offers some of the hotel’s best views, perfect for newlyweds on their South African vacation.
For a more secluded experience, the Lagoon Suite and Canal Suite offer sweeping views over Knysna Heads and the canals. These self-contained suites include an open-plan kitchen, large living area, and en suite bedroom, providing the perfect home away from home for a luxurious South African vacation.
Standard Rooms – (17 Bedrooms)
Each with kingsize beds, ensuite bathroom, mini bar fridge, air-conditioning and satellite TV. Fully stocked mini bar and a full tea and coffee station.
Luxury Room – (6 Bedrooms)
Each with kingsize beds, ensuite bathroom, mini bar fridge, air-conditioning and satellite TV, these spacious rooms include a lounge area.
Honey Moon Suite – (1 Suite)
A generously spacious suite with lounge and entertaining area, this suite is positioned with impressive vistas of the surrounding water ways.
Self catering Suite – ( 2 Bedroom Suite)
A generously spacious suite with lounge and entertaining area, this suite is positioned with impressive vistas of the surrounding water ways
Dining
Island Cafe
Island Café – 90-seater restaurant serving fresh and imaginative dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Gastro Pub
Gastro Pub – A cosy meeting place for locals and visitors alike, with a welcoming atmosphere, delicious gastro pub-style fare, craft beer and cocktails.
Facilities
Pontoon Cruises
Motorised Pontoon Barges. For luxury cruises up to 10 people.
Bicycle Hire
The areas pristine forests, mountains and coastal routes make it an unforgettable biking destination.
Kayak Hire
Enjoy the charm and uniqueness of the Knysna lagoon.
Fishing Charters – Lagoon & Deep Sea Fishing
Enjoy some of the best light tackle saltwater fishing along this renowned stretch of coastline. The Knysna Lagoon continues to produce extraordinary large number of Garriek, Shade, White Steenbras, Mussel Cracker, Stumpnose, Blacktail, Rock Cod, Rays and Sharks.
Whale Watching
Travel through the tranquil waters of this picturesque lagoon and out onto the Indian Ocean in search for whales and dolphins, seals, sharks and bird life. As the official whale watching permit holders, we are allowed to approach whales to within 50m, all other vessels to remain 300 m away.
Adventure Activities
- Kite Surfing
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding
- Mountain Biking
- Knysna Forest Tours
- Guided Canoe Trips
- Combination Walking/Canoeing & Mountain Biking/Canoeing Trips
Brochure
Location
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The 5-star Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa is situated on Thesen Islands in Knysna. Intuitive architecture pays homage to the old power station it once was. Accommodation comprises 26 rooms -...
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The 5-star Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa is situated on Thesen Islands in Knysna. Intuitive architecture pays homage to the old power station it once was. Accommodation comprises 26 rooms -...
South Africa
The 5-star Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa is situated on Thesen Islands in Knysna. Intuitive architecture pays homage to the old power station it once was. Accommodation comprises 26 rooms -...