The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa

Knysna, Garden Route

Virgin rating

Suite
Standard Room
Standard Twin
Island Cafe
Luxury Room
Luxury Room
Island Cafe
Suite
Spa
Island Cafe
Suite
Standard Room
Standard Twin
Island Cafe
Luxury Room
Luxury Room
Island Cafe
Suite
Spa
Island Cafe

The hotel

Historic, quirky, and luxurious. That’s how we’d describe the Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa in three words. An old power station has been transformed into an idyllic hotel on the canal rivers of Knysna, complete with exceptional cuisine, a top of the range spa, and stunning views. All of the old machinery in the power station now forms part of the funky décor, painted brightly in vivid colours that stand out against the bare bricks and white walls. You’ll forever be spotting unusual contraptions, massive turbines, and steel pipes – it’s a fascinating place to stay. So much so, that the rooms vary in size and shape due to the architecture, but you can be sure that it’ll be spacious and airy. Now enough about the décor and more about how you’re going to enjoy yourself staying here. The Turbine Spa is one of the finest on the Garden Route, so book yourself in for a treatment and enjoy the steam room whilst you’re at it. Whether you’re staying for business or pleasure, the Gastro Pub is a great way to end the day – enjoy a craft beer or a local wine and catch the latest sporting events whilst indulging in upmarket pub grub. When you want to get a bit more active, the Turbine Waterclub is on hand with kayak rentals, sunset cruises, and forest tours just the tip of the activities on offer. This is the perfect stop on your travels through the magic of the Garden Route. 

Amenities

  • Bicycle Rental
  • Kayaking
  • Bar
  • Free Parking
  • Internet Access
  • Laundry Service
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool

Where is it

Located on Thesen Island, which is a secure marina estate within the Knysna canals, on the Garden Route. Less than a mile from Knysna town centre, and 38 miles from George Airport.

Hotel information

24 rooms and suites, each designed with an individual shape and personality. All feature air conditioning, complimentary WiFi access, flat-screen TV, mini bar*, coffee/tea making facilities, bathroom amenities, hairdyer, bathrobe, slippers, and iron and ironing board. 

Standard rooms have 1 king-size bed or twin beds, sleeping maximum 2 adults. 

Please note: Some rooms feature a private balcony but these cannot be guaranteed.

Luxury Rooms are larger in size, featuring an additional lounge and bar area with microwave, and either 1 king-size bed or twin beds, and some have an additional sleeper sofa, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Suites feature a fully equipped kitchen, private balcony, and 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults. 

Island Café (a la carte restaurant with diverse menu and outdoor seating, open for breakfast lunch and dinner). Gastro Pub (serving gourmet pub fare, a range of craft beers, and South African wines, with outdoor seating). 

Outdoor swimming pool. Turbine Spa*. Turbine Water Club* with a range of water sports and activities including cruises, hikes, bicycle hire, and kayaking/canoeing. 

Complimentary WiFi access. 24-hour front desk. Complimentary parking. Laundry service*. Room service*. 

*Denotes local charge.

Please note: This hotel is on sale to guests age 16 years and above only. 

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (728)
  • Very good (244)
  • Average (64)
  • Poor (21)
  • Terrible (24)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Powering down at the Turbine

Apr 24, 2024 Wanderer31325077455

We had a fantastic stay at the Turbine Boutique Hotel last weekend. After our relaxing afternoon lagoon cruise on the Ocean Sailing Charter, Lara Bella, we checked into our hotel room (two minutes walk from Sirroco Harbour). We were delighted to discover that our room was on the top floor with lofty views of the canals and the hotel swimming… Read more
We had a fantastic stay at the Turbine Boutique Hotel last weekend. After our relaxing afternoon lagoon cruise on the Ocean Sailing Charter, Lara Bella, we checked into our hotel room (two minutes walk from Sirroco Harbour). We were delighted to discover that our room was on the top floor with lofty views of the canals and the hotel swimming pool. The balcony offered a great vantage point from with to view the passing canoes and paddlers. We savored a long rest in the king size bed before our evening meal. We had a quick cocktail at the Gastro Pub, the Mojito was perfect! The art work and interesting architecture make for a spectacular backdrop. The manager treated us a tour and showed us the old furnace, the turbines and steam tubes which were used in the original power plant. The rich history of Thessen Island is celebrated in every facet of the building, we particularly loved seeing the cross section of the 800 year old Yellowwood and seeing the photographs of the Knysna foresters and carpenters. Our evening meal at the Island Café was spot on. The server was polite, well spoken and knowledgeable. I had fresh pan seared hake with confit tomatoes, tender steamed vegetables and a vanilla and lime velouté. My husband had the flame grilled chicken with ancient grains and roast butternut. The standard of the food was superb. The desserts followed on the same high standard - sticky toffee pudding with locally made cassata ice-cream, almond crunch and date purée and syrupy, crisp baklava with luscious orange mousse, Turkish Delight, macadamia nut butter and vanilla ice-cream. We slept soundly and had perfectly cooked eggs Benedict for breakfast. My only regret is not booking a spa treatment. Ill have to come back for that! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Excellent

Apr 22, 2024 CobusL16

We loved everything, from the room to the spa but the food was the best, we will for sure come back in the future.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Quirky stylish hotel

Apr 14, 2024 FionaFen Marlborough Region, New Zealand

One of the quirkiest stylish hotels we’ve seen . This converted power station has so many original pieces of machinery stylishly incorporated into the design of the hotel public areas and rooms . Excellent staff . Room was very comfortable and the small kitchenette is always helpful when travelling . We had breakfast and it was excellent . Short… Read more
One of the quirkiest stylish hotels we’ve seen . This converted power station has so many original pieces of machinery stylishly incorporated into the design of the hotel public areas and rooms . Excellent staff . Room was very comfortable and the small kitchenette is always helpful when travelling . We had breakfast and it was excellent . Short walk to two cool restaurants and a fab kids play area . Thesen island is a short bridge from Knysna and is a very manicured area with expensive properties but it grit safe and quiet - a bit of respite from the cities . The Spa is wonderful ( ask for Lydia !) . Book ahead so you can just saunter down from your room and relax . Great stopover on garden route . Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating One night stay at the Turbine

Apr 1, 2024 chloevanzyl1

Loved it at The Turbine. Beautiful hotel with beautiful views from every window. Staff are friendly. Room was clean. The spa is amazing! They also offered me a vegan breakfast when requested. Can’t wait to go back!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Overall good experience.

Mar 24, 2024 Santana R Za

Wonderful Staff and Breakfast! We stayed at the Turbine for the long weekend, everything was wonderful. The only complaint I have is on the last day a manager came to rudely ask me to get off a video call with my 3 year old son in the restaurant. For that reason I will not be returning to this hotel, I felt the request unpolite and rude. If… Read more
Wonderful Staff and Breakfast! We stayed at the Turbine for the long weekend, everything was wonderful. The only complaint I have is on the last day a manager came to rudely ask me to get off a video call with my 3 year old son in the restaurant. For that reason I will not be returning to this hotel, I felt the request unpolite and rude. If there was a complaint from another customer or guest, it could've been handled better. I also feel this was a direct attack, as the day before another guest was on a call right next to us, and there were no complaints or request for him to end the call. Read less