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The Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Unique hotel set in former power plant
- High quality of accommodation
- Good base for exploring Knysna and beyond

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Overview

A decidedly unique boutique hotel, The Turbine is so-called simply because it’s been designed around a disused power station. The makeover transformed what was once a frenetic power station that supplied many with electricity, to a charming and delightful luxury hotel that’s quite unlike anything else. Replete with unique touches, it even features all of the plant's original machinery, which has been painstakingly restored and effortlessly blends in with the hotel’s decor. Situated in the town of Knysna on Thesen Island, the hotel has a Harbourside setting, with most rooms offering views of the waterfront and canal.

There are 24 rooms in total, along with two additional self-contained suites that are located adjacent to the main hotel building. All rooms are designed to be chic, luxurious and above all else, especially comfortable. There are six different wings to the hotel, with the rooms in each wing decorated in a particular style that pays homage to various features of Knysna and the surrounding area. Amenities common to all rooms include a flat-screen TV with DVD player, a minibar and tea and coffee making facilities. The en-suite bathrooms come with two basins, as well as a separate shower and bathtub.

Those looking to explore Knysna and the wider area can choose from an eclectic mix of excursions. Barge trips around Thesen Island and the other smaller islands in the Knysna River delta are possible, and whale watching expeditions are also very popular at certain times of the year. For those who want to stay on dry land, day trips to places as diverse as working ostrich farms, deep cave systems and a bridge that hosts the highest commercial bungee jump in the world can be arranged. Back at the hotel itself, there’s a rooftop pool, as well as the Turbine Spa, which offers an extensive menu of indulgent treatments and pampering sessions.

There are three places to eat at the hotel, each of which prepares fresh food and uses only ingredients that have been sourced locally. The Island Cafe is open for three meals a day and has tables set among the plant’s turbines, as well as some overlooking the canal - ideal for those keen on al fresco dining. The Gastro Pub offers hearty pub-style meals and a wide drinks menu, while Col’Cacchio serves up delicious pizzas, pastas and salads.

Children are welcome to stay at The Turbine, though the fact that there are no designated facilities or services such as babysitting for youngsters, means that it might best suit families with older children who will appreciate the contemporary, quirky feel of the hotel along with all that Knysna and the surrounding area has to offer.

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • It was certainly a holiday of a lifetime for us and we loved every minute!! The standard and location of each accommodation was excellent, as was the variety of each different accommodation type. Our schedule was perfect and we managed to achieve everything on our to-do task list. Your documents were also really helpful, as were the driving directions. We all thank you for making this such a wonderful holiday. Happy to leave a review publicly if you point me the right way. Best Steve

    MissingStephen H reviewing Classic Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari on 01 September 2023

  • Hi Lisa, We had a fabulous time thank you. The accommodation and other ideation were all terrific - that’s so much for your help. The apartment in Cape Town was particularly good - we would never have found that: Boschendal was great as well and game lodge was superb. Thanks again, Alistair

    MissingAlistair A reviewing Cape Town, Garden Route and Kruger on 28 April 2023

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