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 (743)
  • Very good (245)
  • Average (65)
  • Poor (21)
  • Terrible (24)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating One word, Breathtaking! in my son’s own words “Mom, this place is sick👌🏾”

Jul 13, 2024 amadol532343 Cape Town, South Africa

The hotel is perfectly situated within the Thesen Island. The views are world class, and the service is outstanding.I would highly recommend it!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The Turbine Boutique Hotel

Jul 8, 2024 391alainv Durban, South Africa

What a stay everything provided for in the room, mini bar, turn the bed down :) We had our breakfasts by the pool served by such friendly staff. As for the oysters what can we say yummy yummy!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fantastic stay in Knysna!

Jul 8, 2024 Stay18452576642

Our stay at the Turbine Hotel was absolutely fantastic! The management staff was friendly and so helpful from the moment we arrived until we had to say good bye. The free back and neck massage was one of the best I have experienced and the breakfast was a real treat. Thank you. We can't wait to visit again soon!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating fantastically unique hotel

Jul 8, 2024 vkaren270204

Enjoyed every minute of our stay. Thank you to staff and management, especially Greg for being attentive and organised and helpful. Loved the wine pairing dinner!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Good for a short visit… but cannot be considered a 5 star!

Jul 8, 2024 VKM18 Mumbai, India

A nice hotel but surely not a 5 star boutique as claimed in the description. Good for a short visit but one shouldn’t expect ambience or facilities like a 5 star. Positives - Decent size rooms - good & helpful team in the restaurant and creative menu - feels quiet and private - very creative design and interesting to see the way different areas… Read more
A nice hotel but surely not a 5 star boutique as claimed in the description. Good for a short visit but one shouldn’t expect ambience or facilities like a 5 star. Positives - Decent size rooms - good & helpful team in the restaurant and creative menu - feels quiet and private - very creative design and interesting to see the way different areas of the hotel are designed. Negatives - front desk team is unhelpful and quite difficult to deal with, and appears that is the brief from front desk manager to be rigid. - pool needs to be heated - expectation of a 5 seater but at best it’s a quaint 4 star Read less