The Turbine

The Turbine Hotel and Spa is a boutique 5* hotel in Knysna which offers guests luxurious accommodation options, exceptional cuisine, stunning panoramas, and a range of world-class facilities.

This exceptional boutique hotel is situated on the picturesque Thesen Island, within the scenic Knysna estuary, a location which is considered by many to be one of the most the prestigious on the Garden Route.

The hotel was an ambitious project which transformed an old power station into a unique boutique hotel. All the old machinery which was used in this power station has been loving restored and forms an integral part of the hotels aesthetics.

The Island Cafe restaurant serves up extraordinary dishes from a diverse a la carte menu. The Tapas and Bar Deck allows guests to enjoy watching the sun go down, whilst sipping on something from the extensive drinks menu, and filling up on a wide variety of bite-sized snacks. Also featured on-site is the recently established Col'caccio pizzeria, which produces mouth-watering Italian cuisine.

The hotel offers guests a choice of 17 Standard Rooms, 6 Luxury Rooms, a Honeymoon Suite, and a self-catering Water Club Apartment.

The Amani Spa is one of the finest on the Garden Route, offering guests a wide variety of relaxing treatments including massages, facials, hydrotherapy treatments, and more.

The hotel's Turbine Water Club has partnered with prominent adventure companies to provide guests with the best Knysna water-based activities, including pontoon cruises, fishing charters, eco-safaris and kayak hire.

Rates Include

Standard/Luxury Rooms and Honeymoon Suite: Breakfast is included.
Water Club Apartment: Self-catering basis - no meals are included.

Children Policy

Children of any age are welcome. Children aged 0 to 1 year stay free of charge in a cot. 1 child aged 2 to 12 years will be accommodated on a sleeper couch in selected Luxury Rooms and the applicable child rate will apply. Children 13 years and older will pay the full adult rate.

Directions For Drivers

From Cape Town/Hermanus/The Winelands/Swellendam/Wilderness: Follow the N2 to Knysna.

After entering Knysna, turn right at the third set of traffic lights into Waterfront Drive. Proceed along Waterfront Drive (railway line on your right), and pass through a set of traffic lights, passing the Waterfront on your right.

Turn right at the next set of traffic lights into Long Street. Proceed over the railway line and across the causeway and bridge onto THESEN ISLANDS.

Once on Thesen Islands, continue to the roundabout at the end of the road. At the roundabout, take the first exit left. Follow the road until you reach the stop street and cross over straight ahead.

Continue on the road around the playground and you will find the Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa on your right hand side.

From Port Elizabeth/Plettenberg Bay: Take the N2 to Knysna. As you enter the town center you will see Knysna Provincial Hospital on your right.  Turn left at the set of lights immediately after you pass the hospital and turn onto Waterfront Drive.  Follow Waterfront drive until you reach the traffic lights at the Long Street junction, then turn left into Long Street and cross over the railway lines and causeway onto THESEN ISLANDS and follow the directions as above.

Leaving Knysna and driving to George Airport (approx 73km / 1h 15 mins):  Take Long St and Waterfront Dr to the Main Rd/N2 in Central Knysna. Turn left onto the N2 towards George and keep on the N2 for approx 68km until you reach exit 425 to join the R404 signposted to George Airport. At the stop sign, turn right and follow the signs to George Airport (approx 3km).

General Information For Guests

All of the rooms are en-suite and have air conditioning, a flat screen TV and DVD library, complimentary Wi-Fi, telephone, fully stocked minibar/fridge, room safe, and tea/coffee making facilities. The bathrooms have a large shower and separate bath.

The luxury rooms have a lounge area - some have a sleeper couch in the lounge, making this ideal for families.

The honeymoon suite has a lounge and entertaining area as well.

The self-catering suites have a full open-plan kitchen with microwave, dishwasher, fridge/freezer.

The Island Cafe serves breakfast, light lunches and gourmet dinners. The Gastro Pub serves gastro pub-style fare, craft beer and cocktails.

The hotel has a spa, bar, swimming pool with a viewing deck and a jetty for motorised pontoon cruises. There is a gym nearby.

A laundry service is available (additional cost).

There is secure parking and 24 hour security.

Credit cards are accepted.

Popular Alternatives to The Turbine

These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at The Turbine, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that The Turbine was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.

If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.