The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa

The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa occupies a converted power station on Thesen Island in Knysna, bringing together industrial heritage and contemporary luxury. Original turbines and generators remain part of the building’s character, giving the hotel a strong sense of place without separating it from its modern accommodation and hospitality facilities.

Rooms and suites form the main accommodation offering, with categories including standard rooms, luxury rooms, a honeymoon suite, a lagoon suite and a canal suite. The setting places the hotel beside Knysna’s waterways, with views towards the lagoon, canals and the Knysna Heads. Its location also makes it a suitable base for exploring the Garden Route and the wider attractions of Knysna.

Dining is provided through Island Café and the Gastro Pub. The food offering is presented as part of the hotel experience, with regional sourcing forming part of the venue’s approach. The two dining spaces give the property options for relaxed café-style visits and more substantial pub dining, while the historic surroundings add to the atmosphere.

The Turbine Spa provides treatments in keeping with the hotel’s focus on rest and relaxation. The venue also promotes activities and experiences, including access to the Waterclub, giving stays a balance between downtime and exploration. Weddings and conferences are listed among the facilities, extending the property’s appeal beyond leisure accommodation.

Sustainability is integrated into the building’s ongoing use. The former power station has been adapted with solar energy and rainwater harvesting, while local sourcing and the reuse of a historic structure reflect the hotel’s environmental focus. This combination of preserved industrial details, waterway surroundings, dining, spa treatments and contemporary rooms suits romantic breaks, restorative stays and visitors seeking a characterful base in Knysna.