The Turbine

Set on the picturesque Thesen Island in Knysna, The Turbine Hotel & Spa is one of the Garden Route’s most distinctive boutique hotels. Housed within a beautifully restored former power station, the property brings together industrial heritage, contemporary luxury and a relaxed waterfront setting, creating a stay that feels both characterful and refined.

The story of The Turbine begins with the building itself. Originally constructed as a power station, it played an important role in Knysna’s development, supplying electricity to the surrounding region. Today, the original turbines, machinery, exposed brickwork, steel beams and other industrial details have been carefully preserved and incorporated into the hotel’s design. Rather than hiding its past, The Turbine makes it part of the experience, creating a striking contrast between the building’s industrial character and its sophisticated modern interiors.

The hotel has 26 individually designed rooms and suites spread across distinctive wings, each offering its own character while maintaining the property’s signature industrial-luxe aesthetic. Original architectural features are complemented by elegant furnishings and modern comforts, with some rooms offering views towards the lagoon or canals. The result is accommodation that feels personal and considered rather than conventional.

Beyond the rooms, The Turbine offers a range of spaces in which to slow down and enjoy the setting. The hotel’s spa provides a peaceful retreat for restorative treatments, while the swimming pool and lounges offer inviting places to relax between outings. Dining is another important part of the experience, with locally sourced and seasonal ingredients featuring across the menus. The Gastro Pub occupies the original turbine hall, allowing guests to enjoy a relaxed meal or drink surrounded by some of the building’s most impressive industrial features.

The location on Thesen Island adds another dimension to a stay. Set within the Knysna Lagoon, the island is home to restaurants, galleries, boutiques and waterfront spaces, while scenic paths make it easy to explore on foot or by bicycle. From the hotel, guests can also enjoy views towards the lagoon and the Knysna Heads, with the wider Garden Route providing a wealth of opportunities for exploration.

Knysna is an excellent base for discovering the natural beauty of South Africa’s southern coast. Days can be spent exploring indigenous forests, beaches and coastal landscapes, taking boat trips on the lagoon, enjoying water-based activities or venturing further along the Garden Route. Golf, fly-fishing and other outdoor experiences can also be arranged, making The Turbine suitable for both relaxed stays and more active itineraries.

Sustainability is an important part of the hotel’s ongoing story. The very transformation of the former power station is an example of adaptive reuse, preserving a piece of Knysna’s industrial heritage rather than allowing it to disappear. Today, the property continues this approach through initiatives including solar energy, rainwater harvesting, water-saving measures and local sourcing. Its solar installation allows the hotel to operate off-grid for periods of the day, while stored rainwater is used for the pool and gardens.

The Turbine works particularly well for travellers who appreciate distinctive design, history and a sense of place. It offers an elegant alternative to a conventional luxury hotel, with its industrial architecture providing a memorable backdrop to a stay in one of South Africa’s most scenic regions.

Whether you are travelling the Garden Route as part of a longer South African journey or simply looking for a few days in Knysna, The Turbine offers a comfortable and characterful base from which to experience the region. Here, a remarkable piece of industrial history has been given a new life, creating a hotel where heritage, design and contemporary hospitality come together naturally.