Popular: South Africa · Cape Town · OR Tambo · Dolphin Bay · Lesotho
📍 Knysna, Garden Route · Garden Route · South Africa
A converted power station on Thesen Island, in the heart of the Knysna Lagoon
About the Property
The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa occupies Knysna's former power station on Thesen Island, a building that supplied electricity to the region from the early 1900s until it closed in 2001. The conversion kept the original turbines, exposed brick walls and steel beams, so the industrial character of the building is still the point - guests sleep and eat inside the machinery, not around it.
Twenty-six rooms and suites are spread across six wings, from Standard and Luxury rooms to a Honeymoon Suite and two self-catering options, the Lagoon and Canal Suites. Every room looks out over either the garden, the canal or the lagoon itself, and the hotel runs on largely off-grid solar power with its own rainwater harvesting system.
On site, the Island Cafe and the turbine-hall Gastro Pub cover formal and casual dining, and the adults-only Turbine Spa runs daily. The hotel's location on the lagoon puts it within reach of the Knysna Heads, Featherbed Nature Reserve, and the area's boat cruises, forest walks and elephant and bird sanctuaries.
Rooms & Pricing
Prices are approximate and vary by season and booking platform. Check the current rate with the stay.
Not specified on site
Not specified on site
Not specified on site
Not specified on site
Meeting hall for corporate events, training, birthday parties and baby showers. Tailor-made packages available.
The Turbine has two dining venues. The Island Cafe serves breakfast (7:00-11:00), lunch (12:00-16:00) and dinner (17:00-21:30) with panoramic Knysna Lagoon views, while the Gastro Pub, set in the original turbine hall, serves craft beer, wine and elevated pub food daily from 14:00-21:30. Both venues cater to vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets.
Facilities
Nearby Attractions
All distances by road from Knysna, Garden Route.
On the water
The Turbine sits on Thesen Island in the heart of the Knysna Lagoon, within reach of the Knysna Heads.
Tours & Activities
Cruises of the Knysna Lagoon, including sunset options.
1-3 hours
Private cruise with champagne service.
2 hours
Seasonal whale watching on the water.
June-November, 2-3 hours
Ferry crossing and 4x4 eco-tour of the Featherbed Nature Reserve.
Half day
Encounters with rescued elephants.
2-3 hours
Free-flight aviary visit.
2-3 hours
Indigenous forest walking trails of varying difficulty.
1-4 hours
Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding on the lagoon.
1-3 hours
Getting Here
GPS COORDINATES
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
From Cape Town: Drive east on the N2 highway; approximately 5 hours to Knysna.
From Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth): Drive west on the scenic N2 highway; approximately 3 hours to Knysna.
By air: Fly into George Airport, about 60 km away, with regular flights from major South African cities.
Stay in the Know
Get our new destination guides and changes to visa and border rules by email.
🍪 We use cookies to improve your experience and serve relevant ads. Cookie Policy