Turbine Hotel & Spa, Knysna ⇒ Browse rooms, reviews & rates for 2026

75 photos

Turbine Hotel & Spa Knysna Swimming Pool photo The Cape Heritage

Turbine Hotel & Spa Knysna Exterior photo The photo captures a uniquely themed space, possibly a bar or lounge area with a vintage or industrial feel. The walls are a light cream color, adorned with various framed pictures, posters, and circular decorations, including what looks like a vinta

Turbine Hotel & Spa Knysna Exterior photo The photo shows a stylish and eclectic lounge area with a vintage industrial feel. The space is well-lit, likely by large windows, and features a high ceiling with exposed pipes and industrial fixtures.

The furniture is a mix of bright, bold colors

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Key details

About the Hotel

Th36 Sawtooth Lane, Thesen Islands, Knysna, South Africa, 6570

Near the Knysna Waterfront

Perfect

9.1

9.2

/10

4.8

4.4

Loved by Turbine Hotel & Spa guests

Imaginative transformation
Fine views
Well-equipped bathroom
Excellent breakfast
Helpful staff

"The hotel itself is unique and very interesting in design, the views are breathtaking and you can get lost looking out your room into the lagoon and mountain."

ronicad786 from South Africa

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"The in-house restaurant and gastro pub offer delicious food at reasonable prices."

Sandra from Italy

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"Really gorgeous hotel - built around an old turbine . loads of character."

Karen

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Accommodation

The Turbine Hotel & Spa presents 24 unique accommodation options, including 17 Standard Rooms, 6 Luxury Rooms, a Honeymoon Suite, and 2 self-contained Canal and Lagoon Suites. Each room showcases individuality through themed décor, spacious layouts, and expansive en-suite bathrooms. Select rooms offer balconies with views over Knysna Lagoon and Thesen Island canals.

Dining

Dining experiences at the hotel include the 90-seater Island Café, which overlooks the enchanting canals and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a diverse a la carte menu. The Gastro Pub, built around the hotel's fifth turbine, offers a selection of gourmet pub-style snacks and craft beers in a relaxed atmosphere. Guests can enjoy al fresco dining and refreshing cocktails on Geoff's Deck while watching the sunset.

Spa and Wellness

The Turbine Spa offers a wide array of treatments, featuring single and double treatment rooms alongside a unique Rasul Steam Room. Signature experiences include the Knysna Journey treatment, which combines foot scrubs and massages, culminating in a full-body massage. The spa also provides a selection of facials, manicures, and gents grooming services.

Activities and Location

Situated on Thesen Island, the hotel is a gateway to various activities such as lagoon cruises, whale watching, and cycling explorations. Guests can rent bikes or kayaks to traverse the scenic island or embark on adrenaline-fueled adventures like quad biking in nearby forests. The hotel also offers a motorized pontoon cruise to enjoy the tranquil lagoon views.

Business and Events

The hotel is equipped with conference facilities, including the Boiler Room and the Yellowwood Room, accommodating up to 40 delegates in a variety of configurations. These spaces offer audio-visual support and air-conditioning, making them suitable for both meetings and events. The hotel's distinct character provides a memorable backdrop for corporate gatherings.

Highlights

Accommodation: 17 Standard Rooms, 6 Luxury Rooms

Dining: 90-seater Island Café overlooking canals

Spa: Turbine Spa with Rasul Steam Room

Activities: Lagoon cruises and whale watching

Business: Conference facilities for up to 40 delegates

Must-do experiences

Visit the Knysna Heads for stunning views and fresh ocean breezes.
Enjoy a local oyster tasting at the Knysna Oyster Company.
Explore the Knysna Elephant Park for an unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Stroll through the Outeniqua Farmers' Market every Saturday morning.
Take a sunset cruise on the Knysna Lagoon to end your day perfectly.

Location: Perfect

9.6/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningGourmet Experience

Breakfast included freshly baked bread, homemade jams, and a selection of artisanal cheeses. The seafood was incredibly fresh.

JohnSmith from United Kingdom

Review on

Spa & LeisureTranquil Escape

The spa offered hot stone massages and aromatherapy. Afterwards, relaxing by the pool was the perfect end to the day.

MarieL from France

Review on

Room FeaturesLuxurious Touches

The room was spacious with great views. The bed was exceptionally comfortable, and the decor was stylish and modern.

DavidK from Canada

Review on

BathroomSpa-Like Bliss

The bathroom was huge and beautifully fitted. The bathtub was perfect for a relaxing soak and the shower was amazing.

SusanB from Australia

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View all

Select your room type

Turbine Hotel & Spa offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Luxury Room

2 persons

390 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Double Room

2 persons

305 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Suite

2 persons

650 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

Turbine Hotel & Spa offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Perfect

9.2/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Lift
ATM/Cash machine
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Sports & Fitness

Canoeing
Cycling
Golf course
Fishing

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Paid airport shuttle
Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

Cots
Babysitting/Child services
Children's menu
Children's play area

Spa & Leisure

Outdoor swimming pool
Sun terrace
Spa & wellness centre
Steam room
Pedicure
Manicure
Waxing
Body scrub
Facial
Treatment room
Back massage
Head massage
Full body massage
Foot massage

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-bar
Garden furniture
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Parquet floor

Dining Onsite

Turbine Hotel & Spa presents a delightful dining experience with two unique venues, each offering distinct ambiances and flavors. Guests can indulge in authentic Italian dishes or savor carefully crafted a la carte options in a relaxed setting, perfect for any occasion.

Turbine Hotel & Spa Knysna Restaurant photo The photo captures a unique dining experience set within what appears to be an industrial or mechanical space. Two small tables are arranged in the foreground, each set for a meal.

One table is made of dark wood and features two place settings. Eac

Col Cacchio

Italian

Ambiance

Family-friendly atmosphere, ideal for gatherings and casual dining.

Key Offerings

A menu rich in Italian classics, featuring wood-fired pizzas and fresh pasta dishes, perfect for families and friends to share.

Reservation

Hours vary.

Island Cafe

Diverse a la carte

Ambiance

Inviting and relaxed café setting, perfect for casual meals or leisurely dining.

Key Offerings

Extraordinary dishes from a diverse menu, catering to various palates, suitable for any occasion from breakfast to dinner.

Reservation

Hours vary.

Turbine Hotel & Spa Location

Th36 Sawtooth Lane, Thesen Islands, Knysna, South Africa, 6570

Map view

Th36 Sawtooth Lane, Thesen Islands, Knysna, South Africa, 6570

City landmarks

Mall

Knysna Waterfront

4000 ft

Landmark

Spitzkop Viewpoint

4800 ft

Landmark

Dalene Matthee Memorial

4800 ft

Landmark

Old Gaol and Art Gallery

4200 ft

Gallery

Knysna Fine Art

3200 ft

Church

Holy Trinity Church

4600 ft

Landmark

Knysna Museum

4800 ft

Landmark

Margaret's Viewpoint

1.3 mi

Landmark

Woolworths

4600 ft

Mall

WoodMill Lane Shopping Centre

4600 ft

Landmark

Thesen House

3200 ft

Mall

Knysna Mall

5000 ft

Nature reserve

Pledge Nature Reserve

1.6 mi

Landmark

Millwood House

4200 ft

Nature reserve

Featherbed Nature Reserve

1.8 mi

Landmark

Drupkelders

4700 ft

Landmark

Perdekop Trail

4000 ft

Landmark

St George's Anglican Church

4900 ft

Landmark

Leisure Isle Gallery

1.5 mi

Church

Saint Boniface Catholic Church

5200 ft

Landmark

Knysna Heads

2.2 mi

Landmark

Featherbed Co

1.1 mi

Landmark

Knysna River

1.1 mi

Beach

Bollards Bay Beach

4.5 mi

Landmark

Knysna Lagoon

14.7 mi

Nearby

The Parking Shed

The Motorcycle Room

400 ft

TH 2 Long Street Thesen Harbour Town

Jandreart Studio

400 ft

Island

Thesen's Island

400 ft

TH44 Long St

Ocean Odyssey Whale Watching Knysna

400 ft

Shop Th24 Saffron Street

Scootours

400 ft

Restaurants

The Island Cafe

100 ft

Sawtooth Lane Thesen Islands

Tapas & Oysters

400 ft

Thesen Harbour Town TH29 Thesen Harbour Town

The Project Bar

700 ft

TH 28

Ile de Pain

800 ft

8-10 The Boatshed Thesen Harbour Town

34 South

3700 ft

Waterfront

The Drydock Food Co

3900 ft

Waterfront Shop 1

O Pescador Restaurant

3700 ft

Waterfront Drive

Falcon Creek Spur Steak Ranch

4000 ft

Waterfront Dr Shop 29A

Asami's House

4000 ft

Waterfront Drive Knysna Central

Explore Knysna

Local Highlights Near Turbine Hotel & Spa

Thesen's Island

2 minutes walking

Charming island with shops, cafes, and beautiful scenery, perfect for a leisurely stroll and local art galleries.

The Motorcycle Room

2 minutes walking

Unique exhibition showcasing vintage motorcycles, offering a glimpse into automotive history.

Knysna Waterfront

15 minutes walking

Vibrant hub featuring shops, restaurants, and scenic views of the lagoon, ideal for both leisurely visits and dining.

Old Gaol and Art Gallery

15 minutes walking

Historical site hosting art exhibitions and local history displays, a cultural must-see for visitors.

Ocean Odyssey Whale Watching

2 minutes walking

Thrilling boat tours offering a chance to see local marine life, with knowledgeable guides. Booking in advance is recommended.

Scootours

2 minutes walking

Exciting downhill scooter rides through scenic trails, ideal for adventure-seekers. Safety gear provided.

Wellness and Yoga

5 minutes driving

Multiple local yoga studios available for relaxation classes, perfect for rejuvenating your mind and body after a busy day.

Brenton Beach

10 minutes driving

Beautiful sandy beach known for stunning sunsets and water sports, great for family fun and relaxation.

The Island Cafe

1 minute walking

Casual eatery with a relaxed vibe, known for fresh seafood and hearty breakfasts. No reservations needed.

Ile de Pain

3 minutes walking

Charming bakery and café famous for artisanal bread and pastries, perfect for brunch or a light lunch.

34 South

14 minutes walking

Stylish restaurant with a varied menu featuring local dishes, great ambiance with views of the lagoon. Reservations recommended.

Tapas & Oysters

2 minutes walking

Vibrant setting specializing in tapas and fresh oysters, ideal for sharing. Perfect for a casual yet tasty dining experience.

The Project Bar

3 minutes walking

Trendy bar with live music and a fun atmosphere, ideal for a night out with friends or couples looking to unwind.

Knysna Yacht Club

5 minutes driving

Lively yacht club hosting events and shows on weekends, suitable for maritime enthusiasts and families alike.

Thesen Island Market

5 minutes walking

Local market featuring crafts, food trucks, and live music every Saturday, perfect for families and all ages.

Getting around

City Centre

Knysna18 min · 5000 ft

Airports

Plettenberg Bay (PBZ)52 min · 21.4 mi

George (GRJ)108 min · 44.7 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-19:00

Check-out

from 07:00-11:00

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

At the hotel Turbine & Spa guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Languages

English, Dutch, Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Turbine Hotel & Spa from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Turbine Hotel, uniquely set in a converted power station, often impresses guests with its design and location on Thesen Island, offering convenient access to local restaurants and shops, along with views of the waterways and lagoon. Many guests appreciate the spacious rooms, some featuring a kitchenette and a balcony. While most found the experience positive, a few guests have noted that the rooms are starting to show their age.

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Review score

Based on 347 verified reviews

9.1/10

Perfect

93%

Recommend

Location

9.6/10

Comfort

9.5/10

Paid Wi-Fi

8.1/10

Breakfast

8.4/10

Pros

Attentive staff

Delicious breakfast

Complimentary wine

Beautiful location

Fresh lemon

Cons

Noisy night

Water leak

Thin walls

Nicholas from South Africa

Single

Suite

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 15, 2025

9/10

convenient locationfriendly staffspacious room

the location is excellent. i found the walking distance to many restaurants very convenient. the staff were friendly and helpful. my room, a suite, was spacious and well-appointed.

during my stay, i noticed the gym equipment showed slight signs of wear.

0 Helpful

Molly from Ireland

Couple

Luxury Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 12, 2025

9/10

Unique lodging experience

omelette stationseafood curryrelaxed atmosphere

Breakfast included an omelette station. dinner at the restaurant offered a seafood curry. the hotel has preserved the building's heritage, especially its industrial elements. the location is convenient. Thesen Island offers a relaxed atmosphere.

My room was near the bar. I could hear music until late. this affected my sleep, especially because i had an early start the next day. i wish they had offered a different arrangement.

Rooms

9/10

the room included a king-size bed and a seating area with two chairs. there was also a work desk with ample lighting, perfect for catching up on emails. the bathroom featured a large walk-in shower and plush towels.

0 Helpful

Scarlett from United Kingdom

Couple

Luxury Room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 07, 2025

9/10

Wonderful stay!

fancy designtechnical museumexcellent staff

The design looked very fancy. It originally looked like a technical museum. The breakfast was good. The staff were excellent.

I have no complaints regarding my stay.

0 Helpful

FAQs

About Turbine Hotel & Spa

What is the check-in and check-out policy at Turbine Hotel & Spa?

Check-in is at 14:00 and check-out is by 11:00.

How far is Turbine Hotel & Spa from George Airport?

The hotel is 65 km from George Airport.

What on-site dining options are available at Turbine Hotel & Spa?

Dining options include an à la carte restaurant offering Italian cuisine and a tapas bar.

Is parking available at Turbine Hotel & Spa?

Free private parking is available on-site without the need for a reservation.

What leisure activities can guests enjoy at Turbine Hotel & Spa?

Guests can enjoy activities such as canoeing, cycling, fishing, and access to a golf course.

Which room amenities are provided at Turbine Hotel & Spa?

Rooms feature air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fully-stocked mini bar, and Wi-Fi.

What wellness features are available at Turbine Hotel & Spa?

The hotel offers a full-service spa with treatments such as massages, facials, and grooming services.

What are some popular nearby attractions to Turbine Hotel & Spa?

Nearby attractions include Knysna Lagoon, Bloukrans Bridge, and the Knysna National Lake Area.

Are there outdoor facilities at Turbine Hotel & Spa?

The hotel has a seasonal outdoor pool and a spacious sun deck for relaxation.

Can guests arrange transport to and from the airport at Turbine Hotel & Spa?

The hotel provides paid airport shuttle services for guest convenience.

Which languages do the staff at Turbine Hotel & Spa speak?

The staff is proficient in multiple languages to assist guests comfortably.

What breakfast options are available at Turbine Hotel & Spa?

A full English breakfast is available each morning for an additional charge.

How far is Turbine Hotel & Spa from the center of Knysna?

The hotel is located approximately 2 km from the center of Knysna.

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