Turbine Hotel & Spa Knysna Swimming Pool photo The Cape HeritageTurbine 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 vintaTurbine 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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From241US$ /night
Check-in
08Jun2026Select date
Check-out
09Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Th36 Sawtooth Lane, Thesen Islands, Knysna, South Africa, 6570
-
Near the Knysna Waterfront
Perfect
9.2
9.2
/10
4.8
4.4
/5

Turbine Hotel & Spa is a 5-star boutique hotel situated on Thesen Island, offering luxurious accommodations and a renowned spa. Guests benefit from exceptional dining at two on-site restaurants and a variety of activities on the Knysna lagoon. The hotel's unique industrial design features restored power station equipment and engaging decor.

Rooms & Amenities

Each of the 26 rooms and suites comes with luxurious amenities, including a flat-screen TV, free WiFi, a fully-stocked mini-bar, and a tea and coffee station. The decor reflects the hotel's history, with individual themes inspired by the surrounding landscape, including the Lagoon Wing featuring aquatic hues. Six Luxury Rooms provide a spacious setting with lounge areas, while the Honeymoon Suite offers a balcony with views over the pool.

Dining Options

Dining options at Turbine Hotel & Spa include the 90-seater Island Café, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with views of the canals, and the Gastro Pub, ideal for casual drinks and snacks. Both venues utilize fresh local produce in their inventive menus. Guests can enjoy alfresco dining or relax on the deck overlooking the marina.

Leisure & Activities

The Turbine Spa features a wide variety of treatments, such as massages and facials, set within an exotically mosaic-tiled Rasul Steam Room. The hotel also offers activities including lagoon cruises and whale watching, catering to various interests. Guests can explore the nearby Pezula Championship Course for golf or participate in outdoor adventures.

Business & Services

For business guests, Turbine Hotel & Spa provides conference facilities with two rooms capable of accommodating up to 40 delegates. The hotel staff assists with event coordination and offers recommendations for local attractions and excursions. This venue serves as an excellent base for those wishing to explore the indigenous natural beauty of Knysna.

“The Turbine Hotel & Spa stands out for its clever reuse of a former power station, now a luxury boutique hotel on Thesen Island. It has comfortable rooms with unique industrial-chic design and a great on-site spa, plus it's an easy walk to the restaurants and shops around Knysna. I think its dedication to both comfort and history makes it a compelling choice.”
Hotel logo
Sophia TurnerEditorial Director at Spahotels
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Choose 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
Double Room
2 persons
305 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Suite
2 persons
650 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating

Price and Room Availability

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
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Dining Onsite

Experience culinary delights at the Turbine Hotel & Spa, featuring two distinct dining venues. Indulge in authentic Italian cuisine at Col Cacchio, perfect for families seeking comfort and warmth. Alternatively, savor a diverse a la carte menu at Island Café, ideal for those looking to explore extraordinary flavors and unique dishes.
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 environment with a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Key Offerings
A selection of authentic Italian dishes, perfect for family gatherings or casual meals.
Reservation
Not needed.
Hours vary.

Island Cafe

Diverse a la carte
Ambiance
A relaxed setting that invites guests to unwind amidst Knysna's natural beauty.
Key Offerings
An array of carefully prepared dishes tailored for all occasions, showcasing a variety of flavors.
Reservation
Recommended.
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
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
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Knysna Waterfront
Knysna Waterfront
15 minutes' walk
Popular shopping and dining destination with beautiful views, lively atmosphere, and art galleries.
Spitzkop Viewpoint
Spitzkop Viewpoint
15 minutes' walk
Scenic viewpoint offering stunning panoramas of Knysna and the lagoon, perfect for photography.
Dalene Matthee Memorial
Dalene Matthee Memorial
15 minutes' walk
Tribute to the renowned author celebrating local nature and conservation through beautifully carved symbols.
Old Gaol and Art Gallery
Old Gaol and Art Gallery
15 minutes' walk
Historical site turned gallery showcasing local and national artists in a charming setting.
Ocean Odyssey Whale Watching
2 minutes' walk
Thrilling whale watching tours led by expert guides. Seasonal availability; book in advance.
Scootours
2 minutes' walk
Fun downhill scooter rides through stunning landscapes, great for both families and adventure seekers.
Thesen's Island Yoga
2 minutes' walk
Relaxing yoga sessions surrounded by nature. Drop-in classes available; perfect for stress relief.
The Island Cafe
The Island Cafe
1 minute' walk
Charming café with a relaxed ambiance. Offers fresh, local dishes and popular breakfast options.
Tapas & Oysters
Tapas & Oysters
2 minutes' walk
Cozy eatery specializing in fresh seafood and tapas. Ideal for casual dining, reservations recommended.
Ile de Pain
Ile de Pain
3 minutes' walk
French-inspired bakery and restaurant known for artisanal breads and pastries. Great breakfast and lunch spot.
The Project Bar
The Project Bar
3 minutes' walk
Trendy bar with a vibrant nightlife scene, featuring live music and craft cocktails in an inviting space.
Knysna Fine Art
Knysna Fine Art
15 minutes' walk
Art gallery displaying contemporary South African art. Regular exhibitions and events for art lovers.

Getting around
City Centre
Knysna18 min  ·  5000 ft
Airports
Plettenberg Bay (PBZ)52 min  ·  21.4 mi
George (GRJ)108 min  ·  44.7 mi
Access exclusive early booking discounts.
Choose your spa escape today!
Check Rates
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:
26

Reviews and Ratings

Reviews from guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Turbine Hotel & Spa, uniquely set in a converted power station, is praised for its design which incorporates museum-like exhibits. Many guests appreciate the spacious rooms, some featuring balconies with views of the waterways and lagoon. The breakfast, especially the continental option for two, is often described as incredible, and the on-site spa adds to the experience; however, a few guests found that the rooms are getting old. The hotel's location is considered ideal, within walking distance of restaurants and bars.
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Review score
Based on 405 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
Exceptional food
Breakfast choices
Spa experience
Quirky feel
Cons
Lack of expertise
Small pool
Locked safe
No apology
Guest reviews
based on 405 reviews
9.1/10
based on 806 reviews
9.2/10
Riley from United States
Couple
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 14, 2026
7/10
great locationsuperb breakfastsmall roomokay service
the breakfast was superb (i liked the variety). the location next to the waterfront was great.
the room was quite small, and it lacked a nice view. the service was okay, but i wouldn't call it really good.
0 Helpful
Hudson from Canada
Couple
Luxury Room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 04, 2026
9/10

industrial charm!

complimentary winegreat cocktailscomfortable bedtop floor
I appreciated the complimentary bottle of wine. It was a lovely touch. the bar staff really looked after us. they made great cocktails. our room was on the top floor and had a large, comfortable bed.
Some noise traveled into the room. I could hear people walking past at times.
Rooms
9/10
the room included thoughtful design elements with chic furnishings, it was super clean. a marina view from the windows with the fresh scent of the ocean was available. there was also a well-designed layout of all the things in the room.
0 Helpful
|
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Joseph from Canada
Single
Double Room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 23, 2025
7/10
great qualityfood startermain mealnoisy roomlive bandearly start
the breakfast was amazing. the quality of the food was great, and the portions were a decent size. i was even offered both a starter and a main meal for breakfast. i would definitely recommend choosing the breakfast option if you want a good meal to start the day.
the room i was assigned was very noisy. i constantly heard people walking past the room. the bar under the room had a live band until late, and i could feel every beat. it kept me up, and that was not pleasant because i had to start the day early
0 Helpful
FAQs
About Turbine Hotel & Spa
What are the check-in and check-out times at Turbine Hotel & Spa?
Check-in is at 14:00 and check-out is at 11:00.
Is there a swimming pool available at Turbine Hotel & Spa?
There is a seasonal outdoor pool available for guests.
Does Turbine Hotel & Spa offer complimentary internet access?
Wi-Fi is available for free in all rooms.
What dining options are available at Turbine Hotel & Spa?
Guests can enjoy on-site dining at the Island Café and Col'Cacchio, as well as tapas and drinks at a fully stocked wine cellar.
How far is Turbine Hotel & Spa from Plettenberg Bay?
Turbine Hotel & Spa is located 35 km from Plettenberg Bay.
What activities can guests enjoy at Turbine Hotel & Spa?
Guests can partake in activities such as canoeing, fishing, and cycling.
Is parking available at Turbine Hotel & Spa?
Free private parking is available on-site without the need for a reservation.
What services does Turbine Hotel & Spa provide for business travelers?
The hotel offers meeting and conference facilities for business-related events.
What is the distance from Turbine Hotel & Spa to the nearest attractions?
Knysna Lagoon and the Motorcycle Room Gallery are within 1 km of the hotel.
How can guests arrange airport transportation from Turbine Hotel & Spa?
The hotel offers a paid airport shuttle service.
What language do the staff at Turbine Hotel & Spa speak?
The staff speaks English.

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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room