A unique 5-star hotel.
Experience luxury and industrial charm on Thesen Island, Knysna
the heart of the garden route
Welcome to Knysna!
Nestled on the picturesque Thesen Island, The Turbine Hotel & Spa offers an unforgettable escape in the heart of South Africa's Garden Route. Our unique boutique hotel, housed in a beautifully converted power station, combines industrial heritage with contemporary luxury.
Experience world-class dining, rejuvenating spa treatments, and breathtaking views of the Knysna Lagoon and the iconic Knysna Heads. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway or an adventurous exploration of the Garden Route, The Turbine Hotel is your perfect destination.
Discover KnysnaLUXURY ACCOMMODATION IN KNYSNA
Stay at The Turbine Hotel
OUR HERITAGE
From Power Station to Luxury Hotel
The Turbine Hotel stands as a testament to visionary preservation. What was once Knysna's historic power station—supplying electricity to the entire region since the early 1900s—has been transformed into one of South Africa's most distinctive boutique hotels.
For decades, massive turbines and generators hummed with energy, lighting up Knysna and powering the growth of this coastal community. Today, those same turbines remain as breathtaking centerpieces, celebrating the building's industrial soul while offering contemporary luxury.
"The Coolest Hotel"
This by far the coolest hotel we have ever stayed at. The attention to detail showcasing the old turbine power plant is unbelievable. Service and food is top notch. Our room was unbelievable so much natural light and windows and artifacts from plants throughout the room.
Emser, South Africa
January 2024
The Turbine Hotel - Exterior View
Turbine Spa
Island Café
Gastro Pub Dining
Boat Cruise Experience
Sunset Views
Forest Walks
Kayaking Adventures
Culinary Excellence
Evening Ambiance
Experiences
Things you have to try
LOCATION
About Thesen Island
Introducing The Turbine Hotel, a boutique 5 star hotel on Thesen Islands which offers guests luxurious Knysna accommodation options, exceptional cuisine, stunning views, and a range of world-class facilities
EXPLOREOUR VALUES
Sustainability in Action
From recycling a historic power station to operating off-grid with solar energy, sustainability is woven into every aspect of our story.
96 Solar Panels
Off-grid for up to 10 hours daily
Rainwater Harvesting
Historic storage tanks conserve water
Local Sourcing
Supporting regional farms & producers
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Breathtaking canal views and unforgettable moments await
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