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Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa
Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa
Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa
Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa
Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa

Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa


34°2’55.5"S 23°2’57.1"E

About Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa

The Turbine or, as it’s more formally known, ‘The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa’, is located on Thesen Islands, ...

... beside the town of Knysna, on South Africa’s Garden Route. Converted from an old power station, and beside one of this small island’s waterways, The Turbine is particularly interesting for its history and for the original machinery, which has been incorporated into its modern design.

With slight echoes of the set on ‘The Truman Show’, a location on Thesen Islands won’t be to everyone’s taste. However, the Turbine’s sensitive, modern design with chunks of its industrial past give it a character that transcends its immediate neighbourhood. Come for a safe and comfortable base for a few days, to explore the Knysna Lagoon and the wider Knysna area.

Our view

With slight echoes of the set on ‘The Truman Show’, a location on Thesen Islands won’t be to everyone’s taste. However, the Turbine’s sensitive, modern design with chunks of its industrial past give it a character that transcends its immediate neighbourhood. Come for a safe and comfortable base for a few days, to explore the Knysna Lagoon and the wider Knysna area.

Lucy Copson

Lucy Copson

South Africa expert

Accommodation

24 rooms

Children

Best for aged 8+

Open

All year

Activities

Boat trip

Boat trip

Canoeing

Canoeing

Dune-boarding

Dune-boarding

Elephant encounter

Elephant encounter

Fishing

Fishing

Helicopter

Helicopter

Horse-riding

Horse-riding

Kayaking

Kayaking

Mountain biking

Mountain biking

Quad-biking

Quad-biking

Scuba-diving

Scuba-diving

Self-guided walking

Self-guided walking

Snorkelling

Snorkelling

Watersports

Watersports

Trips visiting Turbine Hotel

Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Map

Waterbuck self-drive

12 days • 6 locations • 1 country
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT

A classic Cape and Garden Route self-drive taken at a leisurely pace and staying in charming boutique hotels. Great food and wine paired with spectacular scenery and an exciting array of activities.

Visiting Cape Town, Winelands and 4 other areas

US$3,050 - US$3,270 per person

Read more about the Waterbuck self-drive

Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa: Our full report

The Turbine or, as it’s more formally known, ‘The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa’, is located on Thesen Islands, ...

... beside the town of Knysna, on South Africa’s Garden Route. Converted from an old power station, and beside one of this small island’s waterways, The Turbine is particularly interesting for its history and for the original machinery, which has been incorporated into its modern design.

To get a feel for what The Turbine is, you need to first understand a little of its history – and particularly the history of its location. The Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa stands on one of the Thesen Islands – a series of flat, reclaimed islands in the middle of Knysna’s tidal lagoon.

In the 1920s a sawmill was built here, and later a power station fuelled by its sawdust and offcuts (see: Thesen Island’s history for the full story). Many years later, in more environmentally-aware times between about 1998 and 2008, a complex was built here which covers 19 mostly man-made islands, linked by 21 bridges, and includes extensive marinas, over 500 homes, a sprinkling of shops and restaurants, and a couple of hotels.

Visiting today, it’s clear that everything on the islands has been designed well, and that great care has been taken to try to vary the details of the individual properties. Albeit, for some, including ourselves, the similarities of everything simply reminds us that our preference is for natural, organically-grown towns.

Note that there’s just one causeway linking the Thesen Islands to mainland Knysna, which makes these islands particularly good for those with worries about personal security – be they nervous casual visitors, or South Africans with often-vacant holidays homes. However, its attraction for holiday homes means that outside ‘the season’ (which runs about November and February), many of the islands’ houses and apartments are vacant, some of the shops seem to be open only part-time, and generally the islands seem a little quiet.

Having said all this, The Turbine is probably the only building on these islands, which isn’t completely new – and it has bags of character! Walk into the foyer and a glass section of the floor reveals the island’s original level – several metres below.

The 24 bedrooms at the Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa all have wood-effect laminate flooring, a mostly white colour scheme and generally high-quality ironmongery, fittings and furniture. Plus at least one piece of the station’s original machinery, often painted brightly – even if it’s only a small section of pipe built into the wall!

These rooms at the Turbine Hotel include:

  • 17 standard suites, which all vary slightly in layout, fittings, furnishings and size – as you’d expect in an old building. All have dark laminate flooring, double or twin beds with quality linen, reading lights, and a small dressing table where there’s a music system with an iPhone dock.
    There’s also built-in, but individually-controlled, air-conditioning; a flat-screen TV; a direct-dial phone and a digital electronic safe, which is big enough for a small laptop. The minuscule ‘kitchenette’ consists of a small sink beside a kettle and tea/coffee station, a well-stocked minibar/fridge, and a few basic elements of crockery and cutlery. Many, but not all, of the rooms have balconies – those on the third floor often have great views and are worth requesting.
    The en-suite bathrooms has a bath and a separate, tile-and-glass shower, a heater towel rail, very well-lit mirrors, double washbasins and sometimes a louvered opening which allows you to open one side of the bath to a view into the room.
  • The six luxury suites are similar to the standard suites in their fittings, but slightly bigger, and each has a sleeper couch.
  • The Turbine’s only honeymoon suite is bigger again and includes a lounge. The kitchenette area also has a microwave, a small ice machine and bar stools in the kitchen area, whilst its en suite bathroom has a double shower.
Both inside and outside of The Turbine, there are plenty of different areas for guests to relax, often nestled amongst by the ever-present machinery.

There’s a large outside deck where a good-sized infinity swimming pool with loungers and umbrellas for shade which overlooks one of the canals through the islands.

Inside, beside this, is the Turbine’s main restaurant, the Island Café, which serves an à la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. Note that somewhat hidden away it has a couple of very secluded tables inside, situated on a raised (steel) mezzanine floor between two huge, old steam condensers – near the hotel’s small glass-sided wine cellar.

As an alternative venue for eating, this boutique hotel also has a small ‘tapas and cocktails’ bar with lots of character. The high ceilings here are crossed by a huge huge steel beam, which spills out onto an umbrella-shaded terrace at the front of the hotel.

For greater relaxation, the small Amani Spa offers a variety of treatments from massages and facials, to manicures, pedicures and hydrotherapy treatments.

Guests at the Turbine Hotel can use one of the two internet-linked computers, which set amongst huge turbines. There’s also a curio shop here, and activities can be booked from the friendly staff at reception.

Geographics

Location
Knysna | Garden Route, South Africa
Ideal length of stay
2 – 3 nights
Accessible by
Self-drive

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Bed & Breakfast
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
No
Drinks included
No

Children

Attitude towards children
Families with children are welcome at The Turbine.
Property’s age restrictions
None
Generally recommended for children
The ambience of the hotel is very grown up and families with younger children might find it too formal.

Communications

Communications
Each room has internet facilities and a telephone. The area also has cell phone reception.
TV & radio
There are flat screen TV's in each room with local satellite channels.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
No
Medical care
There is a hospital and doctors in Knysna.
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Security measures
None
Fire safety
Each room has a fire extinguisher.

Activities

  • Boat trip

    Boat trip

  • Canoeing

    Canoeing

  • Dune-boarding

    Dune-boarding

  • Elephant encounter

    Elephant encounter

  • Fishing

    Fishing

  • Helicopter

    Helicopter

  • Horse-riding

    Horse-riding

  • Kayaking

    Kayaking

  • Mountain biking

    Mountain biking

  • Quad-biking

    Quad-biking

  • Scuba-diving

    Scuba-diving

  • Self-guided walking

    Self-guided walking

  • Snorkelling

    Snorkelling

  • Watersports

    Watersports

Extras

Disabled access
In Place
Laundry facilities
A laundry service is available at an extra charge.
Money
Each room has an electronic safe and a currency exchange is not possible.
Accepted payment on location
All major credit cards are accepted as well as cash payments in South African Rand.

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Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Turbine Hotel.


Other lodges in Knysna | Garden Route

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


St James of Knysna

St James of Knysna

The luxury St James of Knysna is perched on the edge of the Knysna Lagoon, within sight of the town of Knysna.


100% (1 review)

When to go to Knysna | Garden Route

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Turbine Hotel in Knysna | Garden Route


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

South Africa in January

January is considered one of the best months to travel. In Cape Town the weather is hot and generally dry. The Garden Route is also excellent at this time of the year but has a more temperate climate, with slightly lower temperatures and rain can fall at any time of the year. In the Kgalagadi temperatures often top 40°C and short, sharp thunderstorms are also fairly frequent. Wildlife tends to disperse, although birding is excellent.

As this is the high season in the Cape there are numerous events, festivals and outdoor activities to attract visitors. Accommodation books up quickly and it may be necessary to book at least a year in advance. Reservations will often be needed for restaurants and visitor attractions too.

  • Hot, largely dry days with clear skies – except on Garden Route
  • Wildlife disperses in the Kalahari but birding excellent
  • Events, festivals and outdoor activities staged for the high season
  • The high season in the Cape, accommodation can cost up to 50% more
  • Pre-booking of activities & attractions is essential

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in January

South Africa in February

In February conditions are largely the same as in January, although temperatures can be slightly higher, especially in the interior. The wind in Cape Town starts to ease off. Although the Garden Route can experience some rain, the days are pleasantly warm and largely dry.

The Kgalagadi remains very hot, but the birding is still excellent. Wildlife viewing can be tricky especially if there has been some rain, as the resulting long grass can obscure the animals.

For visitors it’s still the high season, but with the local school holidays over and residents back at work, it is less busy than December and January. Accommodation costs remain high and it’s still advisable to pre-book certain activities and restaurants.

  • Hot, largely dry days with little cloud
  • Wind starts easing in Cape Town
  • Slightly less busy than December & January
  • Accommodation costs remain high, activities still best pre-booked

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in February

South Africa in March

March is still a very good time to visit. Conditions remain dry and very warm in Cape Town, although temperatures start dropping off towards the end of the month. The wind has usually died right down.

The Kalahari remains very hot and in years of good rains vegetation is at its most lush – making wildlife viewing tricky.

Typically, the crowds dwindle, but it can get very busy if Easter falls in March. It is also worth bearing in mind that during major events in March, including the Cape Town Cycle Tour, Cape Epic Mountain Bike Tour, The Cape Town Carnival and the International Jazz Festival, accommodation can get very full.

Attractions remain busy but booking is less essential.

  • Temperatures start falling towards the end of the month
  • Cape Town hosts a number of world class sport and cultural events
  • Wildlife in the Kgalagadi disperses, game viewing more challenging
  • Crowds diminish as the high season comes to an end
  • Accommodation can get busy during major events

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in March

South Africa in April

April is South Africa’s “shoulder” season and is often the most pleasant. Not too hot, not too cold, some rain but not masses. In Cape Town and along the Garden Route days are usually sunny, warm, windless and largely dry, although in Cape Town the chance of rain increases from the end of the month.

In the Kgalagadi the rainy season is typically over and migratory birds are starting to make their journey back up North. Vegetation remains lush but wildlife viewing starts picking up towards the end of the month.

The region is still relatively busy (especially of its still Easter) but it gets quieter towards the end of the month thus availability improves. Accommodation rates start to decrease, and it becomes less important to book restaurants and attractions in advance.

  • Temperatures still warm and very pleasant, with little wind.
  • Rain starts easing in the Kalahari and migratory birds start to depart
  • Less busy, especially towards the end of the month - busy over Easter
  • Accommodation frees up and prices start to come down

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in April

South Africa in May

May marks the start of the dry season in the Kgalagadi. Days are warm and dry with almost zero rainfall. Night-time/early-morning temperatures can drop towards 0°C. Wildlife viewing is at its peak as animals concentrate around the few remaining water sources.

Days can still be warm and sunny in Cape Town and on the Garden Route, but the weather becomes a lot more variable. May heralds the start of the rainy season in Cape Town and the winelands. Night-time temperatures rarely drop below 10 degrees in the coastal areas.

With far fewer tourists, accommodation prices are at their lowest. There is rarely any need to pre-book activities, but reservations are still advisable at some of the top restaurants.

  • Higher chance of rain in Cape Town & the Winelands
  • Day time temperatures drop significantly
  • Wildlife viewing peaks in the Kgalagadi
  • Low season so rarely busy & very few crowds
  • Low season rates at the hotels & lodges

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in May

South Africa in June

Winter is now in full swing. Maximum temperatures in Cape Town rarely reach 20°C and the rainy season is well under way. Outdoor activities therefore become limited, but a number of high-quality indoor events are organised.

The Garden Route has, in general milder weather and less rain than Cape Town.

June sees the arrival of the first whales which migrate to the South African coastline to give birth.

In the Kgalagadi, daytime temperatures are warm but nights and early mornings are bitterly cold. Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals are drawn to the few remaining permanent water points.

Overall tourist numbers are at their lowest, as are the costs of flights and accommodation.

  • Cold & wet weather in Cape Town, Kgalagadi warm days but cold at night
  • One of the best months for wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
  • Whales start arriving to have their calves
  • Low visitor numbers & no crowds
  • Accommodation & flight prices remain low

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in June

South Africa in July

The winter weather continues with very cold nights and early mornings in the Kgalagadi and virtually no rainfall. Vegetation here is really thinning out now and water even more scarce – so wildlife is easy to spot.

Despite the winter and local school holidays, Cape Town remains a great place to visit. On a wet and cold day, the Two Oceans Aquarium, Zeitz Mocca (art museum) and the Cape Town Comedy Club all make for great days out, as does a trip to the wine country or the annual Oyster Festival at Knysna.

By mid-July most of the whales have arrived to give birth. Hermanus is the best place to see them.

At the height of the low season, so accommodation and flight prices remain low.

  • Generally cold & wet in the Cape, but good quality indoor events
  • Very good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
  • Oyster festival in Knysna
  • Local school holidays can make places a little busier than usual
  • Accommodation and flight prices remain low

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in July

South Africa in August

While August experiences mostly wintry weather it does mark the very beginning of spring with temperatures starting to rise. Visitors are drawn to the West Coast and Namaqualand to see the wildflowers, which start blooming in late August and can be seen until mid-September. Whales are still in abundance now too.

The Kgalagadi is now very dry and wildlife vieiwng is still good. Temperatures start climbing towards the end of the month.

Despite the weather , visitor numbers can be high as the northern hemisphere schools close for their summer holidays. It may be a good idea to book certain attractions and restaurants in advance.

Simlarly, although accommodation prices are still low, flight prices can be a little higher than in previous months.

  • Temperatures start rising – but still potential for cold & wet weather
  • Wildflowers on the West Coast & in Namaqualand
  • Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
  • Whales continue to attract visitors
  • Can get busy due to northern hemisphere school summer holidays

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in August

South Africa in September

Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi continues and daytime temperatures increase quite dramatically. Mornings and evenings are still on the chilly side, but not as cold as they are in June, July and August.

The 1st of September is officially the start of spring in Cape Town. Days become warmer but not quite warm enough to enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches. Venues all over Cape Town play host to various artists during the Cape Town Fringe Festival.
Rainy days are fewer, but night times can still get chilly. Many hotels are still charging low season rates making September great value for money.

Elsewhere, Hermanus hosts the popular annual Whale Festival, and in the West of the Cape, wildflowers continue to bloom until the middle of the month.

  • The start of spring; temperatures start rising
  • Whale festival in Hermanus
  • Cape Town Fringe Ferstival attracts a wide range of artists
  • Wildflowers blooming well until the middle of the month
  • Good wildlife viewing continues in the Kgalagadi

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in September

South Africa in October

The weather starts warming up nicely, Cape Town experiences pleasant days, with much less rain, nights can still be quite cool, but not cold. Some days are now warm enough to enjoy the beach. This is one of the best months to visit the Cape Region.

October is one of the hottest months in the Kalahari. Water remains very scarce, so the wildlife viewing is still very good. Towards the end of the month the odd spectacular thunderstorm is possible with much lightning and thunder. Migratory birds start to arrive, and resident species gear up for the breeding season.

The whales are still present with Hermanus and False Bay the best places to see them.

  • Days start warming up; fewer rainy days in Cape Town
  • Very hot in the Kalahari – thunderstorms season starts
  • Migratory birds start arriving & resident birds start breeding
  • Whale watching still excellent in Hermanus and False Bay areas
  • Start of the high season, getting busy and accommodation prices rise

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

South Africa in November

By November Cape Town is experiencing summer conditions with hot, clear days and warm, pleasant evenings. It’s a great month to enjoy the beaches before the peak holiday season in December. There are no real downsides to visiting in November and you may even get a few accommodation specials before prices go up for the festive season. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens begins their summer outdoor concerts with local and international artists performing.

The Kgalagadi remains hot but thunderstorms are a bit more regular. With the rains, water sources become more plentiful and wildlife disperses but this is when herbivores such as Springbok start lambing. Photography improves as conditions become less hazy.

This is the last month for regular whale sightings – they tend to migrate back down south by early December.

  • Summer now in full swing, with temperatures often reaching 30°C
  • Rainy days scarce; evenings warm & very pleasant
  • Antelope start lambing in the Kgalagadi; wildlife generally dispersed
  • Last month for regular whale sightings
  • Good time to visit Cape Town before the peak holiday season

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in November

South Africa in December

December is usually Cape Town’s hottest month when temperatures frequently breach 30°C. You can expect hot and cloudless days, and almost no rain but December does see the occasional very windy day.

The Kalahari is still hot, but temperatures are not quite as high as previous months. With the rainfall the bush transforms into various shades of green. Wildlife disperses as water become more widely available.

The Garden Route enjoys warm to hot days with rain at any time but usually not over an extended period.

Mid to late December becomes incredibly busy with concerts, festivals and various outdoor activities in Cape Town. Hotel prices rise, tourist attractions and beaches are crowded and most popular sites and restaurants need to be booked in advance.

  • Long, hot sunny days
  • Kgalagadi bursts into life as rainy season kicks in
  • Wildlife viewing a bit trickier as wildlife disperses
  • Cape Town buzzing with concerts, events, festivals etc
  • Peak season: attractions get very busy & accommodation costs rise

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in December

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