The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa is a 5-star hotel situated on Thesen Islands in Knysna. It offers guests luxurious Knysna accommodation, exceptional cuisine, stunning views and a range of world-class facilities.

The first thing we noticed as we stepped into the hotel was how the architecture intuitively pays homage to the old power station that it once was. I am still in awe of how lovingly the old machinery has been restored to form an integral part of the hotel’s aesthetics. The Turbine is a feast for the eyes as you walk past massive turbines on the balcony and marvel at the intriguing steel pillars and pipes that now form part of its décor, all the while soaking up its fascinating history.

We were met with a warm welcome that immediately made the Turbine feel like home. And as we were shown to our rooms, I could not help but notice the craftmanship that has gone into the design of this hotel – the minute aspects from the old power station that have been sensitively retained and elegantly incorporated into the design of the hotel give you an experience like no other.

From the reception to the lobby, to our rooms, the theme of the old power station runs through the hotel. And as we entered the room I was blown away by the structure of the room – a selection of rooms are structured to take in the panoramic view of the canal and, depending on which side of the hotel you are situated in you can even get a glimpse of the stunning infinity pool. Each of the rooms provide luxurious amenities such as a flat screen TV, WiFi, a fully-stocked mini bar, and a tea and coffee station. The bathroom, with ‘his and hers’ basins, a shower and a bathtub that sets the mood for a relaxing bubble-bath and bubbly, had an elegant ‘look and feel’ to it. And to my surprise the room included a workstation that I could use given the new remote working norm.

That evening we were treated by the Turbine Water Club to a sunset cruise which included sundowners and a delectable platter. Our knowledgeable skipper took us out on the canal while providing us with valuable insights on the history of Knysna. And as we stood beneath the Knysna heads, I felt a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the beauty of the island on which the hotel is situated.

The Turbine’s modern 5-star facilities include the Turbine Spa, the excellent Island Café, the Gastro Pub, a pool on the wooden deck and a selection of land and water based activities. The Turbine Spa – one of the finest on the Garden Route, offers guests a wide range of relaxing and rejuvenating body and beauty treatments from massages to facials. There is a Rasul Steam room, and its world-class treatment room included a water feature which emulated the sounds of a trickling stream. The spa treatments which we were treated to were nothing short of sublime. Once our 60-minutes were over I felt relaxed, rejuvenated and ready to enjoy our gourmet dinner.

Gourmet cuisine – extraordinary dishes from a diverse a la carte menu – is served at one of the most impressive restaurants in Knysna, the Island Café restaurant, which overlooks the stunning canal.

Personally, there are two things that I look out for when booking a holiday destination – one is to get out of the city and two is to enjoy nature to its fullest. The Turbine did not disappoint given that we were able to enjoy our afternoon at the Turbine by making use of their bicycle hire facilities. And later, as we paddled along the canals, we were able to explore Thesen Island and the rich heritage that it has to offer. Named as one of Knysna’s best boutique hotels the Turbine Hotel and Spa with its four imposing steam towers visible from afar, is part of a Heritage Walk.

The highlight of this trip and what made this experience unforgettable is the history and architecture of the hotel, its prime location, its world-class spa facilities and most importantly the friendly attentive manager and staff. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa.

T:  044 302 5746
E:  Reservations
W: Turbine Hotel

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Written by Paballo Makupu for Luxuria Lifestyle South Africa