Welcome to Turbine Hotel & Spa – Knysna

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From241US$ /night
Check-in
10Sept2025Select date
Check-out
11Sept2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

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

Turbine Hotel & Spa is a boutique 5-star hotel on Thesen Islands which offers guests luxurious accommodation, exceptional cuisine, and a range of world-class facilities.

Unique Room Design

Each of the rooms at Turbine Hotel & Spa provide luxurious amenities such as a flat screen TV, WiFi, a fully-stocked mini bar, and a tea and coffee station. The décor of the Lagoon Wing makes use of soft aquatic hues like turquoise, silver, and pale greens of the eelgrass and reeds that line the famous estuary.

Distinctive Dining Venues

The 90-seater Island Café boasts an spacious terrace for al fresco dining, an airy interior, and a delectable menu for breakfasts, light lunches and gourmet dinners. The Gastro Pub is the ideal spot for a magical sundowner complemented by a mouth-watering bite to eat from an imaginitive pub-style menu.

Luxurious Spa Treatments

The Turbine Spa offers an exotically mosaic-tiled Rasul Steam Room - perfect for loved-up couples, and an exclusive Spa Massage Pedi Chair for simultaneous back massage and pedicure. The Knysna Journey, a 90-minute spoil, starts with a relaxing foot scrub and massage, ending with a full body massage of your choice.

Exciting Nearby Adventures

Thesen Island presents an ideal launchpad for diverse activities including lagoon cruises, whale watching and kayaking the canals. The scenic drive to Storms River takes you along to the Bloukrans Bridge, where you can tackle the world's highest commercial bungee jump.

Strategic Location

Turbine Hotel & Spa is 35 km from Plettenberg Bay. Pezula Championship Course, a breathtaking award-winning course designed by David Dale and Ronald Fream of GolfPlan USA, is located nearby.

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Select your room type

Choose from doubles, suites, or family rooms, many with breakfast, flexible cancellation, and promotional rates
Luxury Room
Max:
2 persons
36 m² 
Bed options:
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
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Double Room
Max:
2 persons
28 m² 
Bed options:
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
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Suite
Max:
2 persons
60 m² 
Bed options:
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Getting around

A guide to all available transportation options

City Centre
Knysna 1.5 km
Airports
Plettenberg Bay (PBZ) 34.4 km
George (GRJ) 72.1 km

Facilities

Boutique hotels design their amenities with your relaxation and unique travel experiences in mind

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free 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

  • Seasonal outdoor pool
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Sun loungers
  • 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

  • Wi-Fi in rooms
  • 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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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
110 m
TH 2 Long Street Thesen Harbour Town
Jandreart Studio
110 m
Island
Thesen's Island
110 m
TH44 Long St
Ocean Odyssey Whale Watching Knysna
110 m
Shop Th24 Saffron Street
Scootours
110 m
Restaurants
The Island Cafe
10 m
Sawtooth Lane Thesen Islands
Tapas & Oysters
120 m
Thesen Harbour Town TH29 Thesen Harbour Town
The Project Bar
190 m
TH 28
Ile de Pain
220 m
8-10 The Boatshed Thesen Harbour Town
34 South
1.1 km
Waterfront
The Drydock Food Co
1.2 km
Waterfront Shop 1
Cafe Mario
1.2 km
The Quays
O Pescador Restaurant
1.1 km
Waterfront Drive
Asami's House
1.2 km
Waterfront Drive Knysna Central

Reviews and Ratings

Real comments from travelers who have already stayed
84%
said they enjoyed their stay and plan to return.
Friendly staff
Great location
Unacceptable noise levels
Limited dining variety
8.4/10
Great
Rooms
8.3
Location
9.0
Service
8.2
Dining
7.9
Guest reviews
8.4/10
based on 10 reviews
9.0
9.0/10 based on 901 reviews
Michael
United States, May  2024
7.4/10

Waking up in front of the mountains and lagoon at the hotel was a dreamy experience. The rooms were comfy and spacious, but the historical electrical components attached to walls and cupboard doors were a bit odd and took up valuable space. The small yellow bath duck instead of a plug added a touch of humor to the room.

Rooms
8.0
The rooms were comfy and spacious with a touch of humor with the small yellow bath duck plug.
Service
7.0
The staff was very friendly and helpful, although I would have preferred them not entering the room without knocking.
Location
9.0
The location was fantastic with a range of restaurants close by and easy access to Knysna and the surrounding area. I didn't even have to move the car during my stay.
Dining
7.0
The dining experience was really good with a nice selection, but I found it a bit unimaginative for the caliber of a boutique style hotel.
Facilities
6.0
The facilities were satisfactory, but some modern updates could enhance the overall experience.
William
United States, April  2024
8.2/10

My stay at the hotel was delightful. The rooms were comfortable, spacious, and had everything you could possibly want. The hotel's history as an old turbine added a unique touch. The service was excellent, with friendly and attentive staff. Despite a few shortcomings like the noisy and smelly staff entrance, the location was perfect for my stay. The dining experience, while a bit unimaginative, offered fresh and satisfying options. Overall, a great value for the money.

Rooms
9.0
Staying in our suite was a dream come true. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and the room had all the amenities we needed.
Service
8.0
The staff went above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. From replacing used breakfast items promptly to preserving historical elements of the property, their dedication was evident.
Location
8.0
The hotel's unique setting surrounded by waterways and private boat berths was truly special. However, the noise and smells near the staff entrance were a bit of a downside.
Dining
7.0
The dining options, although somewhat uninspired for a boutique hotel, offered fresh and quality choices without the usual breakfast buffet chaos.
Facilities
9.0
The hotel's facilities were top-notch, providing everything needed for a comfortable stay.
Annie
United States, April  2024
9.0/10

I absolutely loved my stay at the hotel. The rooms were lovely and clean with a stunning view of the water, but they were a bit small, especially if you get one behind the bar area with steep stairs. The location is unbeatable right on Thesens waterfront, offering beautiful views of the quays, and the attached restaurant was very good. The dining experience was top-notch, with fresh options and a great view over the lagoon. The facilities were excellent, making my stay very comfortable and enjoyable.

Rooms
8.0
The rooms are lovely and clean with a stunning view of the water, but quite small in some areas.
Service
9.0
I can't thank all the staff enough for their courteous and helpful service.
Location
10.0
The location is unbeatable right on Thesens waterfront with beautiful views of the quays.
Dining
9.0
The dining experience was top-notch with fresh options and a stunning view over the lagoon.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities were excellent, enhancing my overall stay experience.
Alice
United States, February  2024
8.0/10

The hotel offers comfy and well-equipped rooms, spotless and well-appointed with exceptionally quiet and effective air conditioning. However, the historical electrical components attached to walls and cupboard doors serve no function and take up valuable space.

Rooms
9.0
The rooms are comfy and well equipped, spotless, and very well appointed. The aircon is exceptionally quiet and effective.
Service
7.0
The staff were friendly, especially nice in adding a bottle of sparkling wine for our honeymoon. However, they were not as helpful as expected and sometimes blamed the hotel.
Location
9.0
The location is fantastic, with a range of nearby restaurants and easy access to Knysna and the surrounding area. It's a perfect spot on the Island close to the waterfront.
Dining
8.0
The dining experience was really good with stunning views over the lagoon. However, some food items like the biltong or bacon were not up to par.
Facilities
7.0
The facilities are in a former powerhouse and include about 3-4 restaurants, boutique shops, and a children's play area. However, the odd historical electrical components may detract from the overall experience.
Mary
United States, January  2024
8.8/10

The hotel offers a delightful experience with clean and comfortable rooms, friendly and helpful staff, and a fabulous location right on Thesens waterfront. The dining experience is impeccable, although some may find it lacking variety. The facilities are well-maintained, making it a great choice for a relaxing getaway.

Rooms
9.0
The room was comfortable and clean with a perfect view and lovely high ceilings and balcony.
Service
9.0
The service was incredibly helpful, and the staff ensured our happiness throughout the stay.
Location
9.0
The hotel is situated inside an old turbine company, but it's well-integrated into the island community and offers amazing views over the bay and surrounding area.
Dining
8.0
The dining experience was good with a great selection that set us up for the day.
Facilities
9.0
The hotel provides a hot packed breakfast when needed and offers traditional Marche products. The facilities are top-notch and enhance the overall stay.
Donald
United States, October  2023
8.6/10

I absolutely loved my stay at this hotel! The rooms had lovely views of the lagoon, were spacious, and impeccably clean. The service was a bit lacking, especially when we had to carry our luggage to the suite ourselves and weren't informed about the lack of air conditioning. However, the location was unbeatable, right on Thesens waterfront with beautiful views of the quays and within easy reach of great restaurants. The dining experience was tasty despite limited options, and the facilities were modern and convenient.

Rooms
9.0
The rooms were spacious, well-appointed, and clean, with stunning views of the lagoon.
Service
7.0
The service was a bit lacking, especially with having to carry our luggage and lack of air conditioning alert.
Location
10.0
The location couldn't be better, right on Thesens waterfront with beautiful views of the quays and close to fantastic restaurant options.
Dining
8.0
Despite limited options, the dining experience was enjoyable and the food was tasty.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities were modern and convenient, adding a touch of luxury to my stay.
Marie
United States, October  2023
8.2/10

My stay at the hotel was absolutely delightful! From the little extras like a bottle of champagne upon arrival to the attentive service from all the staff, my experience was top-notch. The room covered all our needs, making it a comfortable and memorable stay. However, the noise levels both nights were unacceptable, affecting my overall experience.

Rooms
8.0
I loved the little extras like a bottle of champagne when we arrived and some port for those cold winter nights. Room 201 was cozy and met all our needs perfectly.
Service
9.0
The service was impeccable, from helpful and friendly interactions with the staff to 5-star service and attentiveness. They made sure we were happy throughout our stay.
Location
7.0
The location is very well designed on Thesen Island. It's perfect in a very safe area close to a number of good restaurants and a short walk to the Knysna Waterfront area. However, the unacceptable noise levels both nights were a downside.
Dining
8.0
Dining at the hotel was amazing, beautifully presented in a beautiful pool deck setting. The restaurant offered very tasty options, though there could have been a bit more variety.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities were modern and well-maintained, adding to the overall comfort of my stay.
Friendly staff
Unacceptable noise levels
William
United States, September  2023
9.2/10

I had an amazing time at this hotel. The rooms offered excellent views of the waterfront, making them airy, light, and spacious with a great bathroom. The service was top-notch, with helpful staff guiding us on activities. The location is both peaceful on the lagoon and close to the waterfront. Dining was a pleasant experience with fresh options. The facilities were fantastic, making my stay truly enjoyable.

Rooms
9.0
The room was lovely airy, light, and spacious with a great bathroom and view over the pool and waterways.
Service
10.0
The staff provided 5-star service and attentiveness, making our stay truly special.
Location
10.0
The hotel is peaceful and beautiful on the lagoon but still close to the waterfront, offering a fantastic atmosphere.
Dining
8.0
The dining options were a bit limited but the quality of the food was exceptional, and the views over the marina were spectacular.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities were outstanding, and I particularly enjoyed the views from every window.
Joe
United States, September  2023
8.2/10

I had a mix of experiences at this hotel. On one hand, the room was spacious, covering all our needs, and offered a great living area. On the other hand, the historical electrical components attached to walls and cupboard doors were odd and took up valuable space. Being above the hotel restaurant made it difficult to sleep in due to the morning commotion of preparing breakfast.

Rooms
7.0
The room covered all our needs, but the odd historical electrical components took up valuable space.
Service
8.0
The staff was warm and helpful, but not as responsive as I would have liked. They did intervene and offer us a complimentary round of drinks, which was a nice touch.
Location
9.0
The hotel's location on Thesen Island is perfect for exploring Knysna with great restaurants within walking distance. The area feels safe, and the repurposed power station offers good facilities.
Dining
9.0
The dining experience was very complete and delicious. The buffet and cooked offerings were satisfying, and the restaurant served very good food.
Facilities
8.0
The facilities were good overall, with some minor inconveniences like the noise from the restaurant below affecting the room above.
Albert
United States, June  2023
7.4/10

My stay at the hotel was a mixed experience. The rooms, although not very spacious, were cozy and well-equipped with extras like a coffee machine and bar fridge. However, watch out for rooms on the second floor behind the bar area with steep stairs. The small balcony overlooking the pool was a nice touch, offering great views.

Rooms
7.0
Cozy rooms with nice extras and a small balcony with pool views.
Service
8.0
The staff was very attentive, friendly, and helpful both at reception and in the bar and restaurant.
Location
9.0
The hotel is unbeatably located right on Thesens waterfront, offering beautiful views and a chilled-out vibe with nice restaurants nearby.
Dining
7.0
The dining experience was quite good, with fresh options and the ability to order from the menu at your table, although a bit limited.
Facilities
6.0
The hotel provides basic facilities, but there is room for improvement in this area.
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10Sept2025Select date
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room