Knysna’s Turbine Hotel & Spa is housed in what was once a working power station, with original pipes, boilers and machinery seamlessly woven into the living spaces. The result is a striking industrial-chic aesthetic that blends heritage with contemporary luxury.
The building is a tangible link to Thesen Island’s past, when the now-upmarket enclave was an industrial hub for timber processing. When the industry declined, plans were initially floated to convert the power station into a museum. Instead, it became a heritage hotel – effectively a living museum – with thoughtful nods to its former life as a sawmill and power plant embedded throughout.
Remnants of this history are everywhere: an old clock-in card machine, restored documents and archival photographs; the original wood boiler and four refurbished electricity generators; and exposed pipes painted in their original functional colours – green for lagoon water, red for steam and blue for cold water.
These robust industrial elements are softened by upmarket finishes and bold colour accents against bare brick whitewashed walls. Public spaces host mismatched chairs in turquoise, red, mustard and patterned fabrics, alongside sculptures and artworks inspired by Knysna and other coastal towns. The 26 bedrooms are spacious and thoughtfully designed, with themes ranging from “nautical” to “forest”, all well equipped and inviting.
While the power-station heritage provides plenty of novelty, the showstopper is the infinity pool. Set on a wooden deck and shaded by deep-blue umbrellas, it looks out across the canals and waterfront homes, making it an ideal spot to linger. Dining is split between two on-site restaurants: the Island Café and the more casual Gastro Pub, which overlooks Thesen Island and serves local craft beers alongside a cheerful, approachable menu. The prawn and seafood curry is particularly popular, as are the cocktails, mocktails and much-loved cheesecake.
The hotel’s location is ideal for exploring Knysna and its surrounds. It’s close to the lagoon, the waterfront, shops and a host of outdoor activities, and from the hotel it’s a short walk over a bridge into the heart of Knysna itself. Thesen Island, with its multimillion-rand homes and mix of businesses aimed at an affluent market, has a slightly Martha’s Vineyard feel, while Knysna itself offers a grittier, more everyday contrast, with shops catering to a broader market.
Art lovers should make time for Knysna Fine Art, a spacious gallery owned by Trent Read, eldest son of the late Everard Read, once a doyen of South African art. The gallery has a working relationship with the Turbine Hotel, and much of the art displayed throughout the hotel is sourced from – and available for purchase through – the gallery.
Beyond town, the regio is a haven for nature lovers. Hike 3km or 9km trails in the Knysna Forest, visit sanctuaries for birds, monkeys, wolves, snakes and elephants, or explore the Keurbooms River Nature Reserve. There are also tours and horse riding on offer, while thrill-seekers can opt for ziplining, skydiving, parachuting, kayaking or sandboarding.
One of the highlights of our stay was a lagoon cruise aboard the luxury catamaran Bella Luna with Ocean Sailing Charters. Gliding through the Knysna Heads, bobbing on the water, was both exhilarating and memorable – well worth braving the waves.
Back at the hotel, the spa is well worth a visit for a proper pampering session with skilled therapists. Or settle in with a cocktail by the pool, taking in the view.