Turbine Hotel and Spa

5.0 star property
Lakefront hotel with 3 restaurants and a marina

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Turbine Hotel and Spa

Exterior
Reception
Outdoor pool
Suite | Terrace/patio
3 restaurants, breakfast, lunch, dinner served; Italian cuisine

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Room service
  • Spa

Explore the area

View in a map
TH 36 Sawtooth Lane, Thesen Islands, Knysna, Western Cape, 6570
  • Place, Knysna Lagoon
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Knysna Waterfront
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Place, Knysna Quays
    ‪12 min walk‬
  • Airport, Plettenberg Bay (PBZ)
    ‪37 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Room

7.6 out of 10
Good
(5 reviews)
  • 301 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Canal view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

Luxury Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 377 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Canal view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

Suite

  • 624 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Canal view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

About the neighborhood

Knysna

Located in Thesen Island, Turbine Hotel and Spa is next to Cape Floral Region Protected Areas and Knysna Lagoon. This 26-room, 5-star hotel welcomes business and leisure travelers with a marina, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants.

What's nearby

  • Knysna Lagoon - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Knysna Waterfront - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Knysna Quays - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Leisure Isle - 17 min drive - 6.1 miles
  • Featherbed Nature Reserve - 24 min drive - 11.4 miles

Getting around

  • George (GRJ) - 59 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Seattle Coffee Company - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Salt & Petal - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪34 Tapas & Oyster - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Trinity Premium Coffee Co. - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪The Drydock Food Co - ‬14 min walk

About this property

Turbine Hotel and Spa

Lakefront hotel with 3 restaurants and a marina
Guests of Turbine Hotel and Spa have access to a marina, a full-service spa, and an outdoor pool. Airport transportation is made easy with an airport shuttle (available on request) for ZAR 650 per person one-way. Front-desk staff can answer questions 24/7, and assist with securing valuables, concierge services, and luggage storage. Other amenities at this luxury hotel include a steam room, free WiFi in public areas, and a conference center.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi and 32-inch LCD TVs with satellite channels and DVD players. Beds are dressed in premium bedding and bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Kitchenettes, refrigerators, and minibars are also standard.
Recreational amenities at the hotel include an outdoor pool and a steam room.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the hotel's full-service spa, Amani Spa. Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, Swedish massages, and facials. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, and reflexology.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available
  • Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge) from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM at scheduled times and on request

Food and drink

  • 2 coffee shops/cafes
  • 3 restaurants
  • A bar/lounge
  • A poolside bar
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Col Cacchio Pizzeria
  • The Island Cafe
  • The Tapas Bar

Things to do

  • Bicycle rentals
  • Boat tours
  • Fishing
  • Full-service spa
  • Kayaking
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool
  • Piano
  • Playground
  • Sailing
  • Steam room

Family friendly

  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • DVD player
  • In-room kitchenette
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Hair salon
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service

Business services

  • 24-hour business center
  • Conference center
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Marina
  • On a lake
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Detox wraps
  • Facials
  • Hot stone massages
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Prenatal massages
  • Reflexology
  • Swedish massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • 2 buildings
  • 2 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch LCD TV with premium satellite channels
  • DVD player

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Espresso maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Kitchenette
  • Limited room service
  • Minibar
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Individual decor
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for ZAR 1000 per night

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Airport shuttle fee: ZAR 650 per person (one-way)
  • Airport shuttle fee per child: ZAR 650 (one-way), (from 3 to 18 years old)
  • Rollaway bed fee: ZAR 1000 per night

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM—-10:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available during limited hours), which is offered for a fee.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • No parking is available onsite.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Connecting or adjoining rooms can be requested, but all rooms are subject to availability. Contact the property using the phone number on your booking confirmation.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

National rating

Quality Graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) – South Africa's official quality assurance organization.

Property is also known as

Turbine Hotel
Turbine Hotel Knysna
Turbine Knysna
Turbine Hotel Spa
Turbine Hotel and Spa Hotel
Turbine Hotel and Spa Knysna
Turbine Hotel and Spa Hotel Knysna

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at Turbine Hotel and Spa?

Turbine Hotel and Spa provides free cancellation on select room rates. To learn more, take a look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

What's there to do within easy reach of Turbine Hotel and Spa?

This hotel is situated in Thesen Island within a 10-minute walk of Knysna Lagoon and Cape Floral Region Protected Areas. You'll also find Knysna Quays and Knysna Waterfront less than a mile away.

Is there parking available at Turbine Hotel and Spa?

No, there isn't parking at this hotel.

Is there a spa at Turbine Hotel and Spa?

Amani Spa is the hotel's spa and services include Swedish massages, deep-tissue massages, aromatherapy, and body wraps.

Does Turbine Hotel and Spa include a casino on the premises?

No, Turbine Hotel and Spa doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Turbine Hotel and Spa?

No, this hotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.

Is Turbine Hotel and Spa good for couples?

This lakeside hotel offers plenty of amenities for couples including an outdoor pool, a poolside bar, and a restaurant with al fresco dining.

Are there hot tubs at Turbine Hotel and Spa?

No, but guests can enjoy a steam room at this hotel.

Does Turbine Hotel and Spa feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Turbine Hotel and Spa has 3 restaurants, and serves breakfast for a surcharge.

Does Turbine Hotel and Spa allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Turbine Hotel and Spa.

Are there connecting rooms at Turbine Hotel and Spa?

Yes, you can book connecting guestrooms at this hotel for your group or family vacation.

What is the closest airport to Turbine Hotel and Spa?

The closest major airport to Turbine Hotel and Spa is Plettenberg Bay (PBZ), which is 21.4 mi away (34 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Turbine Hotel and Spa?

Yes, some guestrooms at this hotel offer a balcony where guests can enjoy canal or garden views.

Turbine Hotel and Spa Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 122 out of 181 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 44 out of 181 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 10 out of 181 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 181 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 181 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Gregg

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

6/10 Okay

Lucy

Traveled with family
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Julie

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Jackie

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Arjun

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent stay ! Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

scott

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Willem

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Simon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Stephen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Unique hotel built around the turbine history. Lovely location , excellent staff
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Knysna

Really gorgeous hotel - built around an old turbine .. loads of character. Perfect position on thesen island ! Fantastic coffee shop there called isle de pain and The Nest for dinner ! Amazing views and food.. loved this place !
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lorna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wonderful.

This was our second stay at Turbine, one of our main reasons for the 5 / 6 hour drive from Cape Town. Just to stay here.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Spectacular and interesting property in a great marina area surrounded by restaurants and boutiques. We had a suite with a spectacular view of the lagoon. Highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

John

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely spot, friendly staff and superb breakfast
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lesandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sumaya

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The staff were all good, but a special mention to the breakfast staff. They went above and beyond. Also the massage therapist Thembi and Stephanie.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

R

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Linda

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Romy, Dubai

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely boutique hotel and friendly staff. They could provide more bigger bottles of water as they were giving very small ones.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Hennie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Luxury reflections of the past!

This is a wonderful place to stay when in Knysna! Fantastic views, and a very "different" feel to the public spaces in the hotel, with remnants of the old power station equipment abound in the hotel, but is uniquely balanced by some wonderful works of art! Staff were very friendly and helpful, though sometimes breakfast service was a little slow - but always worth waiting for! Also used the hotel spa, which was a fantastic experience, with very friendly and capable staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

4/10 Poor

Meline

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort

Terrible customer relations

Booked a single night for our wedding anniversary - upon our return after dinner there was not hot water available in our room. We reported it to reception- followed their instructions. An hour later there was still no hot water - reception sent 2 x ladies up to our room to check the water as if we are lying. Reception offered that we could use another room’s bathroom - but weren’t able to move is to an entire new room. We then decided to check out and find alternative accommodation as this is unacceptable. As I was halfway out the door already there miraculously became a room available - unfortunately by that time the whole evening was spoilt and we left. Issues arise - it is the manner that they are dealt with that makes the difference.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nigel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Quality contemporary hotel with a warm welcome

Lovely contemporary hotel offering very spacious and comfortable rooms in a quiet setting. It has a very boutique feeling, with a warm and friendly welcome from all the staff. The breakfast was excellent, although the service a little on the slow side. The location on the island is excellent for relaxing, together with a bit of mooching around the shops and cafes around and just a short walk into the Quays area. There are several restaurants within a few steps of the hotel. A great place to stay. I stayed twice on this trip and will definitely stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

2/10 Terrible

Nigel

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lorna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Fantastic

Fantastic quirky place which we couldn’t recommend highly enough. Plenty to see and do on Thesen Island. Unfortunately the A/C wasn’t working but supplied with a fan and some wine to make up for that.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023