Boiler Room Luxury
Built in the 1930s and before its ambitious transformation, the Turbine Hotel & Spa used to be one of the original power stations in Knysna. Today, it is used as a five-star boutique hotel, whilst its strong heritage and industrial aesthetic bestows on it a truly intriguing atmosphere.
Famous for its outstanding views, annual oyster festival and welcoming people, Knysna, a small town situated on the picturesque Garden Route, has been attracting visitors for years. Turbine Hotel & Spa is situated within the scenic Knysna estuary, on Thesen Island, and offers guests the very best in luxury accommodation, panoramic views, world-class cuisine, and exceptional facilities. By retaining the old materials used in the original power station, the hotel offers guests the opportunity to soak up the building’s history and marvel at the incredible industrial backdrop which has been lovingly restored. Massive turbines, steel pillars and pipes have been merged with funky décor to create an aesthetic like no other. The machinery and pipes are painted in vibrant red, blue, green and orange, matched by dining chairs in different bright colours. All sorts of unusual instruments and contraptions are dotted around the hotel and will keep engineers, scientists, and curious visitors fascinated for hours. If quirky is your thing, this old power plant harks back to a time that we’ve long passed – a slice of history that few will get to experience.
Architects and interior designers had a field day in designing and shaping the look and feel of the rooms, and this resulted in the rooms being just as quirky as the building itself. The Honeymoon Suite provides the perfect romantic getaway for couples, and the Water Club, with its fully-stocked kitchen, dishwasher, fridge/freezer and washing machine is ideal for families or groups of friends who want independence in five-star style.
For those who prefer to have others do it for them, the Island Café restaurant at the Turbine Hotel & Spa is a destination that is popular with holidaymakers, locals and guests alike. The restaurant has a fine reputation, and food-lovers can expect to be taken on a culinary adventure, from the imaginative breakfasts and light lunches to the mouthwatering gourmet dinners. Indulge in a stack of flapjacks smothered in maple syrup and topped with crispy bacon for breakfast; enjoy ‘Geoff’s grilled chicken’ - chicken breast basted with garlic lemon and mild chilli, served with rustic cut fries for lunch; and for dinner, why not try the mouth-watering braised lamb shank served with creamy polenta and roast beetroot? And, if you’ve got space for dessert after all that, then the decadent dark chocolate mousse, served with salted caramel popcorn is a must!
If you’re more in the mood for finger food, the Turbine Gastro Pub is ideal. It has an outdoor seating area and a snug indoors with a full range of ales, wines and spirits, and a menu that includes sticky riblets, Prego steak rolls, tempura prawns, fried Patagonia calamari, beef kebabs and pulled pork ciabatta. A massive lifting hook and tarnished metal chains dating from the power-plant days make an interesting talking point in the pub.
There are also a range of activities on offer for guests to enjoy during their stay at the Turbine Hotel & Spa. If you’re looking to get some sand between your toes, some of the most beautiful beaches in South Africa are just a short drive away. The hotel also has two of its very own motorised pontoon barges, each seating up to 10 people, so guests can enjoy a champagne and canapé sunset cruise whilst ogling the incredible view of the Knysna Heads, a magnificent rock formation guarding the lagoon where it joins the ocean. Boating, kayaking, swimming or even kitesurfing can be enjoyed in the sheltered lagoon, and if you’re wanting to get out into the deeper sea, why not charter a fishing boat or yacht for the day? Hiking and cycling are also great options for those wanting to be in nature, and there is always the bustling Knysna waterfront and harbour for a bit of shopping.
After a day either relaxing or getting your blood pumping out on the lagoon, treat yourself to a session the hotel’s spa. The spa – which offers a wide variety of body, facial and beauty treatments as well as an exotic mosaic-tiled rasul (spa room decorated in the style of a Turkish hammam) – has two signature treatments. These are the glorious Kurhula Ritual, a 90-minute pampering with a full body massage and facial to restore balance and revitalise your body, mind and soul; and the Jewel of Africa, a 90-minute treatment using warm rose and clear crystals to balance your energies.
So, the next time you consider taking a scenic trip on the magnificent Garden Route, make sure you stop off and spend a few nights experiencing all the beauty Knysna has to offer with a stay at the Turbine Hotel & Spa. With modern five-star facilities coupled with historical artefacts that reflect the island’s rich past, in one of the most beautiful parts of the country, you just can’t go wrong.
For more information, please visit www.turbinehotel.co.za, call reservations on +27 44 302 5746, or email them at reservations@turbinehotel.co.za.