Electric Accommodation
The building that houses the Turbine Hotel & Spa started life in the 1930s as one of the original power stations in Knysna. Today, it is a fivestar boutique hotel, whilst its strong heritage and industrial aesthetic gives 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, worldclass 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.
A Blast From the Past
Massive turbines, steel pillars and pipes have been combined with funky modern 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 bright colours. All sorts of unusual machinery 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, resulting in the rooms being just as quirky as the building itself.
The Honeymoon Suite provides the perfect romantic getaway for couples.
Temptation for the Taste Buds
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 mouth-watering 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 chili and served with rustic cut fries) for lunch; and for dinner, why not try the mouthwatering braised lamb shank served with creamy polenta and roast beetroot? And, if you’ve got space for dessert after all that, 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 pub menu that includes chicken naan, fish and chips, fried Patagonia calamari, 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.
Out & About
There are also a range of activities on offer for guests to enjoy during their stay. 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 own motorised pontoon barges, each seating up to 10 people, so guests can enjoy a champagne and canapé sunset cruise whilst gazing at the incredible view of the Knysna Heads, a magnificent rock formation guarding the lagoon where it joins the ocean.
A visit to Featherbed Nature Reserve is a must-do for all visitors to Knysna. Featherbed Nature Reserve, one of Knysna’s long-standing top attractions, was almost completely destroyed – 98% of its vegetation burnt to the ground – in the 2017 fire. But like the proverbial phoenix, it arose from the ashes! In December 2018 it officially reopened. A rehabilitation project which involved a horticulturist, a team of staff members and frequent visits from expert geologists, scientists and botanists to replant and rehabilitate the flora and fauna, and also to remove invasive alien plants species, was successfully completed in June 2019 (exactly two years after the disaster). About 85% of the indigenous vegetation has been restored. The flourishing rare Knysna Sands fynbos and coastal forest are once again home to insects, small animals and birds. This, together with stunning new venues and affordable tour packages, completely surpasses anything it was before.
Boating, kayaking, swimming or even kitesurfing can be enjoyed in the sheltered lagoon. And if you’d like to get out into the deeper sea, why not charter a fishing boat or yacht for the day through the hotel’s activity centre, the Turbine Water Club? Aside from water-based activities, the Turbine Water Club also arranges a variety of land-based activities like forest walks and bicycle hire. Hiking and cycling are great options for those wanting to be in nature, and there is always the bustling Knysna waterfront and harbour for a bit of shopping.
Pamper Yourself
After a day either relaxing or getting your adrenaline pumping out on the lagoon, treat yourself to a session at the hotel’s spa. The spa offers a wide variety of body, facial and beauty treatments.
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. Its modern five-star facilities coupled with historical artefacts that reflect the island’s rich past, set in one of the most beautiful parts of the country, means 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.