The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa 

A former power station transformed into a trendy boutique hotel right on the popular Knysna lagoon.

This quirky boutique hotel oozes contemporary chic while retaining the old power station’s original industrial features. Its bright-coloured reclaimed furniture and multitude of pipelines running throughout the hotel makes it unlike any other. It's a memorable addition to an adventure along the Garden Route, South Africa’s famous route for sweeping coastal roads, tranquil national parks, sand beaches and world-class golf courses.

With an excellent location for exploring Knysna on the lagoon, you can easily explore with a whale-watching cruise (July to November for southern right whales), cycle along the glorious coastline or discover an array of restaurants, art studios and South Africa’s oldest microbrewery. From Thesen Island, it's just a 10-minute stroll over a bridge to Knysna's main waterfront. There's a cool, urban feel to the hotel, thanks to the original turbine elements that you'll find around the hotel including in guest rooms. There's also an Amani Spa for relaxation, a sports bar-style Gastro Pub and a Tapas Bar for light bites. In the hotel’s main restaurant, The Island Café, there is a wine cellar stocking local wines, from smaller, family-owned wineries for an authentic taste of the Garden Route’s offerings.

The 24 bespoke rooms are charmingly decorated with light and bright colours, with different sizes and shapes due to the quirky layout of the building. For more space to play with, upgrade to a luxury room or for even more extravagance, the Honeymoon Suite includes a luxurious double shower and a standalone bath.