The thing about revisiting a place you’ve really enjoyed is that it can go either way — delight in its consistency, or disappointment that it hasn’t evolved. Worse, perhaps, is ambivalence. Happily, my return to The Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa on Knysna’s Thesen Islands, after a hiatus of five years, was anything but indifferent.
It was reassuring to be enveloped in familiarity — the warmth, attentive service, and signature detail were all still there, but so too were thoughtful changes — a refreshing reminder that in a world where choice is endless, standing still is not an option.
The Turbine Hotel stands proudly as one of South Africa’s most imaginative examples of industrial heritage reborn. Once a power station that kept the Garden Route’s timber town humming from 1940 to 2001, it converted wood waste from the timber industry into electricity for Knysna and the surrounding area.
After decommissioning in 2001, the towering boilers, giant turbines, and maze of pipes stood silent until visionaries Geoff Engel and Dandre Lerm-Engel acquired the site in 2007. Over three years, they and their design team undertook a sensitive restoration, incorporating the original machinery into the décor.
The result, when it opened in 2010, was a hotel that retained its muscular industrial bones but was softened with bold art, rich textures, and contemporary design. The South African Institute of Electrical Engineers later awarded the building a heritage plaque in recognition of its significance.
The Setting & Surroundings
Location is a key part of the Turbine’s magic. The hotel sits on a quiet canal yet is only a short stroll to the Knysna Waterfront’s boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.
Views from the rooms over the waterways are never quite the same. Some mornings roll in with heavy mist hiding the canals below. On clear days, the sun creates a dazzling glare off the waterways, where paddlers and day-trippers float in and out from the lagoon before the glorious sunset kicks in.
Art & Interiors
Inside, wandering through the Turbine is like strolling through a hybrid of museum and gallery, with a visual surprise around every corner — an industrial valve framed by a splash of vivid colour, a turbine wheel mirrored in an abstract painting, a lifting hook and chains in the pub.
Gleaming steel pipes run alongside artworks on the hotel’s walls by local South African artists. The collection is constantly refreshed, much of it available to buy.
This art thread extends to the 26 individually styled rooms, including a honeymoon suite and two canal-side apartments. Spread across six wings — The Garden Wing, The Lagoon Wing, The Lookout Suites, The Regatta Wing, The Forest Wing, and The Thesen Wing — each space reflects a distinct theme, layered with original art and handcrafted finishes.
They also have their own quirky element as they were built within the shell of the old power station, which gave architects and interior designers an interesting challenge.
Dining & Drinks
While the rooms hadn’t changed much since my last visit, the foodie side certainly had.
Now under the guidance of Executive Chef and Food & Beverage Manager Greg Coleman, the Gastro Pub delivers a pub experience with a twist, and the terrace is the perfect spot to enjoy the views along with Happy Hour (on Fridays in season) and live music. There are gourmet finger foods and bigger meals, but my go-to was the exceptional flatbreads, served with a selection of toppings.
The recently refurbished Island Café has become more of a dining destination, with a choice of indoor seating or outdoors for an al fresco experience. The redesign brings a fresh, light-filled elegance — polished wood, contemporary furniture and subtle nautical accents complement the hotel’s industrial architecture — double-volume ceilings, exposed steel beams, and walls of glass framing views of the canal.
Greg is passionate about fresh, quality local produce, and his à la carte menu features a diverse range of dishes with a South African twist. The restaurant philosophy aligns with the Turbine’s commitment to sustainability — solar panels generate a third of the hotel’s summer energy needs, while rainwater harvesting, LED lighting, and gas heating reduce environmental impact.
“We source our fish locally, local farmers supply our organic herbs and salads, our organic food waste goes to a local pig farmer, we serve water in recyclable glass bottles, and, as my hobby is beekeeping, we use my honey as much as possible,” explains Greg.
Soups and salads often get dismissed as predictable, but his versions prove they can be anything but ordinary. Another must-try is the Bo-Kaap seafood curry, simmered in a spicy tomato curry with steamed coconut rice, cucumber, yoghurt, and pickled coconut.
The wine list leans towards boutique South African estates, and there are monthly wine and food pairing evenings.
Exploring Knysna
Another great pleasure of staying at the Turbine is how effortlessly it connects you to Knysna’s abundance of experiences.
The waterways are an obvious starting point. You can paddle a kayak along the canals, set off on a sunset lagoon cruise, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, embark on a marine tour beyond the Heads like we did with Ocean Odyssey. When we visited, rough seas kept us within the estuary, and it was a little too early for whales, but the trip was no less exhilarating.
Beyond the water, the Garden Route unfurls in every direction. Day trips might take you to Oudtshoorn’s ostrich farms and the awe-inspiring Cango Caves, the harbour charm of Mossel Bay or the adrenaline rush of Bloukrans Bridge, home to the world’s highest commercial bungee.
Closer to base, you can enjoy forest hikes, wine estates, golf courses, and craft markets. After a day of exploring, the Turbine’s warm embrace feels even more rewarding.
Evolving with Integrity
What struck me most, five years on, is how the Turbine continues to evolve without losing sight of its past. It’s rare for a place to hold fast to its heritage while refreshing the details that keep it relevant and humming with quiet energy.
For more information and reservations, call 044 050 3500 or email: [email protected], or visit turbinehotel.co.za
