By Di Brown
Pic credits: Di Brown
Visiting the Garden Route is always a treat, and Knysna is a charming town peppered with tales of the pioneers and mavericks of the gold and timber industry. It whispers of elusive elephants in the mystical forests and enchants with tiny sea horses that live in the lagoon and are fiercely protected. The Turbine Hotel ticks all the location boxes as a five-star boutique hotel on a heritage island marina within a National Park.
A hidden gem
Creative genius is how I would describe the transformation of a dilapidated power station into a luxury hotel. The exterior has an industrial edginess with the original 1930s brickwork and four steel chimneys that soar skywards, hinting at the heritage preserved inside. I was fascinated by the concept of creating pleasing spaces around massive pieces of machinery. By retaining the original piping, visitors can follow the electricity generation process through the building. Architects, engineers and designers will delight in this hotel.
First impressions are of a vibrant interior of primary colours against a contrasting white background. The reception area gives a glimpse into the unique decor, with the original control box displaying an array of dials, switches and meters. The opposite wall is papered with the blueprint plan and framed by pipes and ducts.
Apart from spending hours exploring the décor, I enjoyed relaxing, cocktail in hand, at the sheltered pool overlooking the canals. This was also my preferred location for coffee and frequent samplings of their cheesecake, which I highly recommend.
The hotel’s Gastro Pub overlooks the Marina and has a bar stocked with great local craft beers, craft gin, an outdoor deck, and cosy seating indoors. It’s an excellent spot for lunch or a pub-style supper. The Island Café serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a variety of settings, from an intimate nook upstairs tucked behind the machinery to a long table with canal views. The a la carte menu is extensive and imaginative, focusing on seasonal produce and healthy options, a good counterbalance to the decadent dessert menu- remember the cheesecake.
Exploring Knysna
Walk from the hotel to explore the shops, visit the SANParks Office to view the Knysna Seahorse, grab an ice cream, and do the Heritage Walk on the Island, where the detailed information boards bring the Thesen Island story to life.
No visit to Knysna is complete without exploring the many forest trails. I felt like my world transformed into a haven of every hue of green imaginable. Under the canopy of the trees, streams gurgle, birds call, and each bend brings the possibility of glimpsing the elusive Knysna elephant.
The iconic Knysna Heads are two cliffs that flank the narrow entrance to the lagoon and are spectacular when viewed from the water. Ocean Sailing Charters, a Cape Country Routes activity member, took this experience to another level by doing a braai on board their catamaran and taking us on a thrilling sunset trip through the heads into the open sea beyond.
Combined ocean and mountain adventures by booking the Featherbed experience, which involves a ferry trip, a 4 x 4 uphill drive, a scenic downhill walk with a detour to a cave, and stunning views of the lagoon and town.
Time to kick back and relax…
After an active day, book a session at the Turbine Spa. They offer everything from facials to full-body wraps. My personal favourite is their signature, Knysna Journey. This 90-minute treat includes a full-body massage and heated socks, which are the absolute last word in pampering.
I love the Turbines’ green heart and how it embraces responsible and sustainable tourism. The design intentionally maximises natural light and ventilation, and light fittings are eco-friendly. Solar panels and heat pumps provide hot water, rainwater is harvested in tanks, water-saving shower heads are used and all waste is recycled.
By weaving its history and heritage into the future, the Turbine offers a luxurious, unique experience in the heart of the Garden Route.
