As recently as 50 years ago, Knysna’s sole source of power was a single wood fired turbine. Today, although no longer in use, this power station remains a part of arguably the finest location along the garden route. The exclusive Thesen Island boasts a collection of up-market homes linked to each other and the Knysna lagoon through a series of water ways. Several years ago an ambitious project to transform the power station into a boutique hotel began, the result of which is breathtaking in its ‘industrial’ mystique. Given the heritage status of the power station, most of the primary components were left in position and now form an integral part of the theme of the hotel.
24 exquisite individually decorated bedrooms & suites feature every amenity including split king XL beds, flat screen TV with DVD player, telephone, internet access, full bathrooms with double sinks, air conditioning, and minibar. Additionally, each room features a unique display of original turbine equipment, adding to the hotel’s unique flair.
The Turbine also offers an array of lovely public areas including 3 bars, 2 restaurants (Tapas Bar and Island Cafe), library, fully stocked wine cellar, Curio shop and Infinity pool facing out onto the canal. The picturesque Amani Spa offers a wide variety of body, facial and beauty treatments. Enjoy the Spa’s Rasul, a traditional Arabic cleansing ritual that takes place in an exotically mosaic tiled steam chamber, uniting the four fundamental elements of earth, air, fire and water.
All in all, the Turbine offers guests a fantastic base from which to explore Knysna and the surrounding areas and its unique history and design aesthetic will only serve to enhance your time along the Garden Route.
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Photos courtesy of the Turbine Hotel
