It’s unlikely that the engineers who built the original power station in Knysna would ever have thought that their turbines and engine rooms would one day become a hotel! But that’s exactly what happened and today The Turbine is a modern boutique hotel and spa where much of the historic piping, plumbing and gadgetry is still in place – albeit painted bright colours to tone with the rest of the contemporary décor.

They also probably never envisaged a gastro pub and a café – nor spa and swimming pool – either. The Turbine has a lovely location of the calm channels of Thesen Islands, one of the most exclusive enclaves in Knysna. This is an easy-going stopover on a fun-filled Garden Route vacation.