We all have our favourites – favourite places, people, food, hobbies… you get where I am going with this. The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa is one of my absolute favourite places to stay. This luxury 5-star hotel is located on Thesen Islands in the Garden Route town of Knysna.

I had the pleasure of returning to this wonderful property and once again, I enjoyed my stay immensely. Have a read to see why this popular hotel should be your next Knysna retreat. Feast your eyes on a visual collection of enticing images that will ignite your travel inspiration!

𝟭. THE LOCATION

Knysna is arguably one of South Africa’s top travel destinations and as such, it is usually buzzing with holiday makers. Thesen Islands offers a somewhat gentler pace of life. There is still a vibe to be found in the numerous waterways, bars, and restaurants, but the overall ambience is more serene than the town itself.

The Turbine, a former power station that boasts a steamy history, features a charming blend of unique designs and quirky, vibrant interiors with local artwork for sale adorning its walls.

Explore the lanes and canals on foot, kayak, or bicycle, take an energetic walk to the Waterfront, indulge in retail therapy at Thesen Islands or set sail on a sunset lagoon cruise. The inviting pool deck is highly recommended to spend a lazy hour or three contemplating your next activity.

𝟮. 𝗘𝗫𝗖𝗘𝗣𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗛𝗢𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬

During my travels in South Africa and around the world, I have found certain 5-star establishments to be a bit “stuffy” and inauthentic. But at The Turbine, you’ll find a professional yet friendly team who guarantee warm hospitality and exceptional service with a smile.

Each staff member I encountered exuded genuine warmth and care and made my stay an absolute pleasure. They really go the extra mile to make your time at The Turbine memorable.

𝟯. 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗨𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗘

Get ready to live the “suite” life with a range of accommodation options, each with their own individual, quirky personality. Choose between luxury and standard rooms, a honeymoon suite, or two expansive self-contained suites adjacent to the hotel.

They all feature luxurious modern amenities such as a flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, heavenly Charlotte Rhys bathroom products, a fully stocked mini-bar, and a tea and coffee station. Luxury linen and a bed that is oh-so comfortable ensures a glorious night’s slumber.

Eco-conscious travellers will be happy to know that The Turbine incorporates various water-saving measures to conserve and reduce water consumption.

𝟰. 𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗 & 𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦!

Indulging in fine food and wine is one of life’s greatest pleasures. With The Turbine’s two restaurants, The Island Café and The Gastro Pub, your tastebuds will be tantalized by delicious local fare, fine wines, and sublime cocktails. Fresh, delectable, and creative dishes are served with flair that hero locally sourced seasonal produce.

The Island Café is a 90-seater venue, allowing you to dine al fresco on the terrace or pool deck with canal views or inside among the original turbines. The vibrant, eclectic décor with warm open fireplaces, perfect for chilly winter days and nights, creates an inviting and cosy ambience.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner is served from an a la carte menu with a sumptuous array of mouthwatering dishes. The dinner menu changes often, and along with an extensive world-class wine list, you will no doubt enjoy each dining experience in this much-loved eatery.

The Gastro Pub is chill central with a welcoming atmosphere. Offering hearty gastro pub-style fare, craft beer, cool cocktails and more, it’s a popular place to catch up with friends out on the sunny deck. The gorgeous view of the marina makes watching the sunset over the Knysna lagoon a dreamy affair, often exploding with vivid shades of vibrant colours.

The cosy interior boasts an impressive mahogany bar, comfortable armchairs and banquets and is just the spot to spend a few hours watching the latest sports games on large TV screens. Their fabulous gin cocktails are a must try. Do not leave The Gastro Pub without trying at least one!

5.            WHEN IN DOUBT, SPA IT OUT!

A stay at The Turbine would not be complete without a visit (or two) to the tranquil spa. The Turbine Spa is the place to be for ultimate relaxation and pampering. Our itinerary included a heavenly 30-minute massage which had me floating on cloud nine in no time!

After a busy day of sightseeing and outdoor activities, The Turbine Spa offers a serene sanctuary to enjoy blissful beauty treatments. Choose from an impressive range of rejuvenating massages, facials, pedicures, manicures and more. Keep an eye out for their monthly spa specials.

The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa

Sawtooth Lane, Thesen Islands
Knysna, South Africa

+27 (0) 44 050 3500

Email: reservations@turbinehotel.co.za

Website: www.turbinehotel.co.za

EXPLORING KNYSNA

With much to see and do in Knysna, I have highlighted two outdoor experiences that are recommended, especially if you are short of time.

CIRCLES IN THE FOREST HIKE

Situated in the Garden Route National Park about 20 minutes’ drive from The Turbine, the Circles in the Forest Hike is a true nature lover’s paradise, with a choice of a 3km or 9km route.

Our group embarked on the 9km trail that took us through a small part of the magical rainforest. The indigenous ancient forest is a wondrous place, with an enchanting spirit that captivates all your senses. As we were short of time, we hiked this route quickly. To fully appreciate its beauty and mystery, a slow, meandering walk is more suitable.

To be more mindful of each step taken, each sound heard, each tree touched, each breath taken, is what I wish for upon returning one day. The history and nature of the forest is fascinating, so take your time as you explore this incredibly special forest. You may want to hire a local guide if you are keen for more in-depth information about its history, fauna, and flora.

Listen out for the famed Knysna loeries and search for the last lone free-roaming female elephant. We discovered a large pile of elephant dung along the trail, so she is out there somewhere. I like to think she was watching us silently from the forest shadows.

There is an entrance fee payable at the kiosk prior to entering the park unless you are a SANParks Wild Card member.

TAKE THE SEA-NIC ROUTE WITH OCEAN SAILING CHARTERS

Nothing much can beat a sunset cruise on the Knysna lagoon, especially when you are on a luxury catamaran with a glass of bubbly in hand!

The friendly and professional team crewing the stunning Lara Bella catamaran made our sunset adventure so special. Safety comes first with Ocean Sailing Charters, a member of Cape Country Routes. Once the onboard safety briefing was complete and we had donned life jackets, we set sail upon the tranquil lagoon through the awe-inspiring Knysna Heads and out on to the open ocean.

If you’re fortunate, you’ll see pods of dolphins and whales. But even if you do not, the spectacular scenery along the way is breathtaking. So, take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy every magical moment.

As a thalassophile, this unforgettable sailing experience was fantastic from start to finish. It included a proper South African braai (barbeque) which we tucked into with relish once we had returned to the calm lagoon waters. The pretty pastel-hued sunset welcomed us as we slowly sailed back to the jetty. View their website for prices and the various cruises on offer.

ROAD TRIPPING IN THE FORD EVEREST XLT

Road tripping with Ford South Africa is always a winner and an absolute dream in the luxury Ford Everest XLT. I had the pleasure of test driving this beauty for a week prior to this media trip and loved it! As a passenger this time around, I sat back, relaxed, and enjoyed the ever-changing South African landscape.

In eye-catching Sedona Orange, it is hard to miss and attracts attention wherever it goes. Whether on or off-road, the stylish, spacious adventure SUV is built for smart, safe driving. It is pure class with a host of top-quality features.

Key features include:

✴️ 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel (4×4)

✴️ 10 Speed Automatic

✴️ FordPass Connect – Embedded Modem

✴️ Wireless Charging

✴️ 3,500kg Maximum Towing Capacity

✴️ Intelligent Smart Access with Push Button Start (PEPS)

✴️ Rear View Camera

Check out Ford South Africa’s website for details and prices >> www.ford.co.za

FEELING LEKKER IN MY VELDSKOEN SHOES!

Handcrafted with comfort and sustainability in mind, if you own a pair of these groovy proudly South African shoes (I am the lucky owner of a few pairs), you know just how comfortable, stylish, and durable they are.

I was super excited to receive a gorgeous pair of Veldskoens from this local is lekker brand. I popped by their impressive showroom in Paarden Eiland, Cape Town and cheekily asked if I could choose their stunning (then new on the market) Namaqualand Daisy Sandal.

It proved to be the ideal choice. The tan colour goes with everything you wear and the shoe fits beautifully. I can walk in them for hours with no sore feet and never a blister. It was such a pleasure to travel in these stylish sandals. Months later, people still ask me about the sandals and where they can be purchased. Thank you Veldskoen Shoes for gifting these beauties to me!

Thank you to Theresa Gibbon for the media trip invitation, the lovely group of ladies I travelled with, Cape Country Routes, Ford South Africa, Veldskoen Shoes and the wonderful people I met at The Turbine Hotel and Spa and Ocean Sailing Charters.

Until the next adventure!

Yours in Travel, Food and Wine
xoxo