Garden Route, South Africa
The 5 best boutique and luxury hotels in Knysna
Where to stay in Knysna: luxury and boutique hotels you’ll love
Knysna, located along South Africa’s iconic Garden Route, is a destination that pulls you in with its natural beauty. But in a town where the views steal the spotlight, the right hotel doesn’t just complement the scenery – it elevates the experience. Knysna’s boutique stays are anything but ordinary. These hotels showcase the style, creativity and character of Knysna. Here you’ll find repurposed industrial buildings turned boutique hotels and luxury stays with balconies perched on the edge of the famous Knysna Heads. In this article, we spotlight the standout boutique and luxury hotels in Knysna that promise an exceptional stay.
Overview: Knysna’s best hotels
01
Head over Hills
At Head over Hills, it’s all about the view – and wow, what a view. Set on the cliffs of the famous Knysna Heads, this boutique retreat gives you front-row seats to some of the most spectacular ocean and lagoon views you’ll find on the Garden Route. The property features just eight thoughtfully designed rooms, ensuring a sense of intimacy and tranquillity throughout your stay. Each room is elegantly furnished, with Swedish Hästens beds for the ultimate night’s sleep. Imagine waking up in the morning, throwing open your curtains and being greeted by an uninterrupted expanse of the Indian Ocean – it’s as magical as it sounds. We love the personal touches, from the cosy fireplaces to the private balconies perfect for watching the sunset. The wine cellar is impressive too, showcasing a curated selection of South Africa’s finest vintages.
Head over Hills
22 Glen View Rd
Knysna
South Africa
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Photography courtesy of Head over Hills
02
Crown on the Heads
Perched on the edge of the beautiful cliffs in the prestigious Heads neighbourhood of Knysna, Crown on the Heads is a luxurious escape with views that’ll take your breath away. We love the design at this boutique hotel, with large windows framing the views of the lagoon, mountain and ocean. The interiors are a study in modern minimalism, with crisp lines, open-plan spaces and decor that lets the scenery take centre stage. Each of the five bespoke suites offers a unique vantage point, from lagoon reflections to the roaring ocean. We love the infinity pool, it gives you the illusion of floating right above the water. Just note that this property is run more like a guesthouse than a hotel – so don’t expect the typical hotel setup & front-desk services.
Crown on the Heads
4 Glen View Rd
Knysna
South Africa
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Photography courtesy of Crown on the Heads
03
Amanzi Island Boutique Hotel
Set on the calm shores of Leisure Isle, Amanzi Island Boutique Hotel radiates warmth and tranquillity with its lagoon-facing gardens and sun-dappled terraces. The interior design and rooms are reflections of seaside living, with a soft coastal palette of whites and blues and local art adorning the walls. Many of the rooms open onto private patios where you can sip your morning coffee as the lagoon sparkles in the early light. The pool area is surrounded by beautiful green gardens, a great spot to kick back and relax. If you’re in the mood to explore, you can borrow one of the hotel’s complimentary bikes or kayaks and head out onto the water.
Amanzi Island Boutique Hotel
31 Cearn Drive
Leisure Island
Knysna
South Africa
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Photography courtesy of Amanzi Island Boutique Hotel
04
The Lofts Boutique Hotel
If walls could talk, The Lofts Boutique Hotel would have some fascinating stories to share. Built within the framework of an old timber boat building shed, this Thesen Island gem combines industrial heritage with modern elegance. From the exposed beams to the artfully worn concrete floors, the design is unapologetically edgy yet effortlessly inviting. The lagoon-facing rooms are the showstoppers, offering serene views that shift with the tides. The communal spaces are just as captivating – a sunlit lounge perfect for paging through a book, a chic splash pool for cooling off and the on-site Nest Food Bar that serves exquisite cocktails and dishes. One of the best things about The Lofts Boutique Hotel is its location, offering direct access to Thesen Island’s boardwalks, shops and restaurants.
The Lofts Boutique Hotel
Long St
Thesen Island
Knysna
South Africa
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Photography courtesy of The Lofts Boutique Hotel
05
The Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa
Few hotels can boast the kind of history and character that define The Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa. Once a derelict power station, this one-of-a-kind hotel has been lovingly reimagined into an eclectic masterpiece where industrial grit meets boutique sophistication. Original turbines, pipes and gauges are now artful design elements, giving every corner a sense of history and personality. The lagoon views and outdoor pool & deck are just as impressive as the industrial design! There are two on-site restaurants to choose from, the Island Café and the Gastro Pub, both of which have a casual laid-back atmosphere, serving crowd favourites like pizza and burgers – the only downside is that the service can sometimes be a bit slow.
The Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa
36 Sawtooth Ln
Thesen Island
Knysna
South Africa
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Photography courtesy of The Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa
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