While most jetliners spend their last days in a scrapyard, one lucky 737 is enjoying an exciting post-retirement career. BIL, the Boeing (registration ZS-BIL), travelled all over the world before reaching his final destination in the heart of Limpopo, South Africa. In 2019 Bil became the first airplane in South Africa and the Southern Hemisphere to be restored and rebuilt into a 6 room Aviator Hotel. Aerotel offers guests a chance to stay inside the cabin of an airplane in a comfortable and highly luxurious aviation-themed setting.
How Bil became a hotel
Entrepreneur, pilot, and property developer, Martin den Dunnen and his wife Tracy have always dreamt of rescuing an airplane from a scrapyard and restoring it to its former glory. In 2019 this dream became a reality when they purchased a 39-year-old Boeing 737-200 that was soon to retire. With the help of local artisans, suppliers, and workforce Bil was transformed into a beautiful hotel.
Accommodation
Upon arrival we were welcomed by two friendly air hostesses that ushered us to the ‘departure lounge’ that is furnished with airplane memorabilia and upcycled airplane parts. This communal area is the perfect spot to kick back and relax after a long day exploring the Hoedspruit area. Unfortunately it wasn’t warm enough to take a dip in the mosaic swimming pool , so we curled up on one of the plush sofas and enjoyed the complimentary coffee and locally sourced sweet treats.
Aerotel has six double ensuite cabins each named after a cloud formation. Each cabin has a queen-sized bed, air conditioning, refrigerator and a coffee and tea station. The ensuite bathroom, albeit tiny, had everything we needed and more. Our room was cosy and full of quirky aviation details. Crawling into bed that evening I felt like a first class passenger on board a very luxurious aeroplane. The next day started with a delicious breakfast on the deck surrounded by the stunning northern Drakensberg mountains and bushveld.
The Boeing 727 Aero Villa is the most recent addition to the Aerotel offering. The VIP Villa with its luxury 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and private deck is perfect for a family gathering or weekend getaway with friends.
Upcycle & Recycle
We loved Aerotel’s commitment to sustainability. Most of the hotel comprises of upcycled aircraft parts. From the overhead storage compartments in the room, to the original aircraft chairs and coffee tables made from airplane engines on the deck.
They also pride themselves on being as plastic-free as possible. Their towels and complimentary shampoo are carefully sourced to ensure that your stay is as eco-friendly and plastic-free as possible. Not only do them make use of microfibre towels and shampoo bars in the rooms, they also recycle their coffee pods.
Things to do
Aerotel is only a five-to-six-hour drive from Johannesburg and if that seems too long there are daily flights from Johannesburg or Cape Town to the Hoedspruit or Nelspruit airports. Its proximity to the Kruger National Park, animal rehabilitations centres, and various other tourist attractions offers travellers the opportunity to combine this unique stay with a safari.
Aerotel is perfect for adventurous travellers looking for an interesting and quirky place to stay. Thank you Aerotel for hosting us – we loved every moment.
To book your cabin visit their website www.aerotel.co.za
