Wellness Zone, Hilton East Midlands Airport

Dedicated gym bunny? There’s no need to let a spa day get in the way of your beloved weights and go-to cardio machines. Pack your trainers, because the Wellness Zone is nestled inside the LivingWell Health Club, which offers swish facilities, alongside a packed weekly schedule of instructor-led fitness classes.

The air-conditioned fitness suite is loaded with state-of-the-art Precor cardio kit, featuring individual screens to make those long runs feel like a breeze. Prefer to build some serious muscle? The dedicated strength zone is fully stocked with resistance machines, classic free weights and functional training gear.

Freshly updated with top-tier equipment, the club lets you lift, run and swim all under one roof. But if you prefer to get your steps up, power-walk down to the East Midlands Aeropark viewing platforms, or enjoy the stunning lakeside footpaths at nearby Staunton Harold Reservoir.

Food is a quintessential part of any wellness experience, whether you’re in the mood for healthy and wholesome or something a bit more indulgent. And, with the hotel’s stylish dining options, you won’t go hungry (or thirsty) here.

Whisk & Ladle Bar and Kitchen

Whether you stop for a pre-spa coffee or a post-pampering cocktail, the contemporary Whisk & Ladle Bar and Kitchen is the perfect place to kick back. This bright and stylish hub serves all-day dining with an international menu, making it ideal for grabbing a light lunch, a casual evening meal, or sipping premium local gins and craft beers before your trip.

The Pavilion Restaurant

If you want to treat yourself to a true classic, you can book in for a quintessential afternoon tea loaded with finger sandwiches, warm scones, and delicate cakes. Come morning, this bright and informal space transforms into the welcoming Pavilion Breakfast Room, famous for serving a massive, top-tier Hilton buffet.

There sure is! Grab your cossie because you can dive straight into the 16-metre heated indoor pool, which is the perfect length for a few lazy lengths or for keeping up with your cardio. 

Go for a bubbly soak in the whirlpool spa, or bask in the sauna and steam room. But if you want the ultimate wind-down, the hotel’s brand-new, high-tech Wellness Zone circuit is located right by the pool area, too! This means you can effortlessly dry off from the pool then glide straight into a touchless dry-water massage or step under that incredible air-infused BubbleSpa shower without ever setting a slipper-clad food outside your sanctuary. 

Yes there is. Turn your wellness escape into a true staycation by checking into one of 152 light and airy guest rooms. The hotel sits roughly three miles back from the tarmac meaning you won’t get direct runway views, but the tastefully decorated spaces provide outstanding comfort.

Every room is equipped with free WiFi, premium toiletries and tea and coffee-making facilities. Take your pick from standard, family and premium options, or upgrade to a spacious suite. Whichever you choose, you can count on excellent sound insulation, plush Hilton Serenity beds, and heavy blackout blinds to guarantee a deeply restorative night’s sleep.

For overnight stays, check-in is from 3pm, and you need to check out before 12pm. For morning spa packages that include a buffet breakfast at The Pavilion Restaurant, you can arrive from 8am to gently ease into the day with fresh barista coffee, continental pastries, fruit and freshly-cooked full English favourites.

You’ll find the hotel right off Junction 24 of the M1, and just a 10-minute taxi ride from the main terminal building. But more than just a good spot for catching your plane, it makes a great base for exploring. Both Nottingham and Derby are an easy 25-minute drive away for fantastic shopping, dining, and nightlife. 

Prefer to stay local? Head over to the East Midlands Aeropark museum right on the airport boundary to check out their impressive collection of vintage planes, or zoom down to the legendary Donington Park Racing Circuit, which is less than 15 minutes down the road.

You have to be 18 to enjoy the spa packages at the Wellness Zone, but the hotel itself is very family-friendly. Family rooms offer plenty of space complete with excellent soundproofing and blackout blinds so the little ones can sleep soundly through the night. 

When it’s time to burn off some energy before a flight, the 16-metre heated indoor pool is a massive hit with children during designated family swim times. Over at the Whisk & Ladle Bar and Kitchen, you’ll find kid-friendly menu options to satisfy picky eaters, while the Pavilion Breakfast buffet allows kids to load up on their morning favourites.

It is. The spa itself is wheelchair accessible and the hotel has dedicated accessible parking spaces, wide automatic doors and accessible rooms featuring wide entryways, lowered switches, visual alarms and spacious roll-in showers with grab rails. 

It sure is, so there’ll be no puppy dog eyes when they spot you packing the suitcases. The hotel welcomes well-behaved dogs of up to 34kg for a flat fee of £25 per stay. There’s plenty of space for them to stretch their legs nearby, and you can even treat them to a walk down to the East Midlands Aeropark to watch the planes together. 

Can’t live without your clubs? There isn’t a golf course right on site, but there are several fantastic options just a short drive away. You can perfect your swing at the nearby Maywood Golf Club, which offers a beautifully maintained 18-hole course. But for those who prefer a quicker, more relaxed session before a flight, the driving range and academy facilities at the Charnwood Golf and Leisure Complex are perfect for hitting a few balls.