Situated in the sophisticated north Athens suburb of Ekali, the Life Gallery is a design hotel with the emphasis firmly on design. From a distance it almost appears imposing, lots and lots of glass and sharp, hard angles, but inside, though it’s still uncompromisingly modern, it’s surprisingly calming and tranquil. This hotel provides a stylish escape form the urban blur and everything is focused on the pampering of its guests. To this end, the Life Gallery's extensive gardens contain two amazing pools, as well as spacious sundecks and outdoor terraces – perfect places to escape from the heat and bustle of Athens. All of the 30 rooms and suites are smartly decked out in earthy colours and many have superb views of Mount Parnes and Mount Penteli. It’s not exactly a shock to discover that a hotel like this boasts an excellent spa. The Ananea offers guests yoga and meditation classes as well as all the usual beauty treatments. The Life Gallery will be too aggressively contemporary for some, but it remains one of the most distinctive places to stay in the Greek capital.