Extraordinary Places To Stay: Spring B&Bs

Every avid traveller knows the definition of a bed and breakfast, and a night’s stay can end in two scenarios. The former being a faultless stay in the perfect room, adequate furnishings, clean beddings and friendly hosts accompanied with a wonderful breakfast spread. The latter probably least ideal - a crossroad between a shabby and derelict façade, unpleasant musky scents alongside bedding that seem to cry for a desperate wash. Whatever the price point, there should be no need to compromise on quality. Here are our round-ups of some exquisite spring bed and breakfast options.

- Josmin Ong

1. RANKEISOU Niigata, Japan

YOU ARE SLEEPING IN: An authentic Japanese ryokan, or a Japanese-style inn. Like most Japanese-style inns, the atmosphere, appearance and hospitality outweighs the latest modern conveniences. A typical ryokan guestroom includes a small area to step in and remove shoes, sliding paper doors that separate that from the sleeping quarters, tatami floor mats, low wooden tables, sitting cushions, futon (sleeping quilts) and closets to keep the sleeping quilts. In Rankeisou, guests are also offered luxurious natural mineral baths in traditional onsen (public or private) settings and classic Japanese cuisine. The ryokan is also conveniently tucked within the rural area, right along the mountain stream river. Sakura and mountain wildflowers bloom in abundance during spring season, and makes for a perfect walking break while admiring Mother Nature’s best offerings.

NEARBY EXCURSION TIPS: The nearest train station, Echigo-Yuzawa, is home to Sake Museum Ponshu-kan where patrons can taste more than 100 varieties of sake at its best temperature. They are presented in vending machines, an old school method of enjoying sake in sample sizes, and are extremely affordable. It also serves as a sampling corner for visitors who wish to get bottles of sake as souvenirs.

RATE: US$316++ per night rankei.com

2. BINDON BOTTOM Dorset, England