For a low-key three days away, travelling abroad can sometimes feel a bit much. Enter: the humble bed and breakfast. Cosy, informal but usually full of charm and warmth, we love spending a few days off the grid. 

Besides, as most bed and breakfasts are run by a small team you also get the added benefit of friendly service and local recommendations to help you find that little known dinner spot or vintage store full of gems.

Whether it be a quaint cottage in an English village or a traditional casa in Madrid, we love the authenticity of lived-in accommodation, curated by those who are from the area.

It looks like the rest of the world does too, as travel giant TripAdvisor has released the best-rated bed and breakfasts in the world and number one is close by, in Devon no less. 

The results were created as part of the 2019 Travellers’ Choice awards, looking at small, boutique accommodation options offering a breakfast service with their stay.

Although the full list consists of 25 bed and breakfasts from all over the globe, we’ve picked out five that we think are mostly likely to catch your eye. 

Pousada Patacho, Porto de Pedras in Brazil

Close to the beach, surrounded by nature and with a private pool, Pousada Patacho has us dreaming of the blue skies of Brazil. Previous guests have praised host Christian in the reviews for his warmth, kindness and welcoming nature, so it sounds like staying here will have you in good hands. 

Amenities include room service, a bar and restaurant on-site, air conditioning and an ocean view.

Hillstone Lodge, Colbost in Scotland

There are so many beautiful places in Scotland that we’re dying to visit, and it looks like we need to add Hillstone Lodge to the list. This small guest house sits on the Isle of Skye,  overlooking Loch Dunvegan and is close to Dunvegan Castle. So if you can prise yourself out of the house for the day, rest assured there’s lots to see.

With just three rooms available, everything from the space to the service feels boutique and considered, so it’s the perfect place to get some peace and quiet. All of the rooms have all the usual mod-cons like tea and coffee making facilities, TVs, iPod docks and some even have a terrace.

Northern Lights resort and spa, Yukon in Canada 

Surrounded by forests, fields and mountain ranges, this Canadian home away from home could be your chance to spot the Northern Lights. There’s a spa and wellness area, that features a finish sauna, infrared sauna, outdoor Jacuzzi, gym room and massage treatments as well as bed and breakfast accommodation.

The hosts and chef team are bound to make you feel welcome, with many of their guests giving them glowing reviews for their incredible food and homely welcome.

Dar Mo’da, Marrakech in Morocco

Located just a few minutes walk from the Jamaa El Fna Square in the historical quarter of Mouassine, this gorgeous bed and breakfast looks like a dream come true. This picture shows off the breathtaking city-spanning views but downstairs you’ll find a beautiful, tiled swimming pool, too.

With just four exclusive suites, you’ll have the run of the place. You can choose to eat from the on-site hotel, order room service or go out and explore the local area. 

White Palace B&B, Ji’an Town in Taiwan

Although the interior decor is a little more minimalist, we love the over-the-top architecture of this gorgeous Taiwanese bed and breakfast, featuring its own grounds, a glass roof and balconies. 

As well as breakfast, there’s a laundry service, room service and air conditioning.   

You can see the full list of the top 25 best-rated bed and breakfasts from TripAdvisor users below: 

1. The 25 Boutique B&B: Torquay, United Kingdom

2. Jail Hill Inn: Galena, Illinois

3. Bindom Bottom B&B: West Lulworth, United Kingdom

4. The Grange Bed and Breakfast: Fylingthorpe, United Kingdom

5. Swallows Rest Bed and Breakfast: Brigstock, United Kingdom

6. The Parsonage Bed and Breakfast: Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

7. Hillstone Lodge: Colbost, United Kingdom

8. B&B Mondello Design: Mondello, Italy

9. Creevagh Heights: Carrowmore-Lacken, Ireland

10. Casa Da Praia: Candolim, India

11. InPatio Guest House: Porto, Portugal

12. Northern Lights Resort & Spa: Whitehorse, Yukon

13. Maris Paraty: Paraty, Brazil

14. Bed & Breakfast Speelmansrei: Bruges, Belgium

15. The Welsh Hills Inn: Granville, Ohio

16. La Palazzetta del Vescovo: Fratta Todina, Italy

17. Americus Garden Inn Bed & Breakfast: Americus, Georgia

18. Baudins of Busselton: Busselton, Australia

19. Dar Mo’do: Marrakech, Morocco

20. Matuka Lodge: Twizel, New Zealand

21. Pictures Guest House: Oudtshoorn, South Africa

22. Huis Koning: Bruges, Belgium

23. Locanda dell’ Artista: San Gimignano, Italy

24. White Palace B&B: Ji’an, Hualien

25. Pousada Patacho: Porto de Pedras, Brazil