Abadin Bed and Breakfast

After careers in psychological and social services, husband-wife team Ed and Shirley switched gears and spent a decade running a motel. With those years of experience in guest services behind them, they decided to focus on a smaller enterprise with luxurious, individual attention—and so, in 2011, Abadin Bed and Breakfast was born near the banks of the Ottawa River. It's named after a small municipality in Spain that the couple has travelled through, and is inspired by Europe's bed and breakfasts. And because Shirley is an artist, she and Ed have filled the rooms and grounds with intriguing, contemporary artwork and modern furniture.

Travel-weary guests can relax on the lounge room's white leather lounge chairs in front of the fireplace before apparating up to queen and king rooms. Ed and Shirley decorated each room individually, so guests might open the door to an airy space with white and cream tones, or a daring purple-and-black suite. Each room's 40-inch LCD TVs is outfitted with a media player and cable, which guests can watch as they snuggle into bathrobes and bounce on pillow-top mattresses. In the morning, the iPod docking station's alarm clock rouses them for a hot, plated breakfast. Behind the greek-revival-style mansion, a swimming pool and cozy patio give guests a chance to kick back and perfect their dolphin-show routines.