Like the rest of the travel lovers of the world, I am ready to go somewhere! So, I started to research domestic vacations. More specifically Black-owned resorts, hotels, and bed & breakfasts. Because unless you have been living off the grid these past few weeks, we all can understand the importance of continuing to support Black-owned businesses.
As I am doing my research, I came across Salamander Hotels & Resorts which is owned by the founder & CEO Sheila C. Johnson, who has worn many professional hats in her time and is best known for creating BET (Black Entertainment Television). There are 5 Salamander hotels & resorts in the USA and aboard including The Henderson in Destin, FL, Hotel Bennett in Charleston, SC, Innisbrook in Palm Harbor, FL, Half Moon in Montego Bay, Jamaica and the one I’ll like to visit soon, the Salamander Resort & Spa. The Salamander is a 5-star luxury resort in Middleburg, VA, about an hour away from Washington, DC. Some activities you can find at the resort include archery and ax throwing, indoor & outdoor pools, an equestrian program, zip lining and more. There are also multiple dining options to choose from, a spa, and nearby wineries.
After I visited Wellspring Manor and Spa in PG County, MD last year. Two of my friends told me about Akwaaba Bed and Breakfast Inns owned by husband and wife team Glenn Pogue and Monique Greenwood. Ms. Greenwood serves as the president and CEO of the company. There are currently 5 B&B locations including Akwaaba Mansion in Brooklyn, NY, Akwaaba DC in Washington D.C., Noble Lane in Bethany, PA, Akwaaba Philadelphia in Philadelphia, PA and Buttonwood Manor in Cape May, NJ where you can rent the entire vacation home and a cottage. Noble Lane stands out to me the most; you may have seen the Poconos inn featured on OWN’s TV show Checked In. They have a spa on the premises: YOUtopia, two tennis courts, an indoor pool, and activities for their guests including a cooking class and a movie and game night, just to name a few.
To learn about more Black owned hotels in the U.S., check out Forbes’s latest article: 7 Black-Owned Hotels Across The U.S. To Visit On Your Next Road Trip.
And of course, if you need any assistance in planning your next vacation I am always here to help!
Destination E 