You’ve probably seen the "top 10" lists floating around. They usually mention the same three hotels, copy-paste some brochure text, and call it a day. But if you’re actually looking for black owned resorts in the us, the reality is a bit more nuanced—and honestly, way more interesting—than a generic travel blog suggests.
It’s not just about finding a bed. It’s about finding spaces where the history is baked into the floorboards.
We’re talking about places like Middleburg, Virginia, where the land itself has seen several lifetimes of change. Or the "Inkwell" in Martha’s Vineyard, where Black families have been vacationing since long before it was "trendy." The hospitality industry hasn't always been kind to Black owners, but the spots that have thrived are basically masterclasses in grit and luxury.
The Heavy Hitter: Salamander Resort & Spa
Let’s start with the one everyone talks about for a reason. Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg.
If you don't know the name Sheila Johnson, you should. She co-founded BET, but her "third act" in hospitality is what really shifted the landscape. She bought this 340-acre property—which, fun fact, used to be a backdrop for Jackie Kennedy’s riding sessions—and turned it into the first Black-female-owned five-star resort in the country.
It’s a massive equestrian estate. There are 168 rooms, but it somehow feels like a private home. Sorta. If your home had a 23,000-square-foot spa and a full-service stable.
The name "Salamander" actually comes from the farm’s previous owner, Bruce Sundlun. He was a WWII pilot who survived a plane crash in Nazi territory. His nickname was Salamander because of the myth that the creature can walk through fire. Johnson felt that resonated with her own life—surviving the "fire" of the business world and personal upheavals. It’s a vibe you feel when you’re there. It’s quiet. Resilient.
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The Boutique Gem: The Ivy Hotel
Baltimore doesn't always get the "luxury resort" tag, but The Ivy Hotel in Mount Vernon is basically a middle finger to that stereotype.
Owned by Eddie and Sylvia Brown, this place is a 19th-century mansion that they spent years restoring. It’s got 18 rooms. That’s it. It’s super intimate.
The coolest thing? It’s basically all-inclusive, but not in a "cheap buffet" way. Your room rate covers breakfast, snacks, and even the cocktails at the self-serve bar. They have these heated limestone floors in the bathrooms that are dangerous because you’ll never want to leave. Honestly, if you want to feel like you’re staying at your incredibly wealthy, incredibly tasteful aunt’s house, this is the spot.
Why Ownership Actually Matters Here
It’s easy to dismiss "ownership" as a business stat, but in the Black travel world, it’s deeper. Historically, the Green Book was a survival guide. Today, staying at these resorts is a way of reclaiming that history.
The Legend of Oak Bluffs
You can’t talk about black owned resorts in the us without mentioning Martha’s Vineyard. Specifically Shearer Cottage.
It’s the oldest Black-owned inn on the island, founded back in 1912 by Charles and Henrietta Shearer. Back then, Black travelers literally couldn't stay anywhere else. So they built their own.
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Today, it’s still in the family. Lee Van Allen, a descendant, runs it. It’s not a "resort" in the sense of having a massive pool and a concierge in a suit, but it’s a cultural cornerstone. Legends like Paul Robeson and Madame C.J. Walker stayed there. It’s a few minutes from the "Inkwell" beach, which got its name as a cheeky nod to the segregation of the era.
If you want something a bit more modern but still in that Oak Bluffs orbit, look at The Oak Bluffs Inn. Rhonda and Erik Albert have been running that gorgeous Victorian for over 20 years. It’s got that classic "beach house" feel—white linens, bright pillows, and a porch that begs for a glass of wine.
The Akwaaba Empire
Monique Greenwood is a legend in this space. She was the editor-in-chief of Essence but walked away to build Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast Inns.
Most people know her Brooklyn spot, but if you want the "resort" experience, you head to the Poconos. The Mansion at Noble Lane is her crown jewel. It’s a 22-acre estate that used to belong to the Woolworth family.
- It has 14 rooms.
- An Olympic-sized indoor pool.
- A full spa.
- Massive gardens.
She took a "haunted-looking" dilapidated mansion and turned it into a luxury retreat. It’s a recurring theme with these properties—taking spaces that were often exclusionary or forgotten and breathing Black excellence into them.
The New Wave: Urban Cowboy and Beyond
Then there’s the stuff that feels a bit more "new school." Urban Cowboy in Nashville, co-founded by Jersey Banks, is wild.
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It’s an 1880s Victorian, but the inside looks like a Southwestern dreamscape. It’s less "white glove" and more "hand-crafted cocktail by the fire pit." It’s proof that Black ownership in hospitality isn't a monolith. It can be a quiet mountain retreat, a seaside cottage, or a rowdy Nashville boutique.
What People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that these places are "only" for Black travelers or that they are just "budget" alternatives.
Actually, most of the resorts on this list are high-end, five-star, or luxury boutique operations. They compete with the Four Seasons and the Ritz-Carltons of the world—and often beat them on personalized service because the owners are frequently on-site.
Another mistake? Thinking these are all brand new. While there's a surge in ownership now (shoutout to NABHOOD, the National Association of Black Hotel Owners, Operators & Developers), the roots go back to the 1800s with pioneers like James Wormley.
Finding Your Next Stay
If you're looking to book, don't just rely on Expedia. A lot of these smaller luxury spots prefer direct bookings because it keeps the commissions in-house.
- Check the History: Sites like the African American Heritage Trail can lead you to gems that aren't on the first page of Google.
- Look for the "Sheila Johnson" Effect: Her Salamander Collection has expanded to places like New Orleans (the NOPSI Hotel) and even Aspen.
- Support the Boutique Spots: Places like La Maison in Midtown (Houston) or The Copper Door (Miami) offer a vibe you just won't get at a Hilton.
Actionable Next Steps
Instead of just bookmarking this, take ten minutes to look at the Salamander Collection website or Akwaaba’s availability. Many of these properties are small, meaning they book up months in advance—especially for "season" in places like Martha's Vineyard or the Poconos. If you want to dive deeper into the business side, check out the NABHOOD annual summit schedules; it’s where the next generation of owners is being minted. Support isn't just about a one-time stay; it's about shifting where your travel dollars live long-term.