Luxury travel is no longer just about plush linens and breathtaking views; it’s also about cultural connection, heritage, and storytelling through hospitality. Around the world, Black-owned resorts and hotels are redefining five-star experiences by mixing world-class service with deep cultural roots.
Whether you’re dreaming of a tropical getaway, a cozy winter retreat, or a weekend of pure relaxation, these destinations prove that culture and luxury go hand in hand.
The Ivy Hotel – Baltimore, MD
A Relais & Châteaux member set in historic Mount Vernon, The Ivy is an intimate urban manor with 17 rooms and suites, Magdalena (the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant), a spa, and a few minutes from the National Aquarium.
It’s also proudly billed as “the most highly inclusive city hotel,” with nightly rates that include: full made-to-order breakfast, afternoon tea, a stocked Barmoir (snacks; alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages), evening cocktails, midnight snacks, valet parking, car service within 3 miles, Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping and evening turndown, gratuities included.
Dew Drop Inn Hotel & Lounge — New Orleans, Louisiana
Once a Jim Crow–era safe haven for touring Black artists (think Ray Charles and James Brown), the Dew Drop Inn shuttered after Hurricane Katrina (2005) and has been meticulously restored, reopening as a 17-room hotel in 2023 with a pool, bar, and restaurant.
Each room now has a private bath, and the old barbershop has been reborn as an on-site exhibit chronicling the property’s cultural history.
Stonefield Villa Resort — Soufrière, St. Lucia
Black-owned and family-operated, Stonefield sits beneath the Pitons on a former cocoa estate. Owner Anista Brown and her family steward a villa-only resort where every villa has a private pool. The on-site Mango Tree restaurant champions a farm-to-table approach with organic produce from the property.
Spice Island Beach Resort — Grand Anse, Grenada
A pillar of Caribbean hospitality, Spice Island remains owned and operated by the Hopkin family, founded by the late Sir Royston Hopkin and now led by President & Managing Director Janelle Hopkin. That lineage of Black excellence sets the tone: when you stay here, you’re not just booking a suite—you’re stepping into a story of vision, resilience, and generational impact.
Set on the world-renowned Grand Anse Beach, the resort’s 64 elegant suites offer a blend of barefoot luxury and Caribbean ease. Think morning runs along the shoreline, afternoons sipping rum cocktails under the palms, and evenings unwinding in a private plunge pool or oceanfront suite. With its AAA Five Diamond pedigree, Spice Island delivers world-class service without losing its cultural soul—reminding you that luxury can be rooted in authenticity.
Ocean West Boutique Hotel – Nassau, Bahamas
If you’re looking for a Bahamas getaway that feels refined, intimate, and far from the cookie-cutter resort strip, Ocean West Boutique Hotel is the spot. Perched on a hilltop with sweeping views of the ocean, this 10-room luxury property gives you that elevated, private escape—perfect for the man who values exclusivity and style.
Inside, the hotel mixes elegance with Bahamian charm—think polished interiors, a peaceful atmosphere, and service that feels personal rather than transactional. Whether you’re unwinding by the pool with panoramic ocean views or heading out to explore Nassau’s culture, nightlife, and local food scene, Ocean West keeps you connected to the Bahamas without the crowds.
Akwaaba Mansion – Brooklyn, NY
Akwaaba Mansion is more than a bed and breakfast—it’s an experience rooted in legacy. Tucked away in the heart of Brooklyn’s historic Stuyvesant Heights neighborhood, this upscale retreat is housed in a beautifully restored 1860s landmark brownstone.
The mansion’s rooms feature ornate fireplaces, antique furnishings, gaslight fixtures, and hot tubs—perfect for resetting your spirit after navigating the hustle of New York City. Whether you’re in town for business, a romantic weekend, or simply to reconnect with Brooklyn’s vibrant culture, Akwaaba delivers a space that feels both elevated and intimate.
The Oak Bluffs Inn – Martha’s Vineyard, MA
The Oak Bluffs Inn isn’t just a place to stay, it’s a cultural landmark. This beloved Black-owned gem, run by Rhonda and Erik Albert, sits at the heart of Oak Bluffs, one of the most historic African American vacation communities in the United States. With only 10 thoughtfully designed rooms, the inn offers an intimate, welcoming space where heritage meets hospitality.
Step outside and you’re within walking distance of beaches, shops, and the island’s rich cultural life. Inside, the inn blends coastal charm with a deep sense of history, making it more than just a summer escape—it’s a place where tradition and relaxation come together.
The Osprey – Great Harbour Cay, Bahamas
The Osprey offers an escape that feels personal, private, and rooted in Bahamian culture. Located on the Out Islands’ Great Harbour Cay, this boutique hotel—created by Daphne Delaney and her husband—pairs laid-back island style with attentive, personalized service.
This isn’t the crowded resort strip; it’s an off-the-beaten-path retreat where you can actually breathe. Expect stunning beachfront views, peaceful surroundings, and a vibe designed for true relaxation. Whether you’re unwinding solo, making it a couples’ getaway, or reconnecting with your frat brothers, The Osprey gives you the space to reset in style.
Staying here is more than just a vacation; it’s about supporting a Bahamian-owned property, immersing yourself in local hospitality, and experiencing the Bahamas on your own terms.
Jenesis House – Sedona, Cabo San Lucas & Marrakech
Looking to recharge, refocus, and reconnect, Jenesis House offers a new standard in wellness travel. Founded by a Black woman, this all-inclusive retreat series is designed with intention, mixing luxury with holistic healing to create experiences that restore the body, mind, and spirit.
Programming goes beyond the typical spa day. Think yoga against Sedona’s iconic red rocks, healing arts rooted in global traditions, chef-driven cuisine crafted to nourish, and curated local adventures that immerse you in culture. From the serene desert landscapes of Arizona to the beaches of Cabo and the vibrant streets of Marrakech, each destination offers a unique backdrop for transformation.
RLJ Kendeja Resort – Monrovia, Liberia
Perched along Liberia’s stunning Atlantic coastline, RLJ Kendeja Resort blends the richness of African heritage with modern luxury. Founded by entrepreneur Robert L. Johnson—the visionary behind BET and RLJ Companies—the 78-room oceanfront resort spans 13 acres between Roberts International Airport and downtown Monrovia, making it both accessible and serene.
Here, you’ll find spa treatments designed for restoration, dining experiences that highlight local flavors, and beachfront amenities that invite you to slow down and take in the beauty of West Africa. More than a resort, RLJ Kendeja is a statement: a reminder that some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations are deeply rooted in Black cultural pride and global excellence.
