Long-gone are the days when Black Americans were denied access to hotels and lodging accommodations because of the color of their skin (leading to the rise of the much-needed Green Book as a resource). Black travelers were often forced to settle for less. But not any more. Currently, Black travelers revel in leaning into exclusive, luxury experiences. It’s no secret that black travel represents roughly 13.1% of the U.S. leisure travel market. Many are looking to spend vacations, girls trips, family reunions and getaways at Black-owned luxury hotels that specialize in Afro-centric experiences, art, food and comfort.

Here are some of the most exclusive independently owned Black-owned hotels, lodges, and bed and breakfasts in the Washington, D.C. metro area.

Salamander Resort and Spa

Salamander Resort and Spa is a 340-acre paradise located in Middleburg, Virginia about 30 minutes outside of D.C. Owned by Sheila Johnson, best known as co-founder of BET (Black Entertainment Network), the resort straddles the crux of Virginia’s wine country and equestrian center. Guests can enjoy horseback riding, zip-lining, daily family outdoor activities, fishing, archery, exquisite dining, and world class spa treatments. Guests can enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, putting greens, full equestrian center, and lawn games including croquet, bocce ball, corn hole and life-sized chess.

The Ivy Hotel

Surrounded by the vibrant waterfront, boutiques, galleries, theaters and coffee shops in Baltimore’s Mount Vernon neighborhood, The Ivy Hotel is historic. The mansion, with its 18 guest rooms and suites, was first built in the late-1800s for industrialist John Gilman. To date, the hotel retains many of the property’s original historic features, including green marble mined from local quarries, parquet floors, pocket doors, a grand three-story staircase.

In addition to its beautiful exterior, the Ivy is known for its on-site luxury spa, fine-dining restaurant Magdalena and nightly tea service at 6 p.m.

Wellspring Manor and Spa

Art, food and wellness intersect at Wellspring Manor and Spa in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Prince Georges County’s only luxury retreat destination features five all-inclusive suites on seven acres. Find curated works of art by artists from the African diaspora in two curated galleries, experience self-care through daily massage, facial, and reflexology treatments in the in-house spa and nourish your body and soul with the complementary multi-course breakfast or private dining options.

Nikki Miller-Ka is a classically trained chef with a BA in English from East Carolina University, and a Culinary Arts Associate Degree from Le Cordon Bleu-Miami. She’s worked as a researcher, editorial assistant, reporter and guest blogger for various publications in the Southeast. She has also worked as a catering chef, a pastry chef, a butcher, a baker, and a biscuit-maker. Presently, she is a food editor, freelance food writer and a tour guide.

This story was created by Detour, a journalism brand focused on the best stories in Black travel, in partnership with McClatchy’s The Charlotte Observer and Miami Herald. Detour’s approach to travel and storytelling seeks to tell previously under-reported or ignored narratives by shifting away from the customary routes framed in Eurocentrism. The detour team is made up of an A-list of award-winning journalists, writers, historians, photographers, illustrators and filmmakers.

This story was originally published June 29, 2022 9:00 AM.