Did you know there are several luxury resorts owned by African Americans? This month we are spotlighting one of our favorite resort brands Salamander Hotels & Resorts, which just happens to be owned by the revolutionary, black female entrepreneur Sheila Johnson. Whether you decide to get married or honeymoon in the states or the Caribbean, Salamander Hotels & Resorts has ideal destinations to choose from.
Who is Sheila Johnson?
Sheila Johnson has an inspirational story that guided her from her early career as a violinist and a music teacher to becoming a leader in the hospitality industry.
In 1979, Ms. Johnson and her then-husband Robert L. Johnson, along with investor John Malone, launched the revolutionary network Black Entertainment Television (BET). After selling BET to Viacom in 2001, Ms. Johnson began to think about the next chapter in her life. Since then, she became one of the first African American women to have ownership in sports teams, as a partial owner of the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, the NBA’s Washington Wizards, and the NHL’s Washington Capitals. She did not stop there.
In 2005, Ms. Johnson partnered with hospitality expert Prem Devadas to found Salamander Hotels & Resorts. In 2013, she opened her first resort, Salamander Resort and Spa in Middleburg, VA which has achieved a Forbes Five-Star rating for both the resort and the Salamander Spa.
Today, Salamander Hotels & Resorts, has grown to include six additional properties: Innisbrook Resort in Tampa, FL., Salamander Washington D.C., Hotel Bennett in Charleston, S.C.; Half Moon in Montego Bay, Jamaica; Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club; and Aspen Meadows Resort. All properties share the focus of providing luxurious, inclusive, and memorable experiences for all guests.
Below we are highlighting four of our favorite properties.
Salamander Resort and Spa
The first resort founded by Ms. Johnson, Salamander Resort and Spa is set on 340 acres in Middleburg, VA, and has become a mainstay for couples in the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. area. Located in the heart of Virginia’s horse and wine country, the property is known for its Forbes Five-Star Salamander Spa and expansive outdoor space that includes a 14,000-square-foot equestrian center. The storybook setting and luxurious accommodations provide couples with a scenic getaway close to city life.
Why do we love this Resort for weddings?
The outdoor space is just as beautiful as the indoor space with opportunities for both natural landscape ceremony backdrops and glamorous ballroom venues. Couples can even reserve an appearance on their wedding day by Cupcake the mini horse.
See a real wedding at the Salamander Resort and Spa!
Innisbrook Resort
Located in Tampa, FL Innisbrook is a golf lovers paradise with four award-winning courses, including Copperhead, the home of the PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship. In addition to sports and activities, the resort also features nature-inspired treatments at Salamander Spa and a delicious steakhouse perfect for romantic dinners or celebrations.
Why do we love this resort for weddings?
From intimate ceremonies in a serene garden setting, vows made under a gorgeous oak tree, spa days for the bridal party, and tee times for the gentlemen, Innisbrook offers unique wedding experiences that you’ll never forget. With ballroom accommodations ranging from 200 to 800 guests, this property is perfect for larger weddings as well!
Hotel Bennett
Located on King Street in the heart of the city, Hotel Bennett in Charleston, SC is the perfect mixture of modern luxury and southern charm. Named “#1 Luxury Hotel in the USA” by USA Today, Hotel Bennett is the ideal location for celebratory brunches, a spa day, or a chic private bridal shower. Guests also love their year-round rooftop pool which overlooks the Holy City.
Why do we love this hotel for weddings?
This urban oasis has the perfect location on King Street with elegant interiors inspired by European classic design. Host an intimate rooftop ceremony with cityscape views and idyllic sunsets or make the Crown Ballroom your own with a personalized soiree featuring 6,600 square feet of event space with dramatic 30-foot ceilings and beautiful arched windows.
Half Moon
Guess what is the highest-rated resort in Jamaica according to Forbes Travel Guide? Half Moon in Montego Bay, Jamaica!
Half Moon’s accolades are well deserved, the storied resort features three distinct experiences including the newly opened Eclipse. Set along two miles of pristine beachfront, it has everything we love including luxury hotel rooms, suites and villas, award-winning restaurants, golf, tennis, an equestrian center, and Fern Tree, a Salamander Spa.
Why do we love this resort for weddings?
From an elopement to a week-long celebration, this romantic Caribbean destination offers over 400 acres of possibilities to transform into your dream wedding venue. Plus, bring your new families and friends together with unmatched wedding activities from beach bonfires, rum tastings, deep sea fishing, or a day at the spa.
See a real wedding at the Half Moon Resort.
There is a reason why every Salamander Hotels & Resorts property is highly rated. Ms. Johnson is known for providing a hospitable, luxury experience for everyone who stays at her hotels or resorts. We always encourage our Muna family to patronize businesses that value you and your culture and provide top-notch customer service. Salamander Hotels & Resorts is consistently at the top of our list!
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