Around the world, new Black-owned hotels and accommodations are emerging that reflect not just comfort and design, but also heritage and identity. Black-owned stays often feature architecture and cuisine that are rooted in ancestral traditions. Many serve as living archives of history, hope, and identity.
These five Black-owned stays embody the richness of the African diaspora. Each property layers art, textures, and stories that offer more than aesthetics. They are inviting spaces of belonging that reflect global Black identity.
Jnane Tamsna in Morocco
Just outside Marrakech, Jnane Tamsna is a beautiful boutique hotel on a sprawling estate of five houses. Owner Meryanne Loum-Martin opened her doors in 2001 and is still the only Black hotel owner in the country.
Once inside, guests will fall in love with the hotel’s design, which features authentic yet stylish Moroccan furnishings and decor. There are approximately nine acres of lush gardens and five swimming pools, providing a tranquil oasis for guests looking to unwind and relax.
Guests can also discover local Moroccan dishes and spices with the hotel’s charming Chef Bahija, whose passion for Moroccan cuisine is contagious. Her classes are so popular that they have been featured on television worldwide.
Ms. Elsie’s Caribbean Bed & Breakfast in North Carolina
Located just minutes from Uptown Charlotte, Ms. Elsie’s Caribbean Bed & Breakfast is a tribute to Ms. Elsie, the family’s grandmother and matriarch. Like grandma’s house, the ambiance inside is inviting with love, peace, and joy to the soul, all with a Caribbean vibe, without traveling across the waters to experience it.
Ms. Elsie’s is a tropical hideaway that spoils guests with island hospitality and tropical eats that reflect Grandma Elsie’s background: the Dominican Republic and Afro-Latino communities. The home also reflects Innkeeper Cheryl Watkins’ roots in Aruba, St. Maarten, and Anguilla. Chef Watkins describes Ms. Elsie’s Caribbean Bed & Breakfast as a true Creole melting pot.
Paradise Cove Hotel in Anguilla
Owned and operated by two locals, Franklin and Sherille Hughes, Paradise Cove Hotel is the perfect way to fully immerse yourself in Anguillan culture. Black culture in Anguilla is vibrant, family-oriented, and celebrated through music, food, and communal events, which you will find at this 29-guestroom property.
The private resort sits in a secluded garden near two of Anguilla’s best beaches on the West End of the island. For an authentic Anguillan experience, you can head to nearby restaurants and attractions to savor Afro-Caribbean flavors and live music rooted in Black culture, including reggae, jazz, and blues.
La Créole Beach Hotel and Spa in Guadeloupe
Inside La Créole Beach Hotel and Spa, a beautiful blend of traditional Caribbean beach-house style and modern comforts. La Créole Beach Hotel and Spa infuses the island’s culture into every inch of the resort, making it the perfect accommodation for exploring the Guadeloupe Islands.
On-site, there is Le Zawag Restaurant. Le Zawag is a typical restaurant found in Gosier, Guadeloupe, by the sea. Adorned with wooden architecture, this is a sweet introduction to local Creole cuisine and the restaurant’s specialty: lobster from the fishpond.
Guests can also immerse themselves in the heart of Guadeloupean identity through culture, creative, and wellness experiences the hotel offers, such as an oxcart ride, Gwoka music workshop, and even a Creole cooking class.
Elephant Plains Lodge in Uganda
In the Pearl of Africa, Uganda, Elephant Plains Lodge offers a unique wildlife adventure. This exclusive lodge sits atop the stunning western escarpment of the Albertine Rift. With owner Amos Wekesa at the helm, the team provides guests with the opportunity to experience the wonders of the African plains while enjoying top-notch accommodations and personalized service.
During the day, you can indulge in Ugandan cuisine or relax on the terrace. As night falls, you will gather around the campfire or lie under the stars. Situated on 80 acres of pristine wilderness and just a short drive from the park gate, Elephant Plains Lodge is the perfect base for exploration. Overlooking Lake Kikorongo, you’ll witness elephants gathering at the water’s edge.
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