Each February, companies rally around Black History Month by spotlighting Black-owned businesses, events, and people to explore throughout the month. In the travel space, it involves highlighting the less than 3% of Black-owned hotels or framing Black luxury tour operators as disruptors for breaking into a segment of the industry that continues to lack representation.
However, Black luxury has never been a trend. It has always existed. What has changed over the years is the visibility and the confidence of hoteliers, tastemakers, designers, and cultural curators to rewrite the blueprint and map.
Here are the people behind Black excellence in luxury hospitality and experiences that deserve to be celebrated year-round.
Black-Owned Stays Worth Traveling For
Elephant Plains In Uganda
Located in the Pearl of Africa, Elephant Plains Lodge in Uganda is known for its unique wildlife adventure. This exclusive lodge sits atop the stunning western escarpment of the Albertine Rift, where owner Amos Wekesa and his team provide guests with the opportunity to experience the wonders of the African plains.
During the day, travelers can enjoy Ugandan cuisine or relax throughout the property. Then, as night falls, guests will gather around the campfire or lie underneath the stars.
Jnane Tamsna in Marrakesh
Just outside Marrakech is Jnane Tamsna, 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 is a satisfying blend of authentic Moroccan furnishings and decor. There’s no better place in Marrakesh to go for a relaxing retreat, as this hotel sits on approximately nine acres of lush gardens and five swimming pools. This provides a tranquil oasis for guests seeking to unwind.
The Ode Hotel in Toronto
Ode is the city’s first and only Black-owned, family-operated hotel in Toronto. Erica Herbert and her four children own this boutique hotel in Toronto’s Little Portugal neighborhood. What stands out at the Ode Hotel is that every guest who walks through the door is treated like family, without exception.
The family told Travel Noire in a previous interview that they are honored to be the first Black-owned hotel in Toronto and are working to attract more events, art residencies, and curated dinners. The family’s dream is to continue to build beautiful spaces that feel like a love letter to “our people, our places, and our possibilities.”
Book your room on the hotel website.
Food Tours & Experiences
AfroFlavors
In 2024, expat and permanent-resident hopeful Kamra Clemons launched AfroFlavors to help people explore the cultural richness of the African Diaspora in Lisbon.
Her tour highlights African history and culture through food in one of Europe’s most diverse and vibrant cities. Participants will savor the flavors and stories of local Black businesses in the heart of the city. Clemons’s tour highlights countries that were formerly Portuguese colonies in Africa, including Angola, Cape Verde, and Mozambique, as well as Brazil in South America.
Choose a group or private experience by booking here.
Black Foodies Travel
Each year, Black Foodies Travel founder Edna Richardson transforms meals into incredible and delicious adventures. Richardson has made it her mission to connect Black travelers with diverse culinary experiences worldwide, from bustling city markets to exclusive gourmet dining experiences.
Some of Richardson’s experiences include Taste of Greece, Taste of Bali, Taste of Thailand, Taste of Jamaica, and more. Each trip is about bold flavors, excitement, and unforgettable culinary memories.
Pick and book your experience here.
Black Food Truck Festival
Marcus Hammond created the Black Food Truck Festival in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2022, and it has quickly become a go-to event for locals and visitors alike. The family-oriented event shines a light on the contributions of Black culinary artists, all while making an economic and social impact on the community.
Hammond’s festival has become a celebration of community and culture. In addition to the excellent food options, fest-goers can expect music, performances, and a local business vendor marketplace.
Tickets can be purchased here.
Bookable Travel Companies & Experiences
AfroFuture
In 2017, Abdul Karim Abdullah, founder and CEO of the Culture Management Group, launched the AfroFuture Festival (formerly known as Afrochella) to celebrate African music, art, fashion, and culture in Ghana. Abdullah’s vision has since expanded, and his company is now a global cultural entertainment platform dedicated to celebrating the diverse cultures and work of the diaspora through festivals, live performances, interactive activities, and community engagement worldwide.
The AfroFuture platform brings the world to Africa and takes Africa to the world through a range of cultural experiences tailored for a modern global audience. Signature events include AfroFuture Fest and travel in Ghana, a recently launched festival in Detroit, and a travel experience in Tanzania.
AfroIberica Tours
As Black travelers demand experiences and destinations that align with their cultural identity and personal interests, Kwame Ondo is meeting them where they are. He launched AfroIberia Tours in Spain to immerse Black travelers and those interested in the lesser-known histories of Black people in Madrid.
Throughout the journey, patrons will explore the rich tapestry of Black history, contributions, and cultural heritage in Madrid. There are several tours available throughout Spain.
BUTTER Fine Art Fair
GANGGANG, founded by Mali Bacon and her husband, Alan Bacon, is the cultural development firm behind BUTTER, the fine art fair celebrating Black artists in Indianapolis and Los Angeles. The fair features an intentionally curated lineup of independent, emerging, mid-career, and established artists who highlight the creativity of the African diaspora.
Mali and Alan are redefining how the art world engages with Black visual artists through BUTTER. Since its founding in 2021, BUTTER has generated over $1 million to date. The no-commission, no-censorship model maximizes artist earnings.
Jelani Travel
Jelani Travel has been the go-to destination for exceptional travel experiences tailored to Black travelers. Company founder, Ashley N. Company, has made it her mission to help people of African descent reimagine the continent.
Her experiences are vacations with a purpose. Staffers seamlessly blend culture and luxury to foster a deep connection with the diaspora. With each itinerary, travelers are invited to explore Africa and the world beyond through four intentional pillars. The focus is self-care, service, culture, and adventure.
Your journey awaits. Find your purpose here.
