The Road We Trod guide to Black-owned spa resorts in the U.S.

Because we all could use some relaxation right about now.

How does one relax when the world is on fire, right? I swear it feels like every 15 minutes I hear some news against my will that spikes my anxiety and keeps my shoulders crowded around my ears. The intentional and strategic cruelty by the current administration, anti-Blackness left and right (particularly against Black women), and triggering stories of narcissistic-led abuse has left me feeling in desperate need of silence, and I have found that heading to a spa resort can be a wonderful way to block out the noise. This of course, is an immense privilege, but if you have the opportunity to treat yourself in this way, I say hell yes. And, if you can do it while supporting a Black-owned business, then that’s a win-win.

Your girl loves a spa day

I just completed an emotionally complicated week of mourning my father on the first anniversary of his transition to the spirit world (May 22) and attempting to celebrate my birthday (May 23), and my goal is to spend the rest of the summer getting out of DC and heading to a spa resort as often as I can. With that in mind, I wanted to do something a bit different for this month’s Black travel guide and share with you all several Black-owned spa resorts to explore the next time you get the chance. I have to say, while doing my research, it hurt my heart to see how few spa hotels are Black-owned. The below spas are literally the only ones I could confirm that are Black-owned and also offer overnight lodging. That said, there’s only more room for growth, so hopefully someone reading this may one day become a hotelier to add to the list!