Diaspora Redefined: Global Black Identity in Focus

A New Era of Black-Owned Accommodations

Around the world, a new wave of Black-owned hotels and accommodations is emerging. These spaces are more than just places to stay; they reflect comfort, design, heritage, and identity. Many of these properties incorporate architecture and cuisine that are deeply rooted in ancestral traditions. They serve as living archives of history, hope, and cultural pride.

These five Black-owned stays showcase the richness of the African diaspora. Each property blends art, textures, and stories that go beyond aesthetics. They create welcoming spaces of belonging that celebrate global Black identity.

Jnane Tamsna in Morocco

Just outside Marrakech, Jnane Tamsna is a beautiful boutique hotel located on a sprawling estate of five houses. Owner Meryanne Loum-Martin opened her doors in 2001 and remains the only Black hotel owner in the country.

Once inside, guests will be captivated by the hotel’s design, which features authentic yet stylish Moroccan furnishings and decor. The property spans approximately nine acres of lush gardens and includes five swimming pools, offering a tranquil oasis for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

Guests can also explore local Moroccan dishes and spices with the hotel’s charming Chef Bahija, whose passion for Moroccan cuisine is infectious. Her cooking classes have gained worldwide attention and have even been featured on television.

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. The ambiance inside is inviting, filled with love, peace, and joy, all infused with a Caribbean vibe without the need to travel across the waters.

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 offers the perfect way to 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, there is a beautiful blend of traditional Caribbean beach-house style and modern comforts. The hotel 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.