Discover the Elegance of Salamander Hotels Collection with Sheila Johnson

Hello Friends,

I'm Kee Sharrieff of Kee22Life, your Luxury Travel Advisor, and I'm excited to share an extraordinary collection of destinations that perfectly embody the essence of luxury and empowerment: Salamander Hotels Collection.

At the heart of this exquisite group of properties is Sheila Johnson, a visionary entrepreneur and the first African American woman to own a Forbes 5-Star resort. As a groundbreaking business leader, Johnson has built an impressive legacy that extends far beyond hospitality. Co-founding Black Entertainment Television (BET) in 1980, she helped create what would become the first African American-owned company listed on the New York Stock Exchange before its $3 billion sale to Viacom in 2001.

Johnson's remarkable journey includes being the first African American woman to have ownership stakes in three professional sports franchises: the NBA's Washington Wizards, the NHL's Washington Capitals, and the WNBA's Washington Mystics. Her dedication to philanthropy is equally impressive, with substantial contributions to education, the arts, and community development through the Sheila C. Johnson Foundation.

In 2005, Johnson channeled her passion for exceptional service and distinctive experiences into founding Salamander Hotels & Resorts. Drawing on her own travel experiences and keen eye for detail, she has cultivated a collection of properties that seamlessly blend luxury with authenticity. Under her guidance as CEO, the Salamander portfolio has grown to include award-winning destinations across the United States, each reflecting her commitment to excellence and cultural richness.

Her passion for creating spaces of unparalleled elegance and genuine hospitality is evident in every detail of the Salamander Hotels Collection. From the renowned Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg, Virginia, to the coastal luxury of Henderson Beach Resort in Destin, Florida, each property carries Johnson's distinctive vision of sophisticated comfort and meaningful connection to its surroundings.

Exploring the Salamander Collection: Distinctive Luxury Destinations

Salamander Resort & Spa – Middleburg, Virginia

Location: Nestled in Virginia's idyllic horse and wine country, just one hour from Washington D.C.

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) for blooming gardens and pleasant temperatures, or Fall (September-October) for stunning foliage and harvest activities.

Weather: Four distinct seasons with mild springs, warm summers (75-85°F), colorful autumns, and cool winters that occasionally see snow, creating postcard-perfect landscapes.

Aesthetic: Equestrian elegance meets refined luxury. The 340-acre estate blends seamlessly into Virginia's rolling landscape with architecture inspired by Johnson's own nearby home.

Notable Attractions:

• World-class Equestrian Center offering riding lessons and trail rides through scenic woodland

• Award-winning 23,000-square-foot spa featuring treatments incorporating local herbs and botanicals

• Cooking studio offering interactive culinary experiences with estate-grown ingredients

• Nearby access to over 50 wineries in Virginia's emerging wine region

Fun Fact: The resort's library contains a collection of rare first editions personally curated by Sheila Johnson, and guests can enjoy fireside readings during evening gatherings.

Half Moon – Montego Bay, Jamaica

Location: Sprawling across 400 acres of Jamaica's northern coast, with two miles of private beachfront.

Best Time to Visit: November to mid-December offers ideal weather with lower rates before the holiday rush.

Weather: Consistently tropical with temperatures between 75-85°F year-round. Brief afternoon showers are common May through October.

Aesthetic: Timeless Caribbean elegance blending colonial architecture with modern luxury. Lush tropical gardens frame stunning ocean views.