Spotlight: Sheila Johnson, Trailblazing Founder of Salamander Hotels & Resorts
Throughout Sheila Johnson’s remarkable career, she has consistently been a pioneer—the first, the only, or among the very few. From becoming the first young African-American violinist to win a statewide competition in Illinois, to co-founding the nation’s first Black television network, BET, to owning stakes in three professional sports teams as the first Black woman to do so (the Washington Wizards, Capitals, and Mystics).
While her father’s groundbreaking role as one of the few African-American neurosurgeons midcentury was influential, Johnson credits her mother’s passion for hospitality as a defining force. Now in her third act as founder and CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts, she channels that legacy into world-class luxury.
Drawing on an innate drive to offer welcoming hospitality with nutritious food and pristine linens, Johnson has elevated her properties to Forbes Five-Star standards. Her flagship Salamander Resort & Spa in Virginia’s scenic horse country stands as a testament. As the only African-American woman to fully own a Forbes Five-Star resort, she advocates for greater diversity in ownership.
“The hospitality industry employs a diverse array of people from all colors, cultures, languages, backgrounds, and religions—giving us a head start in addressing our nation’s most pressing social issue: racism,” Johnson stated in her 2020 Virtuoso Travel Week keynote.
“We achieve this by offering promotions and opportunities to those who may not look or sound like us,” she emphasized, a principle she practices through diverse leadership and inclusive initiatives.
A prime example is the Salamander Resort & Spa’s Family Reunion, co-hosted by Food & Wine from August 19-22, 2021. This event celebrated diversity with acclaimed chefs like Kwame Onwuachi (Food & Wine’s Best New Chef 2019 and author of Notes from a Young Black Chef), Carla Hall, Edouardo Jordan, Nina Compton, Mashama Bailey, Rodney Scott, and Pierre Thiam. For details on cooking demos, tastings, dinners, panels, and resort packages, check back here in April.
Johnson’s properties shine without special events. Salamander Hotels & Resorts manages five hotels that authentically capture local essence, earning consistent guest praise. Travelzoo members rave about The Henderson in Destin, Florida’s Emerald Coast, which seamlessly blends with its beachside setting.
Evoking seaside manor elegance with shaded colonnades, swaying palms, and ocean-view balconies, The Henderson embodies Johnson’s philosophy: “Hospitality like family—you always belong, feel welcome, respected, appreciated, and special.” No wonder 100% of Travelzoo members who stayed rated it highly. Nearby Henderson Beach State Park adds over a mile of pristine shoreline.
Travelzoo has curated an exclusive deal at The Henderson for members to experience Johnson’s renowned hospitality—perfect timing to book.
