10 Years of Salamander Resorts: Sheila Johnson’s Journey to Hotel Empire Success

Sheila Johnson: From Entertainment to Hospitality

After a successful career in entertainment, Sheila Johnson, cofounder of BET and America’s first Black female billionaire, ventured into hospitality. This year marks the 10th anniversary of her inaugural hotel, Salamander Resort & Spa, located in Virginia, which is one of seven properties in her distinguished portfolio. Other notable properties include Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club and Half Moon Jamaica.

1. What inspired you to move from television to the travel space?

“After BET, I was trying to rediscover myself and learn to be out on my own. When I moved to Virginia, I was still young enough to start a new career. So this 340-acre property in Middleburg came up for sale, and I decided to make a bid on it.”

2. Why did you choose to open a resort there?

“The town was going downhill. So I knew that if I opened a resort, it would be the financial anchor. So far, it’s worked beautifully. We’ve added activities like the Middleburg Film Festival, and the American Ballet Theatre has performed. I like to bring experiences that the town can feed off.”

3. How do you think Black travelers feel walking into a Salamander property, knowing that a Black woman owns this?

“Every time I drive to the Virginia hotel, I’m like, ‘I can’t believe I built this.’ I’m very proud of myself, but seeing faces of color coming through the door is really terrific. I want to go out of my way to meet as many guests as possible, because I want them to also feel a sense of ownership here.”

4. Where do you travel when you want to relax?

“I go to my own house. I live on a 200-acre farm in Middleburg, and it’s the best. I can walk up to three miles and never leave the property. That’s my sanctuary.”

A version of this story first appeared in the August 2023 issue of iBestTravel under the headline “Force of One.”