If there’s anything Black women deserve, it’s rest, rejuvenation, and pampering. Navigating a society that can relentlessly add weight to every aspect of our existence, relief is critical and self-care is a non negotiable. That’s why the 21Ninety Awards has made it a point to recognize the Black women who have made it their life’s work to create safe spaces for Black women to exhale and reconnect back with themselves.
Across three categories, including Wellness, Lifestyle, and Beauty, the 21Ninety Awards aim to highlight the women with a passion for something bigger than themselves. These are women who are seeing it through and making an impact. Under the wellness category, these three Black owned spas have elevated the standards of self-care. Meeting luxury with self-love, here are the three Black owned spas that have gone above and beyond and left the industry in awe.
First Place Winner: YouTopia
When best-selling author Monique Greenwood closed her chapter as editor-in-chief of Essence Magazine, she discovered a new and lasting passion: hospitality. In 1995, she and her husband Glenn Pogue opened Akwaaba Mansion, an upscale bed and breakfast in Brooklyn, New York. Since then, the author of Having What Matters has expanded her award-winning Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast collection to six properties across the country. Her Poconos, Pennsylvania location, The Mansion at Noble Lane, earned her first place in 21Ninety’s Best Black-Owned Spa category. After falling in love with the decaying estate in 2011, Greenwood transformed it into a destination boutique resort where restoration meets joy.
“Winning the 21Ninety Award is confirmation of my commitment to help our people take their joy off of layaway,” she says. “We aim to restore and revive while prioritizing reflection and reconnection at our boutique bed and breakfast resort featuring YOUtopia, our on-premises spa and recreation facility.”
The YOUtopia Spa offers seven treatment rooms of pure bliss, from Swedish massages to reiki and clinical facials, along with special packages for mothers, daughters, and friends. Nearly 30 years after opening her first inn, Greenwood continues to expand her vision.
“In 2026, Akwaaba has a new, exciting project where we’ll bring our inn to the guests with our tricked-out RV camper, pulling up to everywhere you want to be,” Greenwood shared.
Through every chapter, Greenwood remains guided by the same principle that built her brand: creating spaces where Black people are not only welcomed, but celebrated.
Second Place Winner: The Spa at Salamander Resort
From immersive sound baths to prenatal massages, Salamander Resort & Spa has everything a Black woman could ever want. CEO Sheila C. Johnson, who also serves as co-founder of BET, was very intentional about creating a safe haven where wellness meets quality. That goal was surely surpassed, as the resort stands as the only Five-Star spa in Virginia.
Creating a unique, personal approach to luxury hospitality, Salamander Resort & Spa’s offerings range from organic food to clean, natural skincare products. The award-winning 23,000-square-foot spa curates an experience tailored to guests’ specific well-being needs, making the experience one of a kind.
Earning is prestigious five stars from Forbes, Johnson was named one of Hotel Management’s 2018 Influential Women in Hospitality. The powerhouse proves that when Black women set out to do something, excellence will always be the standard.
Third Place Winner: Platinum Wellness Spa
Located in Conyers, Georgia, Platinum Wellness Spa is home to an expert team of estheticians, stylists, and massage therapists trained to offer guests a once-in-a-lifetime wellness experience. Serial entrepreneur and CEO Rebecca Davis co-owns Platinum Wellness Spa alongside her husband. Their their mission statement is simple: offer a complete wellness journey, centered on relaxation, mental rejuvenation, and overall well-being.
They’ve surely achieved that beyond their efforts, as Platinum Wellness Spa was named “Best of Georgia” by the Georgia Business Journal. The 8,000-square-foot wellness retreat serves as a sanctuary dedicated to holistic self-care, where you can receive a dermaplaning hydrafacial, become reborn after meditating in the steam sauna, and encapsulate the tranquility in the outdoor zen garden. For every person suffering from burnout, Platinum Wellness Spa is heaven on earth.
About the Awards
With community and healing serving as their compass, each of these 2025 21Ninety Award for Best Black-Owned Spa winners has moved the needle on wellness in their own way.
This year’s 21Ninety Awards shifted from product-based categories to people-focused recognition. Instead of highlighting only what we use, the awards celebrate the women shaping beauty, wellness, and lifestyle culture from within.
Winners were selected for their impact on their audiences, their ability to create space and community, and their dedication to representation. We also looked at innovation, consistency, and cultural influence. Above all, nominees had to reflect 21Ninety’s mission of empowering Black women through beauty, wellness, and lifestyle.This approach ensures that changemakers, community builders, and unsung heroes get the spotlight for the impact they make every day.