The Prestige of Prince George’s: Wellspring Manor & Spa Black-Owned Bed & Breakfast
- W4TC
- 11 hours ago
- 4 min read
By: K. Harley
It is not uncommon to measure a true getaway by how far we travel. In an effort to break away from routine, we sacrifice the cost of lofty round-trip tickets, unpredictable airport wait times, bustling crowds, and sometimes time and money—all just for the experience. The allure of distant travel causes us to miss a chance to stay closer to home and enjoy what might offer the same reward, if not better.
That is why the Alexanders welcome guests to a home away from home at their culturally curated wellness retreat in the heart of Prince George's County: the Wellspring Manor & Spa.
The Black-owned establishment sits on a hill atop 7.35 acres of ancestral land, surrounded by oaks, the scent of magnolia in the dewy air, and bright florals hanging from crape myrtle trees.
Their luxury guest experience is memorable. The upscale bohemian bed-and-breakfast offers bespoke comfort and calm, making it ideal for travelers seeking more than a night's stay.
As a guest, your experience is steeped in diasporic home-style touches met with exquisite art and an unforgettable cuisine to ignite your soul and senses.
Curator, Host and Co-Founder, Lisa Alexander says, "My husband and I would go to these 5-star luxury resort/hotels around the world and find the environment, to be frank - cold, and more often than not very unwelcoming to People of Color."
She recalls it as one of the early inspirations for developing the concept of Wellspring Manor. She defines it as "a quiet, upscale yet approachable experience that puts us at the center."
I had the pleasure of staying at Wellspring Manor myself after hosting a Faith & Flow somatic movement session in The Barn, their designated art gallery.
I was joined by an intimate group of women eager to leave the stress of their workweek behind and dive into deep breathing and sacred circle time.
Although the scenic views and earth energy were enough to ground us in the space, it was the paintings and artifacts from local artists that drew us in.
After class, participants scanned the walls for their next big purchase. That day also happened to be the gallery's monthly Art Walk, where residents, community members, and art lovers are invited to visit. The women headed straight to The Nook—which housed trinkets, fragrances, and African-inspired handbags and accessories—to seal the memory of the day.
Art is healing. It certainly shifts things.
That is why I was delighted to see a portrait of award-winning poet Maya Angelou smiling from a frame across from the nightstand, painted by L.W. The guest suite I stayed in was named after her. In fact, all of the rooms at Wellspring Manor are named after public figures who have contributed to history and the arts.
I will not spoil it for you—you will have to go and see it for yourself.
One of the rooms I spent a significant amount of time in was the library, named after James Baldwin. An hour or two passes easily here with a glass of Chardonnay or a warm cup of tea, accompanied by smooth jazz playing throughout the house to help ease your mind.
To my surprise, Lisa revealed that the idea for Wellspring Manor & Spa was crystal clear for her and her husband, Kevin Alexander, though they had no prior experience in the hospitality industry. Instead, it was their solid business acumen and determination to bring excellence, elegance, and intimacy to Prince George's County that brought it all together. They credit the Ivy Hotel in Baltimore for setting a standard worth mentioning, which encouraged them to go above and beyond.
Their love for people, coupled with an ability to execute, is why events like Blues in the Basement and their monthly Gallery Walk continue to be successes.
Their love for people coupled with an ability to execute, is why events like: Blues in the Basement and their monthly Gallery Walk, continues to be a success.
My energy was restored after a good night's rest there. I barely touched my phone, and the laptop I had brought to work was never even turned on.
There was a remote for my TV, but it went untouched as I was engulfed in lush pillows and the sound of rain tapping on my window. After an invigorating shower, I slipped into my cozy robe and fell into a deep sleep.
In the morning, I was greeted with the same sincerity I was met with upon checking-in. I indulged in a hearty three-course culinary experience that put standard hotel continental breakfasts to shame. I thought to myself, "Wow, I didn't even have to go far. This is truly prestigious, right here in Prince George's county."
My chef was a renaissance-woman to say the least- it was Lisa, the owner who'd stepped into to make my experience even more memorable. She presents an exquisite array of wild fruits and granola with greek yogurt on a gold-trimmed and porcelain plate.
The main dish was a delicious stuffed kale with mushroom scorched-yellow pepper and a salmon cake with herb-roasted potatoes on the side. I appreciated the easy-going conversation between sips of coffee where she and I shared common views on life, womanhood and bonded on Caribbean heritage. Where else at a hotel resort can you get this kind of experience? Not many.
I did not want the dining experience to end. Alas a delightfully buttered Belgian waffle with a berry compote was presented as a breakfast dessert to satisfy my sweet tooth.
Magnifique.
I can't think of a better place to experience the kind of rest and reprieve than what this hide-away retreat has to offer. It's located just a mile or two from Watkins Park and only 15 minutes outside of the city limits [Washington D.C.] Ladies, whether you're traveling from out of town, looking to attend an event or just need a staycation, this is where you want to be.
Book Your Stay: https://wellspringmanor.com/
For Venue Booking: https://wellspringmanor.com/events-meetings/
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