From Numbers to Nirvana: Bria Guishard’s Journey to Leading Long Bay Beach Resort

Behind every effortless island escape is a leader who makes the magic feel simple. For Long Bay Beach Resort on Tortola, that leader is Bria Guishard—born and raised in the British Virgin Islands, promoted to General Manager on September 3, 2024, and dedicated to elevating every guest experience with heart, precision, and place-led authenticity. In this profile, you’ll discover how Bria’s finance background sharpened her leadership, why her Tortola roots matter, and what her guest-focused vision means for your next stay.

The Tortola Thread: Local Roots, Lasting Impact

Bria Guishard grew up on Tortola, bringing a deep connection to the local community and the culture that defines Long Bay. That local insight isn’t just a personal story—it’s a compass for decision-making that keeps the resort grounded in authentic BVI hospitality.

Before stepping into hospitality, Bria built over a decade of experience in accounting and business—a foundation that now fuels structured operations and thoughtful growth. She transitioned into hospitality in 2021, joining Long Bay Beach Resort, where her combination of analytical rigor and people-first leadership quickly stood out.

From Finance to the Front Line of Hospitality

Bria’s rise at Long Bay Beach Resort reflects both performance and purpose:

• Finance Manager: Brought discipline to financial stewardship and reporting.
• Finance & Administration Manager: Led finance, administration, and human resources, integrating people, process, and performance.
• Assistant General Manager: Expanded oversight to day-to-day guest operations and service excellence.
• General Manager (effective immediately on September 3, 2024): Now leads strategic initiatives to enhance overall guest satisfaction and optimize resort operations.

Along the way, Bria made significant contributions to multiple development stages at the resort, including the introduction of new amenities—work that continues to shape Long Bay’s next chapter.

What Bria’s Leadership Means for Guests

Bria’s mandate is clear: enrich the experience while streamlining the journey. In practice, that focus shows up in two ways—continuous service refinements and elevated, place-inspired amenities that reflect the best of Tortola.

Dining, Beachside

• 1748 Restaurant: Set within historic stone, coral, and limestone walls from an 18th‑century rum distillery, this beachside favorite pairs laidback charm with island flavor.
• 1748 Sushi Bar: A sophisticated beachfront addition led by Sous Chef Sherman, blending the artistry of Japanese cuisine with the rhythm of the Caribbean. Signature cocktails curated by Head Mixologist Ashish complement the menu’s clean, nuanced flavors.

Wellness, Naturally

• The Cure Day Spa: A calm, coastal sanctuary at the resort offering massages (from Swedish to Deep Tissue and Hot Stone), facials (including ELEMIS anti‑ageing and skin solutions), body polishes and wraps, and hydro/heat therapies like sauna and aqua therapy. Add-ons such as warm stones, scalp therapy, and aromatherapy let you personalize every treatment.

Ocean and Outdoor Experiences

• Private Boat Charters in the British Virgin Islands: Explore the archipelago with the resort’s team—led by marine expert Blade Goodall—for day cruises, sunset sails, and private transfers.
• Ocean Fleet Experiences: Snorkeling, island-hopping adventures, and curated itineraries bring the BVI’s turquoise playground to life.
• Tennis & Pickleball Courts, Paddle Boarding, Snorkeling, Hiking, Yoga, Gym, Spa, Resort Pool & Swim‑Up Bar: A full rhythm of activities to balance energy with ease.

Space to Stay (and Savor)

• Beachside Villas: Thoughtfully positioned just moments from the sand with seamless indoor‑outdoor living, a furnished terrace, and a private plunge pool—ideal for privacy, connection, and slow coastal living.
• Ocean View Suites and the Oceanfront Presidential Suite: Options for guests seeking elevated comfort with uninterrupted ocean perspectives.

Weddings and Celebrations

• Proudly listed on the 5 Star Wedding Directory, Long Bay Beach Resort is an intimate hideaway with 37 elegantly appointed suites, villas, and rooms—perfect for private buyouts and multi‑day celebrations. Exchange vows with ocean views, gather at Johnny’s Beach Bar, dine at 1748 Restaurant, and treat guests to spa and wellness experiences with the resort’s on‑site planners and stylists.

Recognitions That Reflect Momentum

Long Bay Beach Resort’s trajectory underlines the team’s commitment to service and setting:

• Recognized in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards 2024, reflecting consistently excellent guest reviews.
• Announced among the TOP 100 Hotels & Resorts in the World by Luxury Lifestyle Awards (November 28, 2024).
• Honored with Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Award.

These accolades echo Bria’s focus on hospitality that feels natural, attentive, and unmistakably BVI.

Fast Answers: Who Is Bria Guishard?

• Who is she? General Manager of Long Bay Beach Resort on Tortola.
• When was she appointed? September 3, 2024 (effective immediately).
• Where is she from? Born and raised in Tortola.
• What is her background? 10+ years in accounting and business; began in hospitality in 2021.
• Her roles at the resort? Finance Manager → Finance & Administration Manager (finance, administration, HR) → Assistant General Manager → General Manager.
• What will she focus on? Enhancing overall guest satisfaction and optimizing resort operations, while guiding development and new amenities.
• How can I reach her? Email bria@longbay.com.

Why Bria’s Background Matters (And How You’ll Feel It)

In hospitality, great stays are built on details you never need to think about. Leaders with strong finance and operations experience are uniquely equipped to align service, staffing, and amenities so each touchpoint—arrival, dining, activities, and downtime—feels intuitive. Combined with Bria’s Tortola upbringing, that operational fluency translates into experiences that are calm, considered, and true to place.

Expect the practical to meet the poetic: smoother logistics, thoughtful service patterns, and enhancements that deepen your connection to Long Bay’s setting—from the historic 1748 Restaurant to the beachfront serenity of the Beachside Villas and the restorative rituals at The Cure Day Spa.

Practical Takeaways for Your Next Stay

• Plan ahead for celebrations: With limited inventory and rising international interest, wedding dates are filling quickly, especially for 2026.
• Consider the easiest way to arrive: Nonstop flights from Miami to Tortola now make BVI getaways more seamless from major U.S. hubs.
• Build an itinerary that flows: Pair a sunset sail with a relaxed dinner at 1748 Restaurant, schedule a morning spa session before a beach day, and add a Private Cinema Experience or Private Beachside Massage to wind down.
• Maximize oceanside time: Book Private Boat Charters to explore icons like The Baths or Norman Island, and weave in snorkeling or paddle boarding for active moments between stretches of sun‑soaked calm.
• Choose the right space: If privacy and indoor‑outdoor living top your list, the Beachside Villas offer a serene, self‑contained retreat just steps from the sand.

Conclusion: Leading With Heart, Guided by Place

From finance ledgers to ocean‑lapped horizons, Bria Guishard has navigated a path defined by discipline, empathy, and a deep love for Tortola. As General Manager, she’s channeling that blend into guest‑focused initiatives and thoughtful growth—so your time at Long Bay feels effortless, personal, and unmistakably Caribbean.

Ready to experience her vision in motion? Explore accommodations like the Beachside Villas, savor beachfront dining at 1748 Restaurant or 1748 Sushi Bar, and plan your ocean adventures with Private Boat Charters. To connect directly, email bria@longbay.com—and we’ll help you design your perfect Long Bay stay.