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29 May 2026

Rebuilding After the Storm: Long Bay Beach Resort’s Journey from Hurricane Irma to Triple Award Winner

If you’re searching for a Caribbean escape where resilience meets refined island living, Long Bay Beach Resort offers a powerful answer. In 2017, Hurricane Irma reshaped Tortola—and in the years since, Long Bay Beach Resort has rebuilt with heart, honoring heritage while elevating every guest experience. That commitment culminated in three titles at the 2025 REVE Luxury Awards, affirming a transformation defined by authenticity, craftsmanship, and Caribbean warmth.

In this story, you’ll learn how the resort rebuilt with purpose, which accolades mark the journey, and what sets Long Bay apart today—from its mile‑long white‑sand shoreline and ocean experiences to its spa rituals, culinary offerings, and boutique wedding credentials.

From Irma to Renewal: A Heritage Reimagined

Re-built on Tortola’s coastline after Hurricane Irma in 2017, Long Bay’s comeback is grounded in sincere hospitality and local character. The resort’s approach embraces its setting—a mile-long stretch of scenic, serene white sand—while minimizing footprint and weaving local materials into design choices. Historic texture runs deep at the beachfront: the open-air 1748 Restaurant occupies an 18th‑century rum distillery built from stone, coral, and limestone.

The culinary revival took root in earnest with the opening of 1748 in spring 2020, led by Brian Strange and a team of talented chefs. With a focus on quality and freshness, the team prioritized local produce and elevated ingredients to deliver a world‑class dining experience that reflects the British Virgin Islands.

Above all, the rebuild is a human story of dedication. As Cassandra Quirk, Director of Marketing & Public Relations, shares: “This win belongs to every single team member who wakes up every day with the heart to serve, the will to grow, and the passion to make magic for our guests. It’s our people, not just our palm trees, that make us shine.”

Recognitions That Validate the Journey

Awards don’t define a place—but they do validate the work behind it. Long Bay Beach Resort’s recent honors include:

These milestones reflect a brand that blends character with excellence—exactly the spirit the REVE Luxury Awards celebrate.

What Sets Long Bay Beach Resort Apart Today

A mile-long beach and barefoot luxury

Long Bay sits on a mile-long ribbon of white sand framed by lush palms. It’s a classic Caribbean canvas—serene, scenic, and ideal for slow mornings, ocean breezes, and sunset rituals. Explore the resort’s story and amenities: Our Amenities and Our Story.

Boutique scale, elevated stays

Culinary depth: from heritage to innovation

Wellness and play, island-style

Ocean fleet and bespoke adventure

Discover the BVI by sea with private boat charters, day trips, snorkeling escapes, island‑hopping, and water taxi services. The newest jewel of the fleet—the Saxdor 400 Series—has been hailed as a “private island on the water,” with signature expandable terraces that fold down into the sea for spacious lounging.

Weddings and events with soul

Intimate by design, Long Bay is a boutique hideaway with 37 elegantly appointed suites, villas, and rooms—ideal for private buyouts and multi‑day wedding experiences. The resort is a proud member of the prestigious 5 Star Wedding Directory, underscoring its standing among luxury destination venues.

For seamless meetings and celebrations, the Conference & Banquet Room blends island charm with modern essentials—high‑speed Wi‑Fi, built‑in screen and projector, microphone, whiteboard, video conference equipment, laser pointers, air‑conditioning, in‑room catering options, and dedicated coordination support.

Resilience in Action: Prepared and Proven

Long Bay Beach Resort follows strict hurricane‑preparedness protocols and is built to withstand tropical storms. After Tropical Storm Ernesto, the property sustained minimal damage and resumed full operations quickly. For the latest updates, visit: Resort Update On Tropical Storm Ernesto.

Timeline at a Glance

Year Milestone
2017 Post‑Hurricane Irma rebuild begins, with a mission rooted in sincere hospitality and Caribbean warmth
2020 1748 Restaurant opens in spring, re‑energizing Long Bay’s culinary scene
2023 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award: Top Beachfront Resort in the BVI
2024 Luxury Lifestyle Awards: Top 100 Hotels & Resorts in the World
2025 Triple winner at the REVE Luxury Awards (Best Sales & Marketing Team; Best Luxury Beachfront Resort; Best Luxury Boutique Resort – North America)
2026 Recognized again with Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Award

Quick Answers (Featured‑Snippet Friendly)

Practical Takeaways for Your Trip or Event

  1. Book early for weddings and group events. With limited boutique inventory and rising demand, 2026 dates are filling quickly.
  2. Plan sea days in advance. Reserve private charters and water taxi services to unlock hidden coves and island‑hopping without the crowds.
  3. Make wellness part of your rhythm. Schedule spa rituals and sunrise yoga to balance adventure with renewal.
  4. Mix heritage and flavor. Dine at 1748 for a sense of place, then elevate the evening at 1748 Sushi Bar.
  5. Pack for play. Tennis, pickleball socials, snorkeling, and paddle boarding are steps away—bring activewear and a curiosity for the water.
  6. Stay connected yet unplugged. High‑speed Wi‑Fi is available, but the real signal is the sound of the sea.

Conclusion: A Comeback You Can Feel—and Be Part Of

From post‑Irma rebuilding to a triple win at the 2025 REVE Luxury Awards, Long Bay Beach Resort proves that true luxury is built on heart, heritage, and the everyday moments that make a stay unforgettable. Whether you’re here for a barefoot wedding, a wellness retreat, or a week of ocean adventures, you’ll find a team ready to make magic.

Ready to experience the transformation? Book your stay or event now: reservations@longbay.com | 1‑284‑494‑1222 (USA 1‑800‑496‑5964, UK +44 203 996 3988). Or start planning here: Contact & Arrival.