You close your laptop, silence your phone, and trade in city noise for the soothing rhythm of the ocean. A luxury resort is a pause button for the mind, where the outside world feels a million miles away. You imagine a place where time moves differently, where breakfast isn’t hurried, and each interaction feels less like a transaction and more like a personal gesture. It’s a space where warmth fills the air, service feels effortless, and you’re not just a guest — you’re a part of something, welcomed as if you’ve always been expected.
Long Bay Beach Resort has all of this and more, and it’s because it has people like Bria Guishard to manage every detail with care.
A Journey of a Stalwart
Bria’s journey with Long Bay Beach Resort began in March 2022 when she joined as Finance Manager. From the outset, her role required her to engage closely with operations, a natural extension of finance, where understanding the inner workings of all departments is essential to navigating financial systems and processes effectively.
As she immersed herself in the broader functions of the resort, her interest in operations deepened. She began spending more time at the front of the house, observing daily workflows and interacting with guests — a significant shift from the back-office nature of her initial role. These experiences sparked a genuine curiosity about the hospitality industry, motivating her to pursue further education, including a certificate in Hospitality Management.
Her commitment to professional growth did not go unnoticed. As she continued to evolve within her finance role, Bria was promoted to Assistant General Manager, a position that demanded a more comprehensive understanding of hospitality and the complexities of managing a luxury resort in the Caribbean. In August 2024, she was appointed General Manager, a role she holds with pride. Her vision for the resort has evolved from a finance-centric perspective to a holistic leadership approach, shaped by hands-on experience and a deep passion for the guest experience.
Laying the Foundation for Lasting Luxury
When Bria joined Long Bay Beach Resort, the property was a modest 20-room boutique retreat poised for growth. It was a pivotal moment in the resort’s history — plans were underway to introduce ten hillside studio suites, but many of the amenities guests now enjoy were still concepts on paper. Bria became part of the transformation from the ground up, witnessing architectural drawings turn into tangible luxury experiences.
She played a key role in overseeing the development of signature amenities including a picturesque pool and poolside bar, a fully equipped gym, a spa, a tennis court, a boutique, and dedicated yoga platforms. Each new addition reflected a thoughtful approach to enhancing the guest experience while preserving the resort’s unique charm.
Among the most defining milestones, she cites the introduction of seven premium accommodations — six beachside villas and a beach house — as a major leap forward. These additions not only elevated the property’s appeal but also reinforced Long Bay’s standing as a premier luxury destination in the Caribbean. For Bria, being part of this transformation has been immensely rewarding, marking a journey of pride, purpose, and lasting impact.
Fostering Connection, Trust, and Shared Purpose
At the helm of Long Bay Beach Resort, Bria’s leadership is grounded in principles that reflect both inner discipline and emotional awareness. A devoted practitioner of stoicism, she embraces its philosophy as a foundation for resilience and thoughtful decision-making. Equally important to her is emotional intelligence — a quality she views as essential for leading a diverse, multicultural team spanning various generations and backgrounds.
Her approach is deeply personal. With over 85 team members, Bria makes it a priority to cultivate individual relationships with each one, tailoring her leadership style to suit the needs of the person in front of her. Whether offering firm guidance or empathetic support, she leads with the understanding that everyone brings a unique story to the workplace.
Trust is the cornerstone of her leadership. Rather than micromanaging, she empowers her team to take ownership, trusting them to uphold the resort’s values, deliver exceptional service, and treat each other with dignity. She models these expectations herself, demonstrating compassion and practicing active listening to build rapport and encourage honest dialogue.
Bria also champions visibility and recognition. She’s often seen walking the grounds, engaging directly with staff, and creating a presence that boosts morale and fosters unity. Initiatives like “Employee of the Quarter” and celebratory shout-outs in the team group chat ensure that outstanding performance never goes unnoticed. For her, inspiration stems not from hierarchy but from connection, trust, and shared purpose.
Harmonizing Voices
Overseeing a resort that spans 52 acres requires a balance of strategic oversight and operational precision. For Bria, the key to navigating this complexity lies in one fundamental principle: communication. She firmly believes that clear, consistent communication is the lifeblood of a well-run resort, and that you simply can’t over-communicate.
To ensure alignment across departments, Bria has implemented robust communication channels that keep all team members, from Food & Beverage to Maintenance, Rooms Division, and HR, in the loop. Transparency is non-negotiable; by making sure every manager and supervisor is informed, she fosters a culture of collaboration and proactive problem-solving.
She also recognizes that in a dynamic environment like hospitality, miscommunication is inevitable, but it can be managed. By inviting multiple perspectives into the conversation, Bria and her team are able to spot inconsistencies early, engage in thoughtful discussions, and often land on even stronger decisions than initially imagined.
Her leadership lens is dual-focused: every decision is weighed not only for its impact on guests but also on staff. Bria views her team as internal guests, deserving of the same care, support, and respect. It’s a philosophy that builds loyalty and, ultimately, enhances the guest experience, because when staff feel valued and supported, their service reflects it.
Trusting Teams to Lead with Pride
Bria builds and sustains a motivated, service-oriented team by fostering trust and autonomy. Rather than relying on micromanagement, she empowers team members to take full responsibility for their roles. This approach encourages confidence, accountability, and a sense of pride in their contributions. By creating a work environment rooted in respect and empowerment, Bria ensures her team remains driven and committed to excellence.
Recruiting for Cultural and Operational Alignment
When hiring for leadership positions, Bria focuses on the qualities that define true leadership, not just the title. She seeks individuals who understand that leading a team involves more than managing tasks; it means uplifting others, cultivating growth, and fostering a collaborative spirit.
During interviews, she pays close attention to how candidates describe their previous teams. She values those who emphasize mentorship, support, and team development, rather than personal achievement. Bria also observes how candidates listen and communicate, looking for signs of emotional intelligence, empathy, and self-awareness.
Assertiveness, a problem-solving mindset, and strong interpersonal skills are essential. She believes that leaders must be approachable and in tune with both team dynamics and guest needs. Above all, Bria looks for candidates who align with the resort’s culture, demonstrate integrity, and consistently put people first.
Where Genuine Connections Elevate Every Stay
Bria believes that what sets a luxury resort apart is not just its location or amenities, but the authenticity of its service. At Long Bay Beach Resort, she encourages her team to show up as their true selves and to build genuine connections with guests.
Many visitors to the resort come from large cities and corporate hotel experiences. What they often seek in Tortola is something more personal and meaningful. Bria ensures her team understands that guests want to feel welcomed and known. That begins with learning their names, listening to their stories, and treating them with genuine care.
She often sits with guests to hear about their lives, sharing her own experiences as well. These exchanges help create the sense of a temporary home, one where each guest feels seen and valued. Her philosophy is simple: service should never feel transactional. Instead, it should reflect the warmth, character, and heart of the people delivering it.
Bria regularly reminds her team to be present, to find solutions without hesitation, and to focus on making every guest’s stay unforgettable. In her words, guests should never feel like the resort is a backup plan — they should feel like it was always the perfect choice.
Balancing New Amenities with the Resort’s Signature Charm
With the addition of a spa, pool area, gym, and conference center, Bria ensures that every enhancement remains true to the essence of Long Bay Beach Resort. Her focus lies in three key areas: functionality, cleanliness, and accessibility. These guiding principles ensure that each new space is not only well-maintained and easy to use but also aligned with the aesthetic and atmosphere that guests have come to love. For Bria, it’s essential that these upgrades feel like thoughtful extensions of the resort, enriching the overall guest experience without compromising its intimate and authentic character.
Infusing Local Culture into the Guest Experience
Bria believes that today’s travelers want more than just a getaway — they seek a deeper connection to the destination. At Long Bay Beach Resort, this connection is built through genuine island hospitality delivered by a passionate team. The resort integrates the culture of the British Virgin Islands into its offerings by featuring BVI-inspired dishes as rotating specials on the menu and partnering with local vendors for curated experiences, such as island tours and excursions.
Bria encourages guests to venture beyond the resort, exploring the natural beauty and vibrant communities throughout the islands. In her view, the resort serves not only as a serene retreat but also as a gateway to the rich and diverse spirit of the BVI.
Sustainability and Community at the Heart of Operations
Under Bria’s leadership, Long Bay Beach Resort remains deeply committed to environmental responsibility and community engagement. Sustainability is a factor in every operational decision, from resource management to vendor selection. The resort actively supports local initiatives through both financial contributions and hands-on involvement.
Bria also focuses on empowering the local community by creating opportunities for development, such as offering internships to students at the local college. Her vision is for the resort to be more than a destination — she wants it to be an integral part of the BVI community, contributing to its long-term growth and well-being.
Steering Tourism Toward a Sustainable Future
As tourism continues to rise in the British Virgin Islands, Bria sees Long Bay Beach Resort playing a pivotal role in shaping the region’s future. Her vision is for the resort to become the premier luxury destination in the territory, anchored by a steadfast commitment to consistency and authenticity. For Bria, success doesn’t solely rest on elevated guest experiences—it also involves meaningful contributions to the broader community.
She takes seriously the resort’s corporate responsibility as a key player in the local business landscape. In her leadership role, Bria is dedicated to actively participating in the region’s development, whether through partnerships with government and quasi-governmental organizations or by fostering education and career opportunities in hospitality. She acknowledges the tourism industry as a critical pillar of the local economy and believes in advocating for increased investment and collaboration to support its sustainable growth.
Crafting a Timeless Legacy
What excites Bria most about the future of Long Bay Beach Resort is its untapped potential. She has already begun identifying areas for growth and improvement and is working closely with the management team and ownership to bring new ideas to life. For Bria, this collaborative and forward-thinking approach is both energizing and essential to continued success.
When asked about the legacy she hopes to leave, Bria speaks from a place of deep purpose. She wants her time at Long Bay Beach Resort to be defined by leadership rooted in resilience, passion, and unwavering commitment. Her hope is that others, whether future hospitality professionals or her own team, will see her journey as a testament to what can be achieved through genuine dedication, regardless of where one starts or the obstacles faced along the way.
