Twenty-Four Hours at Long Bay Beach Resort
Some places become favorites because you visit them over and over again.
Others surprise you after just one visit.
Long Bay Beach Resort, tucked along the west end of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, was one of those places for us.
For years, St. John has been our favorite island in the Caribbean. It’s the place we’ve returned to again and again, so I wasn’t really expecting another island to make much of an impression on us.
But a few years ago, while celebrating a milestone anniversary on Jost Van Dyke, we decided to spend one night at Long Bay Beach Resort before heading home.
It ended up being one of the best decisions we made on that trip.
And it wasn’t because we packed our one night with activities. We really didn’t.
We just loved the place.
The setting, the service, the beautiful beach, and all the little details made it incredibly easy to settle in and enjoy our time there.
Honestly, we wished we’d booked more than one night.
A Warm Island Welcome
From the moment we arrived, everything about Long Bay felt relaxed and welcoming.
Our room happened to be ready early, so after checking in, we were invited to start our stay the island way- with a welcome cocktail.
Rum, of course.
It was such a simple gesture, but it immediately set the tone for the stay. We sat overlooking the water, enjoying our drinks and taking in the view, and I remember thinking, This already feels different.
Our Oceanfront Suite
When we were shown to our room, I thought it couldn’t possibly get any better.
Then we opened the door.
Our oceanfront suite was perfection! Beautiful coastal design, white walls, warm accents that made the room feel welcoming.
It was luxurious, but comfortable. The kind of space where you immediately want to unpack, settle in, and stay awhile.
And as wonderful as the inside was, the outside topped it.
Ocean view. Our own beachside private cabana. Steps from the ocean. “Did we really have to leave the next day?“
Dinner at 1748
That evening, we decided to stay at the resort for dinner at 1748, Long Bay’s oceanfront restaurant.
The restaurant is housed inside a beautifully restored 18th-century rum distillery, which gives it a unique sense of history and character.
We enjoyed dinner overlooking the water, lingering over great food, a great bottle of wine, and even better conversation. Did I mention, I love my dinner dates with Shawn?
Honestly, they are some of my favorite moments.
One of the Most Beautiful Sunsets We’ve Ever Seen
After dinner, we wandered back down the beach towards our cabana to watch the sunset.
And it was incredible- in an I’m showing off and really trying to wow you type of way.
The sky slowly shifted through shades of gold, coral, and soft pink while sailboats floated by in the distance. It almost didn’t look real.
We sat there for a long time, simply enjoying the view.
To this day, it remains one of the most beautiful sunsets I can recall.
And Then… a Rainbow
The sunset was the perfect ending to the day, but the next morning we were treated to an equally beautiful sky on that same horizon.
We stepped outside to soak in a bit of morning sun, looked to our left, and our jaws dopped when we saw a brightly colored rainbow stretched across the sky.
I still smile when I look back through those photos. Actually, both are framed and hanging in my office.
One evening gave us one of the prettiest sunsets we’ve ever watched. The next morning welcomed us with one of the most unexpected and beautiful views.
You couldn’t have planned it any better.
If You’re Visiting Tortola…
We’ve stayed at beautiful resorts before, but Long Bay really surprised us.
It wasn’t just the stunning location or the beautiful accommodations.
It was the combination of everything. In just twenty-four hours.
If you’re planning a trip to the British Virgin Islands, I can’t recommend Long Bay Beach Resort enough. Put it on your list!
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, planning a honeymoon, or simply looking for a beautiful Caribbean getaway, this is the type of place that makes a trip feel extra special.
And if your schedule allows, I would recommend staying longer than one night.
That is my only regret.
We’ll Be Back
Travel has a funny way of surprising you.
Sometimes the places you expect to love become favorites.
Other times, a place you almost added as an afterthought becomes one of the highlights of the entire trip.
Long Bay Beach Resort was that place for us.
It gave us an unforgettable anniversary, an incredible dinner inside a centuries-old rum distillery, one of the most beautiful sunsets we’ve ever watched, and a rainbow waiting for us the next morning.
Twenty-four hours was enough to convince us that this little corner of Tortola is something special.
But next time?
We’ll stay longer.
