Sustainable Business Magazine speaks to Bria Guishard, General Manager of the British Virgin Islands’ Long Bay Beach Resort, about creating an eco-friendly tourist hotspot in one of the most critically vulnerable regions of the world.

On the coast of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands sits Long Bay Beach Resort, an iconic beachfront property that’s decorated the shoreline since the 1960s. The resort was completely demolished by hurricanes in 2017, but that hasn’t stopped it from rebuilding and reviving. It was a 20-room operation but following its rebuilding, Long Bay beach resort is now a 38-room full-service sanctuary complete with restaurants, bars, pools, and courts.

Today, Long Bay Beach Resort is pioneering a model where luxury is inextricably linked to environmental stewardship, community integration, and forward-thinking operations. General Manager Bria Guishard’s own evolution at the resort, from Finance Manager in 2022 to its general leader, mirrors that of the resort itself. As she tells Sustainable Business Magazine, the rigours of daily experience have changed both her and the establishment:

“I would say I learn lessons every day in this role. Every day is absolutely different, and it’s so crazy because I always say it when I’m conveying to someone – they’re like, ‘How’s your day? How’s it going?’ and I respond with, ‘Every day is not the same for me.’ I don’t experience the same day twice, but overall it’s a very fulfilling role where I change just as the resort does. I love what I do and the journey I am on with positioning the resort.”

An Imperative to Evolve

For Ms. Guishard, the resort’s ongoing transformation is not a passive trend but an active, necessary evolution. The conversation around tourism has fundamentally shifted, making sustainability a core component of operational integrity and long-term viability:

“We have to shift with the times and contribute to that change. The talk at every forum, every conference, is about sustainability, so there’s no choice but to get with the times. We have to ensure that for the next 20 years Long Bay Beach Resort is in existence because of the sustainable practices that we have started now, so that means we need to be more open-minded and forward-thinking.”

This philosophy is the driving force behind every policy and project, framing challenges as opportunities to build a more resilient future for the property and the pristine environment it inhabits. However, this approach has required a reflective look at the resort’s recent past. The rebuild that began in 2020 focused on leisure facilities and guest amenities, with sustainability entering the conversation more powerfully as operations matured under Ms. Guishard’s guidance.

“We are now in the fourth year of actual operation, and I’ve seen the establishment gradually evolve. A key part of this commitment is our focus on refurbishing and recycling furniture and fix-tures whenever possible, extending the life cycle of our materials and reducing unnecessary waste.

We take a thoughtful approach to our amenities and product offerings, carefully selecting items that are environmentally responsible and eco-friendly.”

Ethical Supply Chain

The most significant evolution is evident in Long Bay Beach Resort’s supply chain and sourcing philosophy. The decision-making has expanded beyond a simple cost analysis to include rigorous environmental and social sustainability considerations. This applies to everything from capital investments to daily consumables, ensuring each purchase aligns with the resort’s broader values..

“When there’s a need for whatever it is on property, the first thing we look at is the cost, but then we look at the most sustainable ways of getting what we need. Today we’re asking, is it solar? Can we save some energy? Is it recyclable? That didn’t happen a few years ago. So in terms of our vendors and community, we ask the necessary questions and we’re able to view the products, read more about them, understand the origins of the product — those kinds of data points that help us make a better and more sustainable decision.”

A central pillar of this strategy is a deliberate pivot toward hyper-local food production. As the General Manager explains, Long Bay Beach Resort is actively reducing participation in the carbon-intensive process of imported goods and choosing instead to invest directly in the local communities and solutions:

“In terms of agriculture, we are trying to partner with local farmers. We have even invested in some hydroponic towers so that we can introduce the farm-to-table concept. We plan to do it on a very small scale, and I’m hoping that by 2027 we can have multiple hydroponic towers so that we can be able to say the resort can sustain itself with fruits and vegetables. That’s the aim for us, but right now we’re buying local where we can to support the local community.”

Practical Measures

In the past few years, the Long Bay Beach Resort team has translated this conscious ethos into a suite of concrete, measurable actions spanning energy, waste management, material reuse, and guest-facing amenities. This has created a holistic tapestry of sustainable practice. Visible signs of this ethos in practice are seen across the resort, Ms. Guishard explains:

“We have transitioned some of our outdoor lighting to solar power, replacing our traditional lampposts with solar lighting throughout the property.

In terms of paper and plastic use, we have made several eco-friendly upgrades. Disposable plastic cups used at our bars have been replaced with more sustainable alternatives sourced from environmentally responsible suppliers that prioritize recycled materials. We have also swapped out plastic straws for paper straws; a change that, while not always the most popular with guests, reflects our commitment to reducing single-use plastics.

Additionally, in our kitchens and outdoor areas, we have introduced multi-compartment waste bins to support proper waste separation. This allows us to sort plastic bottles, glass, and other dry recyclables more effectively, strengthening our overall recycling efforts.”

Community Partner

For Ms. Guishard, sustainability extends beyond environmental metrics to include social sustainability. She explains how she has helped foster an open-door policy, positioning the resort not as an isolated enclave but as an engaged community partner and a living laboratory for environmental education:

“Part of my focus is encouraging the company to be more open and accessible in how we approach sustainability. For example, if schools wish to bring students to learn about eco-friendly practices and how sustainable initiatives can be integrated into daily operations, we welcome those opportunities and are happy to demonstrate what we are doing on property.

We have hosted school groups and community organizations, offering guided tours of the resort that highlight our environmental initiatives. We also provide space for these groups to share flyers, educational materials, or campaigns so our guests can see the sustainability efforts taking place within the wider community. In turn, we encourage guests to support these initiatives through awareness and, where possible, donations.

We have explored the possibility of incorporating solar-powered air conditioning as part of our renewable energy strategy. However, we have not yet implemented this solution. Given our close proximity to the sea, we must carefully consider the long-term effects of salt-laden air, which can accelerate rust and equipment deterioration over time. This environmental factor has made us more cautious about moving forward with such a significant investment until we are confident in the durability and viability of the technology within our coastal setting.”

Leaving a Legacy

Looking to the future, Long Bay Beach resort is looking at targets for energy independence and food sovereignty, aiming to drastically reduce the resort’s external footprint. The vision, however, extends beyond the resort’s 52 acres. Ms. Guishard sees Long Bay Beach Resort’s journey as a practical example for others in the region to follow:

“We want Long Bay Beach Resort to serve as a living example of what is possible. By demonstrating practical, achievable sustainability initiatives in our daily operations, we hope to inspire other businesses, and hospitality partners”