Note: This resort has suffered damage in the 2017 hurricane season and is closed until further notice.

Tortola’s signature image is of Long Bay Beach, a one-and-a-quarter-mile stretch of white sand with rolling surf. That alluring shot, pictured in magazines, on Websites and on postcards, has come to define Tortola. Stay at Long Bay Beach Resort and Villas, named for the gorgeous shoreline that fronts the property and you can admire that spectacular view all day long.

With a total population hovering around 29,000, the British Virgin Islands (BVI), a collection of 60 islands and uninhabited cays, appeal to those seeking a laid-back Caribbean that lacks mega-hotels and mass tourism. Except for days when the cruise ship passengers disembark, the British Virgin Islands are appealingly free of crowds. The islands also draw vacationers who want exceptional sailing, diving and snorkeling. Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands, has a population around 24,000 and is home to Road Town, the nation’s capital.

Long Bay Beach Resort & Villas, Tortola’s largest property, spreads out on 52 acres that sweep up from the sand and into the hills. The resort’s 157 units include 46 hotel rooms, 25 two- and three-bedroom villas and several estate homes. From the hillside accommodations’ balconies, you can savor panoramic water views. Often billed as “Tortola’s most complete resort” Long Bay Beach Resort & Villas has two pools, tennis courts, a spa, a gym, two restaurants and several bars and lounges. In 2009 the resort renovated the spa, the gym, the Palm Terrace Bar and the Pasta House Italian restaurant.

The resort offers a range of accommodations. Except for the beachfront and poolside units, the remainder of the lodgings are tiered into the hillside, making for panoramic views, but also for long walks to and from the restaurants, the pool and the beach. The resort offers shuttle service for guests in all accommodations except for those renting an estate house.

Oceanview Rooms are nestled into the hillside and offer panoramic views of the ocean. Even though the hillside ocean view rooms measure 320 square feet, the resort reserves these for two people maximum. At 360 square feet, the poolside ocean view rooms can accommodate two adults and one child on a rollaway. Although conveniently located within whistling distance of the pool, the units may be noisy.

Beachfront Rooms are, you guessed it, on the beach. The beachfront cabanas, the smallest rooms at 270 square feet, accommodate just two people.
The resort labels these rooms built on stilts. At 360 square feet, the beachfront deluxe rooms house four people and come with a balcony and mini-fridge.

The villas offer families the most space, as well as home-like comforts of living and dining areas, full kitchens and large decks. The two-bedroom units, recommended for up to four guests, measure 1,320 square feet and the three-bedroom units, suitable for up to six people, are 1,737 square feet.

The resort also features three estate homes, the Far Pavilion, Blue Water Lair and Murray, each with its own decor and spectacular views.

Although the resort does not offer a supervised children's program, the friendly staff welcomes children. Families with older grade-schoolers and teens should feel comfortable at the property, as long as they realize that Long Bay Beach is best for looking and not swimming. Despite the sands' beauty, the often-rough surf, shoreline rocks and strong undertow make swimming difficult, especially for children. At the beach's far end, where tall rocks create a sort of breakwater, a small natural pool typically forms and swimming may be less difficult here. However, always be careful. Although somewhat narrow, the beach's length makes it great for great for strolling.

For swimming, use the pool. Little ones can splash in the kiddie pool and older kids plunge into the large pool via the water slide.

The onsite dive shop offers scuba outings to the islan's best spots. Dive packages are available for stays of five nights or more.

With advance reservations, babysitting is available for $10 U.S. per hour.

The resort's two main restaurants are beachfront. 1748, built on the site of an 18th century sugar mill, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers a children's menu. Kids can choose entrees such as hamburgers, chicken fingers and spaghetti. Prices range from $5.50 to $8 U.S.

Pasta House, located above 1748, serves Italian cuisine on Tuesday and Thursday nights.

The Pelican swim-up pool bar serves a lunch of hamburgers, salads and sandwiches.

The Art of Smart Timing
The British Virgin Islands experience year-round climates that average in the 70s and 80s, making it a year-round destination for families.

Getting There
Guests can fly directly into Tortuga, mostly from San Juan or Miami.

For Mom & Dad
The Terrace Bar is open from 4 to 11 p.m., six nights per week, and features pool table, card table, televisions and a lounge.

The Long Bay Beach Resort Spa, Tranquility, is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, providing massages, facials, body treatments, hair treatments and manicures and pedicures. Attached is a fitness center.