Looking to escape the concrete jungle and reconnect with nature? How about a quick getaway that will make you feel like you’re a million miles away? Hop on an eight minute ferry ride from downtown Manhattan to Governors Island and check into “Glamping Camp”. Collective Retreats, the company known for creating “campsites” in unexpected places such as Vail, Sonoma, Yellowstone and the heart of Texas Hill Country, brings its newest evolution to the city that never sleeps – although sleep you will in this extraordinarily unique setting.
There are two types of luxury tents available: (10) “Summit Tents” (from $500, double occupancy, breakfast included) contain king beds or two singles and private bathrooms and (27) “Journey Tents” (from $150 double occupancy) offer a queen bed or two singles and shared bathroom facilities. We stayed in one of the Summit Tents that was beautifully appointed with fur throws, wool blankets high thread count sheets , binoculars, a deck of cards, vintage books, electricity, WI-FI and a big bathroom with a rain-style shower and plush Turkish towels.
The tents encircle Collectives Three Peak Lodge Restaurant which is also where you check in or relax in one of the many lounge chairs on the sprawling lawn with views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Manhattan skyline. There are three dinner options: a la carte menu, prix fixe or for a more authentic experience, BBQ-in-a-box which you cook yourself on one of the grills arranged around the lawn perimeter. The Governors Island Farm supplies much of the produce. Be forewarned: they don’t have their liquor license yet so you may want to make a stop at Island Oyster for a glass of rosé. We ate our dinner against the backdrop of the setting sun in all its fuchsia-toned glory. As if on cue, Lady Liberty then lit the night sky as did the hundreds of fireflies. Such a magical sight! After dinner we headed over to a large campfire where guests of all ages and backgrounds were picking up their s’mores kits and popping marshmallows on sticks ready for the roast.
As the sun rose over the city the next morning, we awoke to the sound of seagulls flying overhead while the Staten Island Ferry transported the early commuters to Manhattan. Be sure to take advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of roaming the island starting at 7 am, before the first ferries arrive at 10 am transporting hordes of eager visitors to the island. Grab your book and head over to Hammock Grove, climb to the top of Hill Park (situated 70 feet above the island at some points) with extraordinary 360-degree panoramic views of the New York Harbor or wander the island and explore the public art throughout the park. It’s all gloriously breathtaking!
How to get there: Governors Island is easily accessible by ferry every day of the week from the Battery Maritime Building (10 South Street in Lower Manhattan). For ferry schedule go to GOVISLAND.COM