New York City's Only Glamping Retreat Just Got Even Better
When I think of places to stay in New York City, the last place that crosses my mind is... outdoors. But if you've ever dreamed of staying at an urban NYC retreat where you can spend the night outdoors, I've found the perfect place for you.
Collective Governors Island is an urban glamping retreat located on — you guessed it — Governors Island, which is just a stone's throw from downtown Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty and Red Hook in Brooklyn. Now in its second year of service, the property has taken urban glamping to the next level.
We first covered the opening of Collective Governors Island back in 2018, and yesterday we had the chance to get a tour of some of the property's newest offerings.
At the moment, the retreat features two types of tents: 10 Summit Tents with king beds and private ensuite bathrooms, and 27 smaller, more affordable queen-bedded Journey Tents without private bathrooms. You definitely wouldn't be "roughing it" in a Journey Tent, though, since there are multiple shared, private bathrooms, each outfitted with toilets, showers and sinks.
The property is getting ready to launch its third type of accommodation, called Outlook Shelters, which are repurposed shipping containers that will offer glass encased bedrooms (with sweeping views of the harbor), ensuite bathrooms and kitchens.
The property's restaurant and bar, Three Peaks Lodge, is located in the main gathering tent. The restaurant serves daily continental breakfast, light bites for lunch and a $150 tasting menu for dinner. If you'd prefer a lighter dinner, the restaurant serves a la carte shareables like asparagus and bean dip, carrot and avocado tartare and a burrata plate.
To satisfy your sweet tooth, the bar sells DIY s'mores packages, which can be prepared next to one of the two fire pits.
There isn't too much to "do" on the island, but that's the point. You can enjoy your summer read with a glass of rosé in a comfortable lounge chair on the property's expansive lawn area. The property doesn't have a gym, but you can rent bicycles or walk/run around the island. There's a public park and an oyster bar that's open from 12pm until 6pm Monday through Thursday and until 10pm on Friday and Saturday. However, the island closes to the public on weeknights and the last ferry leaves at 7pm.
The property's newest excursion for the 2019 season is a VIP Boat Tour Experience. The 1 hour boat tour, ranging from $135 to $150 per person, takes you around the entire island of Manhattan in a 30 foot Sea Fox boat.
The boat ride affords an incredibly unique view and perspective of NYC's most iconic buildings and monuments like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Freedom Tower and Hudson Yards.
Above all else, the property's greatest feature is its serenity and zen-like vibes all while being a short ferry ride away from Manhattan. Even though you can see Manhattan from the entire retreat, you truly don't feel the hustle and bustle of the city.
So, pack your overnight bag, leave the towels, linens and bug spray at home and hop on over to this NYC glamping retreat. Your mind will thank you.
All photos by Zach Griff, unless otherwise noted.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.