Staycation: Glamping On Governor's Island

Need a getaway but don’t want to go far? We have our eye on the Collective Retreats experience on Governor’s Island! Just a hop and a skip (you’re looking out of your tent at the Lower Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty), but it feels like you’re worlds away. Governor’s Island is pretty cool spot with tons of arts offerings, bicycles for rent and more.

We just enjoyed it in one of their tent accommodations. They are lovely, well appointed, and perfect for an overnight. Sitting on the front ‘porch’ of your tent looking out at the waterway traffic and the skyline is a true treat! Although we did not go with our kids, others did and it looked like it would be a blast for families with school-age kids.

It’s an 8 minute water taxi ride to the island and then you hop on a golf cart that will take you to the property. There you’ll find a grouping of tents and other small dwellings that are ripe digs for the adventure of staying overnight on the island. Do note that the tents do not have in suite bathrooms, though a small cluster of very large, well kept facilities are very close by. Some of the more permanent structures however do have bathrooms within. (good to know!)

The on-site farm-to-island restaurant, Fire & Water is another big draw, with great eats, followed by Smores at the firepits in front. There are even classes that can be booked in advance on oyster shucking, poaching lobsters and (for those 21 and over) sabering a champagne bottle!

Check it out at collectiveretreats.com. If you go, let us know how you like it!