This summer is like no other. Instead of packing for a vacation, Americans are staying at home amidst Coronavirus fears. With flights being canceled, hotels closed and restaurants limiting their capacity, there are not many places to go and things to do. Pitching a tent on one’s backyard seems like the safest home-away-from-home. Unless you book a luxurious tent instead at Collective Retreats on Governor’s Island in New York.
‘Collective Retreats’ are based in Colorado. The first retreat opened in Vail, CO. Since then, the company expanded and created five retreats in different states. The retreat on Governor’s Island in New York has been welcoming guests for 3 years now. The 2020 season will be only 4.5 months long instead of 6 months due to the Coronavirus pandemic, running from mid-July to the end of October.
Booking your camp accommodations
Collective Retreats are a luxurious camping experience. You book your tent as you would book a hotel room. The rates vary by the type of accommodations you choose, from smaller tents to house-like RVs. The property is accessible via the ferry from Battery Maritime Building on South Street in lower Manhattan. The Collective staff is equipped with golf carts and available to drive guests to the “camp.” After you check in and drop off your luggage you can explore the property, overlooking the Manhattan skyline from all angles. The company is COVID-compliant. There is a “clean team” walking around all day, constantly wiping surfaces. The restroom tents, which include showers, are meticulously clean. All staffers wear masks and encourage guests to keep a social distance.
All-day dining in a tent
The first place you might want to check out is the restaurant, “Three Peaks Lodge”. It is of course outdoor, covered with a massive tent. Guests are encouraged to make dinner reservations in advance, especially if they wish to dine at one of the 5 tables on the deck. The chef can accommodate all types of allergies or dietary restrictions. The restaurant offers an à la carte menu, dinner prix fixe, late-night menu and bottomless brunch on the weekends. The dinner prefix menu includes an option for a tasting menu and also wine pairing. The menus are quite extensive and offer a variety of seasonal items, such as chilled soups, wood fire grill entrées, and local seafood. The bar complements all the great food with refreshing cocktails, beers and wines by glass or bottle.
The restaurant is open to public as well but guests have to keep in mind that the last ferry leaves the island at 7 p.m. In-house guests get a complimentary breakfast basket delivered to their tent at whatever time they wish. They also receive a s’mores kit so they can toast marshmallows by the fire pits. The well-stocked bar stays open till 1 a.m. from Wednesday to Sunday, allowing night owls to enjoy cocktails and a view of the illuminated Statue of Liberty.
If you ever wondered what “glamping” meant, Collective Retreats are it. It’s camping at its finest. It’s sleeping in a tent, al fresco dining, camp fire plus luxury hotel amenities. Whether you are a New Yorker looking for a staycation, or an out-of-towner longing for a getaway, Governor’s Island is a safe and exciting destination.