When New Yorkers think of a summer getaway, their minds usually jump to the Hamptons, the Catskills, or anywhere that requires a long drive and a questionable amount of traffic. But one of the city’s most unique summer escapes is hiding in plain sight–just eight minutes from Lower Manhattan by ferry.
Governors Island’s beloved Collective Retreats is back for its ninth season, bringing luxury glamping, waterfront dining, wellness experiences, and a little bit of “wait, is this actually still NYC?” magic to the harbor.
Set across six acres of the island’s 172 acres of car-free parkland, this one-of-a-kind retreat blends the best parts of a nature getaway with the comforts of a boutique hotel–all with front-row views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline.
It’s the ultimate NYC summer bucket list experience–minus the sleeping bags, sore backs, and inevitable tent-setting-up meltdown.
Here’s everything to know about this dreamy summer escape.
A glamping getaway without the “roughing it” part
If traditional camping has you immediately thinking about bugs, uncomfortable sleeping pads, and trying to assemble a tent while losing your mind, Collective Retreats offers a much more luxurious version of sleeping outdoors.
The retreat features 29 elevated accommodations, including:
- Climate-controlled canvas tents — featuring plush beds, spa-style bathrooms, and waterfront views (depending on the room)
- Cozy cabins — complete with private terraces, ensuite bathrooms, and sweeping views of the harbor and Statue of Liberty
- Glass-walled suites — offering a dramatic indoor-outdoor experience with panoramic skyline views and furnished terraces
Whether you choose a tent, cabin, or suite, the goal is the same: wake up surrounded by nature while still being close enough to Manhattan to see the city sparkle.
Waterfront dining, sunset cocktails, and zero campfire cooking required
Forget the foil packet dinners over the fire–hell, forget having to start the fire altogether! At Collective Retreats, the food experience is very much “vacation mode.”
Located at the heart of the retreat, Three Peaks Lodge serves farm-to-island inspired dishes with wood-fired cooking techniques every evening starting at 5 pm. The menu includes favorites like:
- Light bites: crudité, a cheese board, and a selection of salads
- Waterfront specials: coal roasted oysters, charred octopus, and tuna tartare
- Mains: cacio e pepe, lamb chops, a mushroom bulgogi bowl, and a 38oz porterhouse for two
For golden hour, head to the Sunset Terrace Bar for craft cocktails, wine, beer, and sweeping views of Lady Liberty. Happy hour runs daily from 3–6 pm, and live music kicks off select evenings starting at 6 pm.
Overnight guests can also start their morning with a complimentary continental breakfast featuring coffee, juices, and light bites before exploring the island.
Wellness, music, and island adventures
A big part of the Collective Retreats experience is slowing down–something New Yorkers don’t always get enough of.
Guests can fill their stay with:
- Sunrise yoga: Start the morning with a waterfront class overlooking the harbor (Thursday–Sunday at 9 am)
- Live music: Enjoy performances from NYC musicians on Friday evenings from 6–8 pm
- Bike rides around the island: Rent a bike for $28 and explore car-free Governors Island paths for a full 24 hours
- The Great Lawn: Play lawn games, relax with a drink, and watch the sunset over the Statue of Liberty
- Nightly s’mores: End the evening around communal fire pits with a nostalgic campfire treat
Because apparently the easiest way to feel like you escaped NYC is…to stay in NYC.
The ultimate summer staycation
Collective Retreats Governors Island is the rare kind of getaway where you can leave work in Manhattan and feel like you traveled hours away–without actually going anywhere.
There are no airport lines, no highway traffic, and no packing stress.
Just ferry rides, waterfront breezes, skyline views, and a place to unplug for a little while.
A once-in-a-lifetime July 4th waterfront escape
Looking for a summer getaway that feels extra special? Collective Retreats Governors Island offers a front-row seat to one of New York’s biggest celebrations of 2026.
For America’s 250th anniversary, NYC’s Sail 4th celebration will bring a spectacular flotilla of tall ships from around the world to the harbor–and guests staying at Collective Retreats can take in the historic waterfront display right from Governors Island.
Instead of fighting crowds in Manhattan, guests can spend the day exploring the island, enjoy dinner at Three Peaks Lodge, sip cocktails overlooking the harbor, and end the night with s’mores and stargazing before retreating back to their luxury tent or suite.
The July 4th weekend programming will also include a special BBQ on July 3 with live music, seasonal menu additions, and a relaxed evening under the stars.
How to get to Collective Retreats Governors Island
Collective Retreats is accessible by ferry, making the journey part of the experience.
From Manhattan:
Ferries depart from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street. Nearby subway stops include:
- 1 train to South Ferry
- 4/5 trains to Bowling Green
- R/W trains to Whitehall Street
From Brooklyn:
Seasonal weekend ferry service is available from Pier 6 at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Alternative option:
NYC Water Taxi also provides service to Governors Island.
After arriving, guests enjoy a scenic walk through the island’s green spaces to reach the retreat. Luggage assistance is available to make the arrival easy. Book your stay on Collective Retreat’s website.
