In New York Harbor, about 800 yards from the southern tip of Manhattan and 400 yards from Brooklyn, Governors Island was discovered in 1524 and has been used by and for New Yorkers (including during the Revolutionary and American Civil Wars) since 1624. The vast majority of the 172 acre Island, which includes 52 historic buildings, is currently operated by the Trust for Governors Island.
The Island is a seasonal destination, open to the public between May and September, with a 43-acre public park completed between 2012-2016, free arts and cultural events, and recreational activities. Starting 2018, they will expand their available activities to include camping. Yes, camping. On an island 800 feet south of Manhattan.
The Trust for Governors Island has come up with a three-year license agreement with Collective Retreats, who will transform six acres of the Island’s Western Development Zone into a unique, environmentally-friendly overnight lodging retreat with unobstructed views of the Statue of Liberty. “Collective Governors Island, a New York City Retreat” (that’s…quite a mouthful) will accommodate up to 100 overnight guests who will be able to select from a range of lodging options.
From Collective Retreats’ website:
LUXURY TENTS
Our thoughtfully designed luxury tents bring style and comfort to Governors Island, with choice of king-size bed or two single beds made up with high-thread-count linens, plush towels, boutique bathroom amenities, and private decks with Adirondack chairs.
Each tent includes:
- King-size bed or two single beds (roll-away single bed can be added to king tents for children under 12 upon request)
- 1,500 thread-count linens, down duvet, Pendleton blankets
- Over-the-bed chandelier
- Electricity and ample sockets for gadgets
- Lounge area with desk and credenza
- Private deck with Adirondack chairs for excellent harbor views
- Private, custom-designed en-suite bathroom with full-flush toilets, rain-style hot showers, and beautiful sink and vanity spaces including environmentally friendly amenities
PREMIUM BELL TENTS
Our premium bell tents are the little sibling to our luxury tents, created on a smaller scale but with equally unique design features. Each premium bell tent offers a choice of queen or two single beds, fine linens, plush towels, various in-tent amenities and shared bathrooms. Each tent includes:
- Queen-size bed or two single beds
- 1,000 thread-count linens, down duvet, Pendleton blankets
- Bedside lighting
- Electricity and ample sockets for gadgets
- Lounge area with coffee table
- Outdoor terrace with lounge chairs for excellent harbor views
- Shared bathrooms with full-flush toilet stalls, individual showers, sinks with mirror and shelf, and luxury bath amenities just a few minutes walking distance from your tent
OK, so it’s really more glamping than camping. But it’s still sleeping under the stars in New York City and how cool is that?
Price for the tents appear to vary from season to season. I played around a bit with their calendar and got these prices:
- Non-holiday weekday in June, July or August: $200 Premium / $650 Luxury (per night)
- Non-holiday weekday in September: $175 Premium / $650 Luxury (per night)
- Non-holiday weekday in October: $150 Premium / $500 Luxury (per night)
ALL weekends appear to have a minimum 2-night stay requirement and the week of July 4th, as well as Labor day Weekend require a 3-night minimum stay.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available for purchase (with advance notice), as are beer, wine and alcohol, and activities will be available on the Island.
So if you’re one to go camping (or glamping), why not give it a shot just off the southern tip of Manhattan? Don’t delay though – some nights are already sold out. Click here to visit Collective Retreats’ website and see how you can book your night(s) on Governors Island today!
*Photos via Collective Retreats.
A huge thank-you to Kelly H. for the heads up about this opportunity!
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