Collective Retreats Governor’s Island: A Weekend Getaway from NYC

Contents

1. How to Get to Governor’s Island
2. The Dining Experience at Three Peaks Lodge
3. The Surroundings at Collective Retreats

If you’re from NYC or the surrounding area, you know there’s no feeling like escaping the hustle and bustle of a holiday weekend in the city. But, if you’re like most people and don’t own a Hamptons home, or don’t feel like commuting long hours, all hope is not lost!

Today I’m sharing the perfect getaway idea for those of you who live in New York City. Whether you need an escape for a few hours or an entire weekend, the solution is much more accessible than you think!

My solution? Governor’s Island.

Remember her?

With just a brief trip over the water, you’ll have the opportunity to experience one of the most exciting dining experiences NYC has to offer.

How to Get to Governor’s Island

So how do you get there? I took the Governor’s Island Ferry, free before noon, which means that you’re in luck if you’re having brunch! Though the way home may not be free, purchasing a one-way ticket was pretty simple and could be done by phone. A ride was $3 a person, essentially the cost of a train ride.

However, if you want to opt for a more luxe experience to match what’s to come once you dock, Collective Retreats also provides a private water taxi service leaving from Tribeca. This ride costs around $20 each way and gets added to your final dining bill.

My friend and I went on the morning of July 4th, which was a perfect summer day! It wasn’t too hot, and the breeze we met on the ferry ride was incredibly crisp.

Once our ferry Docked, we followed the signs and walked for 5 minutes before arriving at the campgrounds. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing! There was a field full of tents but not your run-of-the-mill hunter green nylon situation. Instead, this luxury campground had tents that were wooden, airy, and spacious! (Not to mention they included actual mattresses?). I’m a City girl through and through, but being here changed my mind about a weekend in the “outdoors.”

Collective Retreats has multiple locations, including Vail, Yellowstone, Hudson, and more. According to the website, “Each retreat is located in an iconic destination and features luxury outdoor accommodations, exceptional culinary experiences, and genuine hospitality.” In addition, the brand is “dedicated to making luxury coexist with ruggedness, fine dining to exist under the stars and people to connect with unique places and the people around them.”

The Dining Experience at Three Peaks Lodge

Let’s discuss what we all came here for, the food.

When we got to the dining area, I was utterly taken aback. I felt like I had left the city and headed to another state for the weekend. Yet, immediately as you take a seat, you’re surrounded by views of the water and the feeling of escaping to a quaint oasis. You have the city skyline at eye level with only The Statue of Liberty to remind you of where you indeed are.

Best yet, We were seated immediately and able to order

My friend and I both opted for the bottomless brunch, meaning that conveniently enough for us, we were served as many glasses of champagne and other beverages as we wanted. A bonus is that Moet was on tap, a step up from your standard bottomless offer.

The Brunch menu is pre-set with a few options, including Shrimp & Grits and french toast. I ordered the smoked salmon and avocado toast which came with poached eggs and was topped with arugula. My entree was delicious – my only qualm is that I expected it to be much bigger than it was. It’s the perfect portion size if you’ve eaten previously, but I definitely would not recommend it to you if you’ve come on an empty stomach.

The Surroundings at Collective Retreats

While Collective Retreats does have a “camp feel” (The Bathroom is also in a tent that closes by internal zip), You can still see the intentional insertion of luxury by the added touch of Byredo Rose soap and lotion.

After you finish your meal, satisfied and champagne happy, you can continue to stroll the island. With various historic buildings, art activations, and plants, there is much to take in! If you made the same mistake as me of ordering a small dish, there is no need to fret as you can walk (or rent a bike) and head over to the food village! With everything from Kimchi tacos to an oyster bar, there is no shortage of options.

Overall, if you need a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the city, I’d recommend spending a weekend with collective retreats. Though there is a two-day minimum, it is worthwhile as there is no shortage of things to do or see. Whether you want to hang back or be on the go, you will find the activity most fitting for you! I can confirm that I caught the glamping bug after being here.