NYC Glamping Getaway Governors Island Experience

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NYC has an island retreat, just 7 minutes and $5 away by ferry. But you can spend more – time and money – at Collective Retreats glamping tents. Paired with an immersive wellness visit to the QC Spa, you can have a unique romantic getaway. And with a gorgeous sunset, a car-free bike ride, sunrise yoga and a campfire with s’mores, this unique urban sanctuary offers everything for a dreamy couple’s staycation.

Serenity, Glamping and a Spa, All in NYC

Escape the city without leaving NYC with a Governors Island glamping getaway just minutes from Manhattan.
Spend a romantic night under the stars with sunset views, campfires, s’mores and car-free island strolls.
Pair your glamping stay with a luxurious day at QC Spa, complete with waterfront pools, saunas and hydrotherapy.
Turn it into a couples’ staycation with cocktails, biking, yoga and time away from the city crowds.

Editor’s Note: The writer was hosted.

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Arrival Time

A wall mural featuring stylized illustrations inside bottle shapes — Murals in the waiting room for the ferry in Manhattan. Photo credit: Judy Antell

With your overnight reservation at Collective Retreats Governors Island, ferry tickets are complimentary as well as island transportation via electric golf carts. While the walk from the dock is brief, having a chauffeured ride is a welcome luxury when traveling with luggage on a warm summer day.

A framed welcome sign at Collective Retreats — This luxury touch – a free glass of prosecco – wasn’t on offer. Photo credit: Judy Antell

A sign at check-in offered a free glass of prosecco, but a power outage prevented us from checking in until after dinner and the promised drinks never materialized.

Bar and Dining

Two men sitting outdoors on a dark couch, with the man on the left wearing glasses and holding a canned drink, and the man on the right wearing sunglasses and raising a glass of liquor for a toast — Lounging with drinks at Collective Retreats’ Sunset Terrace Bar. Photo credit: Judy Antell

Collective Retreats has a bar, with drinks and light snacks for happy hour and dinner. It is open for overnight guests and anyone wanting to hang out on the outdoor couches to enjoy the view.

The restaurant, Three Peaks Lodge, is also open to the general public for dinner. But both were closed due to the power outage (we were able to get a drink before all the ice melted). Luckily, there was another waterfront restaurant nearby.

Quiet Evening Walk

A large gabion-style stone sculpture shaped in a spiral on an outdoor path — The Oyster, an art installation of salvaged oysters shells. Photo credit: Judy Antell

One of the luxuries of spending the night at Governors Island is the feeling that you have the entire island to yourself. We took an early evening stroll (love those lo-o-o-ng summer days) and saw exactly no one.

We explored a temporary art installation, The Oyster, that also serves as a public gathering space — but the public was limited to just the 4 of us.

A scenic view of a sunny park with people relaxing on the grass, a row of parked bicycles in the foreground, and a distant city skyline across the water. — This is a ‘quiet’ day on Governors Island. Photo credit: Judy Antell

With entirely car-free roads, Governors Island is a cyclist’s paradise. And as an overnight guest, you can bike without needing to navigate crowds.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Bring your own bicycle (no extra charge on the ferry) or rent on the island from Citibike. There are also packages from Collective Retreats that include overnight rentals from Blazing Saddles.

Even Quieter Evenings

A grassy lawn featuring a circle of wooden Adirondack chairs around a fire pit, a low wall made of stacked firewood, a white tent nearby, and a scenic waterfront view in the background with the Statue of Liberty visible across the water. — Sit around the fire pit and make s’mores. Photo credit: Collective Retreats

After dinner at Six Coasts (the only other place open after 6 on weekdays), the power was restored at Collective Retreats. Good thing, since the bathrooms require power.

The large lawn has several fire pits, and s’mores supplies (including sticks) were set out. We sat with other couples, enjoying the fresh air and sweet snacks.

A sunset with a bright orange and yellow sky viewed behind the dark silhouettes of large trees. — No meteor sighting, but a gorgeous sunset. Photo credit: Judy Antell

While cloud cover obscured a meteor shower we had hoped to see later that night, the dramatic, fiery sunset across the harbor provided all the magic we needed.

Waking Up: Island Time

A view of a body of water and a distant city skyline framed by lush green trees and foliage. — Early morning hideaway: we were truly alone. Photo credit: Judy Antell

Our tents had water, coffee and a French press, but we just strolled the mostly empty island. With a caveat: the tents abut a construction site, so sleeping in is not possible. Collective Retreats does provide earplugs, but they were no match for the heavy machinery.

Breakfast is self-serve, with fruit, yogurt, pastries and bagels.

We had chosen our getaway for a Thursday because we wanted to take the yoga class offered Friday – Sunday at 9 a.m. But the morning we were there, the yoga teacher was late and class didn’t start until about 9:40. By that time we had already given up and checked out to make our spa appointment.

Spa Day

People relaxing in a pool with built-in loungers, overlooking a waterfront with umbrellas, trees, and a distant city skyline. — Massaging pool beds at QC Spa. Photo credit: Judy Antell

QC Spa New York is just a short walk from Collective Retreats (or you can get a golf cart ride). You need to reserve the spa in advance. The spa is open year-round, with two heated outdoor pools and heated walkways to get you to the pool in winter. The spa also provides lockers, showers with luxe bath products, thick towels, plush robes and sandals.

A wooden tray lined with brown paper holds a selection of small, round baked treats in individual paper liners, being held by someone standing on a wooden floor. — Cookies offered at check-in. Photo credit: Judy Antell

Upon arrival, we were welcomed with fruit-infused water and cookies, setting a pampered tone for the entire visit.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Time your departure from the glamping and your arrival at the spa so you can enjoy a second sunset. Ride back and have lunch, then book a 5-hour spa visit, or spend the entire day at the spa with a full day pass.

Year-Round Amenities

A person sits on the edge of an outdoor swimming pool at sunset, looking out toward a waterfront city skyline reflecting golden light across the sky and water. — Golden hour at the spa. Photo credit: QC New York

We spent most of our time outside, sampling the different hydrotherapy massage features in the pools and relaxing on the loungers. But we also explored the saunas and steam baths indoors.

Highlights include the alternating hot-and-cold foot baths to boost circulation and the Vichy shower experience, where we applied detoxifying body scrubs before rinsing beneath warm, cascading water

While we lounged outside, waiters circulated with cubes of cantaloupe. There is also mint-infused water for free, and apples if you get peckish.

Dine at the Spa

A tray arranged with small metal bowls containing various snacks, including potato chips, cubed cheese, small round crackers, celery stalks, olives, cherry tomatoes, and round white snacks. — Free aperitivo when you buy 2 drinks. Photo credit: Judy Antell

QC Spa also has a restaurant, and during the summer and fall, you get free aperitivo from 6-9 pm. We asked for no salami, so we got two servings of potato chips, but we also got olives, crackers, tomatoes, celery and two kinds of cheese.

Two people wearing white bathrobes sit in lounge chairs outdoors among green bushes, facing a body of water while clinking glasses filled with orange cocktails — Cocktails al fresco at QC Spa. Photo credit: QC New York

Frequently Asked Questions

What romantic amenities are included in the glamping?

The celebration package includes a cocktail, $100 towards food and free dessert. Plus, you get late checkout.

Are there any special packages or experiences for couples at the Governors Island glamping site?

Yes. You get 10% off at the spa.

What is the best time of year for a romantic glamping trip to Governors Island?

Collective Retreats is open from May to October. May through July, there are frequent (but short) thunderstorms. Choose August-October for the best weather and optimal sunsets.

How private and secluded are the glamping accommodations for couples on Governors Island?

You can only enter the glamping area with a reservation. The cabins with their own bathrooms offer the most privacy.

What dining or picnic options are available for a romantic evening during the Governors Island glamping getaway?

Three Peaks Lodge has options including lobster and crab rolls, truffle chips, lamb chops and wild mushroom polenta. Since you have the island to yourself, it’s easy to have a gourmet picnic that you have brought.

People relaxing and enjoying a sunny day on a grassy park hill, framed by the trunks of trees in the foreground with a city skyline visible in the distance — Daytime on Governors Island. Photo credit: Judy Antell

SheBuysTravel writers have been where you’re going. We share our ground-truth experience to save you time, money and energy, making your trips easier. Been There. Bought That. Since 2006.