A number of companies have cropped up in recent years that offer cityfolk out-of-the-box solutions for enjoying a weekend in the woods without all of the tiresome prepwork that endeavor usually requires.
Collective Retreats is one of them, maintaining little colonies of luxe tents and cabins in remote areas around the country.
Last year, they brought a handful of tents to Governors Island — an area that was previously very much off-limits to overnights — and they’ve just announced that they’re now supplementing that initiative with the addition of a midcentury-modern-styled cabin called Outlook Shelter. Book it here, hop on one of their private ferry boats and you’ll be chasin’ fireflies in no time.
THE DIGS
An indoor-meets-wilderness “hotel room,” Outlook Shelter is Collective’s first non-tented overnight option. Still low impact, but high touch. For a slightly questionable rate (it starts at $595/night), you’ll be sleeping on 1,500-thread-count sheets in a 300-square-foot cabin with a private en-suite bathroom, deck, electricity and WiFi. Think of it as a pop-up hotel room of sorts. But there really isn’t a better view of the city skyline alongside a solid gazing vantage of Lady Liberty.
THE EATS
On-site, breakfast, á la carte lunch and a Farm & Fisherman Chef Dinner are available, as well as a shared culinary experience at Three Peaks. There’s no outside food allowed, so feel free to come unprepared for once. They’ve got you sorted. And if you’re itching to wander, might we recommend a jaunt over to the sprawling, tropical Island Oyster for some sea-drenched shooters and cocktails?
THE ADVENTURE
There isn’t a ton to do on Governors Island, but that’s the beauty of it. It’s called retreat for a reason. Chill, dude. Still, if you’d like to get out and explore, there are bikes and quadricycles to rent and cruise, kayaks for taking to the seas and hammocks at Hammock Grove for kickin’ the feet up and watchin’ the world go by.
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