Reconnect with nature, make memories glamping on Governors Island at Collective Retreats
GOVERNORS ISLAND (WABC) -- In the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, it's not often you find a sanctuary where you can hear the birds chirping, feel the grass in your toes, and just take a deep, relaxing breath.
That is exactly what you'll find at Collective Retreats Governors Island.
It's just an 8-minute ferry ride from downtown Manhattan, but you feel like you're a world away.
"We offer this unique experience for guests that come for to stay here in our accommodations as well as to have dinner here at our restaurant, Three Peaks, or maybe just a drink," said Evan Pravda, Senior General Manager, Collective Retreats.
Many New Yorkers have never visited Governors Island, and this provides the perfect opportunity.
"People that come here, 'This is my first time. I've never been here before. I didn't know you were here.' I mean, it is kind of a hidden gem," he said.
A hidden gem indeed. Governors Island is 170 acres steeped in deep history. It was once the Coast Guard's largest installation, housing some 3,000 members.
Now it's home to an arts center, pop-up markets, a place to ride bikes, hike, and simply get outdoors, and go glamping if you so choose.
"Guests that stay here, we have a lot of rituals, s'mores being one of them, sitting around a fire at night, meeting new people," Pravda said. "It's a real community, on our great lawn after dinner. Really makes for a unique experience, also great night sleep."
Eyewitness News took a tour of the amazing grounds.
"This is the summit suite. We have, climate controlled, spa bathroom, fantastic linens," he said.
It rivals a boutique hotel room.
It features views of the Statue of Liberty and even Jersey City.
There is a mix of patrons.
"We have engagement parties, elopements, but we also have families that come here year after year," he said. "Kids have a sense of freedom here. Yeah. They really enjoy being out in nature and and, you know, it's hard to get access to nature everywhere."
Many of their guests are New Yorkers, New Jerseyans, people from the Tri-State area.
"This is really for people that, you know, live nearby, want to get away, don't want to fight traffic, don't want to get in their car, don't want to get on a plane maybe, and really focus on just being in nature," Pravda said.
Collective Retreats also offers programming at the camp.
"We do yoga every day, so there's a wellness portion of what we do. We also have live music, at the restaurant. And I want everyone to know that, you know, our food and beverage is really, really good," he said.
It's all about spending time together with people you care about and taking a break to take in nature.
"It's about, like, creating those special memories. Right? Like, when we look back as a kid, when I traveled with my family, it wasn't about where I was. It was really the way someone made me feel. That's what I remembered," Pravda said.
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