NYC’s Newest Glamping Stay Is Dressed Like the Wild West

The proper bathroom is tucked in a separate but adjoining tent towards the back. The space is bigger than I thought it might be—home to a standing shower, big mirror, and toilet. The western lore continues here with (yes, more) antlers; the coziest, tribal-pattered robes; and one of my favorite pieces: a framed desert landscape that hangs across the shower and looks like a scene right out of New Mexico.

Food and drink at Collective Retreats

Jessica Chapel

We started the evening with a drink at Sunset Terrace, also home to sweeping city views, before heading to Three Peaks Lodge for dinner. The restaurant overlooks the harbor, where orange Staten Island ferries pass by. Order the crudo, a cheeseboard to share, the heirloom melon and prosciutto salad, and chicken entrée, along with a bottle of wine to bring back to your tent. (The in-tent Yeti cooler comes in handy here.)

Along with its oversized Jenga and cornhole, the retreat’s Great Lawn has firepits where guests can roast sweet s’mores in the evening. Because of the rain, we missed the usual setup, but the team thoughtfully plated them for us as dessert.

In the morning, head to Three Peaks for a casual breakfast buffet with hard-boiled eggs, bagels, pastries, coffee, and more.

→ For more options of where to eat and drink on Governors Island, check out our full guide to the island.

Ben Fitchett

What to know before you book

If you visit on a warm day, not to worry—the tent’s air conditioning works well, and was especially welcome after walking around in August humidity. But do note, this is still a tent, so sound travels. A boat parked out front played music for a while during the night (earplugs are provided, I simply failed to use mine). I do wish we had received a quick walkthrough when we arrived: The lights were unplugged and took some figuring out, and one outlet sits awkwardly near the middle of the room, so watch your step and perhaps ask for some guidance right away. The logistics are easy enough, though, and employees regularly pass through the property in golf carts, so it was simple to get help when we needed it. The next morning, with an early ferry to catch, we called for a golf cart and made it to the landing with time to spare.