I stayed in a luxury tent on an island just outside of New York City and was blown away by the views

Samantha GrindellJul 17, 2021, 17:35 IST

I glamped on Governors Island, and I'd do it again.Samantha Grindell/Insider

I stayed at a luxury glamping retreat on New York City's Governors Island.
The views and grounds were beautiful, and the food was delicious.
But I don't recommend booking a stay during the hottest months of summer.

There's a luxury glamping retreat on Governors Island, which is just outside of New York City.

Collective Retreats has a resort on Governors Island. Samantha Grindell/Insider

The journey to Governors Island started on a private water taxi at Pier 25.

The water taxi is complimentary. Samantha Grindell/Insider

The views from the taxi were spectacular.

The views were great. Samantha Grindell/Insider

A Collective Retreats staff member was waiting to take our group to the resort via golf cart.

We took a golf cart. Samantha Grindell/Insider

The resort had a welcoming feel at the entrance.

The entrance to Collective Retreats. Samantha Grindell/Insider

Every public "indoor" area of the resort is a tent, even the check-in area and restaurant.

The resort had tents everywhere. Samantha Grindell/Insider

All guests have to wear Collective Retreats wristbands for the duration of their stays.

My wristband. Samantha Grindell/Insider

By the time we made our way to the tent, I was sweating profusely. But it was gorgeous.

We stayed in a Journey tent. Samantha Grindell/Insider

The inside of the tent was spacious and pretty.

The tent had a king-sized bed. Samantha Grindell/Insider

I was thrilled to see the air conditioner - but disappointed to discover it was locked to one of the poles that kept the tent aloft.

The air conditioner was tucked in a corner. Samantha Grindell/Insider

The tent also had light refreshments available for visitors.

The drink tray in the tent. Samantha Grindell/Insider

A small table and chairs were available for in-tent dining.

There was more porch furniture. Samantha Grindell/Insider

The neighboring tents were pretty close by.

The tents were close. Samantha Grindell/Insider

The views of the skyline from the tent stunned me.

My view from the tent. Samantha Grindell/Insider

After we got settled in, I went to explore the bathrooms - which were an important part of the stay for me.

The bathrooms were in tents. Samantha Grindell/Insider

I was relieved the bathrooms were clean.

There was a shower and toilet. Samantha Grindell/Insider

I spent the next chunk of my time exploring the grounds.

The island closes at night. Samantha Grindell/Insider

The grounds were pretty simple.

The great lawn had a minimalist look. Samantha Grindell/Insider

I was excited to see a firepit, but I couldn't imagine going near a flame when it was over 90 degrees outside.

The resort had firepits. Samantha Grindell/Insider

Before dinner, I decided to check out the resort's bar, The Sunset Terrace.

The resort has a bar. Samantha Grindell/Insider

I loved the ambiance of the porch during happy hour, especially since the sun setting started to cool things down.

We had drinks on the porch. Samantha Grindell/Insider

And the views couldn't have been better.

The sunset over the city. Samantha Grindell/Insider

The only dinner option at Collective Retreats is the Three Peaks Lodge.

The resort has a restaurant. Samantha Grindell/Insider

The inside of the tent was simple and airy.

The interior of Three Peaks Lodge. Samantha Grindell/Insider

Dinner at Three Peaks was worth it for the views alone.

The view from dinner. Samantha Grindell/Insider

I started off my meal with an arugula salad.

The Satur Farms Arugula Salad. Samantha Grindell/Insider

My main course was a chicken dish, and I paired it with fingerling potatoes and greens.

The Cascun Farms Half Chicken. Samantha Grindell/Insider

Once we finished dinner, we returned to our tent to finish watching the sunset.

The view of the New York Skyline at night from Governors Island. Samantha Grindell/Insider

Guests were treated to complimentary s'mores after dinner.

We got to eat s'mores. Samantha Grindell/Insider

Staff gave guests s'mores supplies in a little box.

Our s'mores box. Samantha Grindell/Insider

Although it was cooler after sunset, it was still really hot by the fire.

We roasted marshmallows over a firepit. Samantha Grindell/Insider

I slept surprisingly well in the tent.

I had a good night's rest. Samantha Grindell/Insider

But my sleep was cut short because of nearby boat activity on the Hudson River.

I was awoken by the sounds of the river. Samantha Grindell/Insider

Although I was groggy, I was glad I got to see the sun rising over the city.

The sunrise on the New York City skyline. Samantha Grindell/Insider

A few hours later, I headed to the public patio for a complimentary yoga class.

I went to the morning yoga class. Samantha Grindell/Insider

When I returned to the tent, breakfast was waiting for me.

The complimentary breakfast spread. Samantha Grindell/Insider

We left Governors Island via the public ferry.

We took the ferry home. Samantha Grindell/Insider

Overall, I'd definitely recommend glamping on Governors Island.

I would glamp on Governors Island again. Samantha Grindell/Insider

But I wouldn't book a trip during summer's peak again.

I glamped on Governors Island, and I'd do it again. Samantha Grindell/Insider

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