Few places in New York City provide a peaceful escape. Although there are plenty of wonderful parks scattered across its five boroughs, the realities of city life easily sneak into our natural oases. However, the getaway you’ve been dreaming of is hiding right under your nose.
While Governors Island is just a small patch of land south of Manhattan, it is a wonderful place to enjoy outdoor activities in a stress-free environment. This car-free island is only accessible via ferry, meaning your calming retreat won’t be interrupted by the sounds of rush hour.
If you are from the city and want to know how to properly dress for the cool water-side breeze — or if you are right outside the city and want a better idea of how to dress – we have everything you need to know to prepare for your Governors Island retreat.
Although it’s located next to Manhattan and Brooklyn, Governors Island usually has a different climate considering its lack of crowded architecture and small size.
It can get unbearably hot in New York City, especially in the summer. However, since there aren’t any skyscrapers reflecting the sunlight and a cool water-side breeze is always blowing through, you can expect Governors Island to be a few degrees cooler than your home in the city.
Temperatures range anywhere from 50° in April to 75° in August.
The fall and winter months are slightly colder on Governor’s Island than in the city, but the island still stays fairly temperate throughout the year. It also tends to have higher levels of precipitation, making the island a perfect weekend getaway to sit somewhere cozy and watch the rain or snow fall.
From October to March, temperatures usually sit between 35° and 50°.
Weather isn’t the only consideration when packing for your city escape. You’ll need a glimpse of the many activities Governors Island has to offer to truly prepare yourself for the adventures ahead.
Since Governors Island is a car-free zone, biking is the best way to explore the entirety of the island. However, trying to bring your bike on the ferry or choose a bike rental company can be stressful. Collective Retreats provides our guests access to exclusive bike rentals that make picking up a bike easy.
There are over seven miles of roads to explore on your bike, and you will have the most incredible views along the way. On one bike ride alone, you will have the chance to see the Statue of Liberty, the New Jersey shore, the Manhattan skyline, and a unique view of Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens.
As we have already discussed, empty green space is difficult to come across in most parts of the city. That’s why our Collective Retreats experience is centered around our Great Lawn, an expansive private meadow that provides all the space for fun and relaxation that you could need.
Run barefoot through the grass as you hop from croquet to bocce ball to cornhole before relaxing in a lounge chair and admiring the view of the city across the bay.
For the ultimate restorative trip, you need to incorporate some self-care activities. Our Collective Retreats space is located right next to QC NY, an immersive spa designed for pampering and relaxation. Not only do they have an outdoor panoramic pool that offers remarkable views of the skyline, but they also have many spa treatments to choose from for a luxurious mid-day treat.
As a Collective Retreats guest, you have premier access to the spa and discounts on massages and other wellness treatments that will leave your muscles relaxed and your soul refreshed.
There is no better full-body care than taking time for a yoga flow. Our daily sunrise yoga practice is designed to strengthen your muscles while centering your mind.
Yoga sessions will be held indoors during the colder months, but our spring and summer outdoor sessions are a restorative way to experience the tranquil atmosphere around you.
You have a clear idea of what weather to expect, and you’re already dreaming of which activities will fill your weekend trip. All that’s left to do is pack your duffle bag and board the ferry.
While this experience is primarily centered around rest and relaxation, you should be prepared to sweat during yoga or a long bike ride.
We recommend bringing your favorite pairs of athletic pants or shorts, as well as breathable tops. Since you will be walking and biking everywhere, it’s also a good idea to throw in your most comfortable sneakers.
For a memorable happy hour, Collective Retreats offers luxurious, shaded sitting areas on the great lawn that provide unobstructed views of the Statue of Liberty and the skyline. For dinner, take a seat at our water-side table, set with high-quality cutlery, dishware, and decorations.
Our gourmet menu is crafted by our on-retreat chef, perfectly tailored to al-fresco dining using farm-to-island cuisine.
While there is no dress code in place, you may choose to pack a few nice outfits to truly pamper yourself from the inside out. Additionally, you won’t be able to resist taking a nightly photo during golden hour as the sun hits the Great Lawn, water, and skyline.
For those moments walking to and from the spa, lounging in your tent, or playing lawn games with the other guests, you will want a variety of comfortable lounge clothes.
Of course, this will vary depending on the time of year you visit, but it’s probably best to make sure you have some form of a light jacket, a classic T-shirt, and breezy pants.
You may know that there aren’t any traditional hotels on Governors Island, making a weekend stay seem difficult. Collective Retreats offers a top-of-the-line outdoor resort experience that will stay true to your outdoor, peaceful getaway while providing all the amenities you expect from a five-star accommodation.
Our most luxurious accommodation is our Summit Tent. Designed to provide an indoor-outdoor living experience, these tents have the highest-quality view of the bay, the Statue of Liberty, and the New York skyline. You can enjoy these views uninterrupted at any time of the day from your private deck that sits just outside your door.
After a day of biking, massages, and lawn games, you won’t have to worry about getting a good night’s sleep on our king bed, dressed with a plush duvet and 1500-count linens. Similarly, you won’t have to worry about giving up hot showers or a working toilet since each Summit Tent comes with an en suite bathroom that is stocked with spa-quality products.
If you are visiting in the colder months, the electric blankets and wood-burning stove will keep you nice and toasty. Finally, enjoy the full electricity hookups to plug in your hair tools and charge your devices.
The Journey + Tent comes with many of the high-end features of the Summit Tent while incorporating the spirit of community. You can still rely on a wonderful view outside of your tent, high thread count sheets (on top of either a queen bed or two double beds), heating, air conditioning, and a private deck.
When you choose this accommodation option, you will have access to communal bathrooms that have full-flush toilet stalls, individual rain-style showers, sinks with mirrors and shelves, and luxury bath amenities. The bathrooms are never more than just a few steps from your tent!
The Outlook Shelter is our flagship accommodation; this option is a standalone, structured dwelling space that has two private terraces with stunning views of the Statue of Liberty. The Outlook Shelter comes prepared with high-speed Wi-Fi, full electricity, heating/air conditioning, and high-quality linens atop the king bed.
Not only does the en suite bathroom come with a vanity and full-flush toilet, but it also has a soaking tub to make your stay even more relaxing and luxurious.
Even if you live right next to Governors Island, you probably have not made the time for a visit. However, Collective Retreats has access to the best activities Governors Island has to offer and provides a comforting outdoor resort experience during your stay. It’s time to take advantage of the hidden oasis just off of Manhattan and have a peaceful weekend getaway.
Sources:
Basic Information – Governors Island National Monument | U.S. National Park Service
The Conservatory Collective
