Collective Retreats new Outlook Shelters on Governor's Island in New York Habor
A company called Collective Retreats, which set up a luxury tent camp on Governors Island in New York harbor last year, has unveiled a new accommodation type. Outlook Shelters is their first non-tent accommodations. If you’ve ever gone on safari, you’ll have a visual of what’s on offer.
Collective Retreats refers to the Governor’s Island accommodations, which also include Summit Tents and Journey Tents, as “asset-light accommodations … a low-impact, high-touch alternative model, challenging the notion of traditional brick and mortar hotels.”
The Collective Retreats encampment on Governors Island
It’s a far cry from a midtown hotel room. The experiential travel company has created one of the most unique hotels in New York, a glamping experience for those who want a dose of the city. The setting is the green space of Governors Island, a 172 acre island in New York harbor that lies close to Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. The National Park Service administers a small part designated the Governors Island National Monument, while the Trust for Governors Island operates the remaining 150 acres as a public park, with a roster of arts events and performances throughout the spring, summer and fall. There are dramatic views of the Statue of Liberty across the New York Harbor. It’s a car-free environment, so exploring it by foot or bicycle is the way to go.
Interior of Outlook Shelter
The Outlook Shelters were designed with Land Ark RV and the idea was to create a luxury indoor/outdoor experience in this remarkable and spectacular setting. This new room type provides more than 400 square feet of indoor/outdoor space. The design is mid-century modern in flavor. The materials include black corrugated metal, white-washed pine walls and Brazilian hardwood. There are two private decks outfitted with Yeti coolers, Hay furniture and Pendleton blankets
These are climate-controlled rooms, which are very welcome in New York City’s fickle climate, where heat waves come and go. The Outlook Shelters have 10-foot ceilings, with a king bed that sleeps up to two adults. For an additional cost of $100 per night, they can add a double bed suitable for one adult or two small children.
Bathtub with a view
The bedding is 1,500 thread-count linens, down comforters, and a designer-curated blanket. There are plenty of en-suite sockets, WiFi, and temperature controls The private en-suite bathroom with rain-style shower and a soaking tub with what may be the best view in New York, as well as Malin+Goetz bath amenities, spa robes, towels by Parachute and a Primally Pure Beauty Bar
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, bar, and s’mores boxes are available for purchase. Room service is available upon request. Extra offerings include a Minibar stocked by The Goods Mart, Champagne Breakfast Basket, and Yeti Service with Rosé and Craft Beer.
Massage with a view
Bookable extras include Veuve & S’mores - 375ml of Veuve Clicquot with the retreat’s signature artisanal s’more, a Champagne Breakfast Basket with Prosecco, orange juice, mini pastries, fresh fruit and cheese and charcuterie plate; “Relax” or “Revive” Bath Experience with sheet face masks, gels, lotions and candle; Stunning Serenity | The Massage Experience, a private 1-hour outdoor massage, while the island is closed to the public, positioned at the point where the Hudson and East Rivers meet; Outlook Fall Cruise, a one-hour cruise in the private Collective Retreats boat, with fresh cider, homemade treats and Pendleton blankets.
The nightly rates start for the Outlook Shelters start at $595 and include a private boat transfer from Pier 25 to Governors Island. The Outlook Shelters will remain open through October 31st, 2019 and will reopen in the spring of 2020.
The Outlook Shelter will be introduced to Collective Retreats’ other properties in Vail, Colorado; Hudson, New York; and Hill Country, Texas next year.
