Frequently Asked Questions

Choose from a range of accommodation with ensuite bathrooms or shared baths, fully enclosed retreats with climate control, lounge space, and soaking tubs, or those which feel closer to nature. Each of our 30 retreats feature private decks and expansive green space.

Not quite. While you’ll be immersed in nature, our accommodations offer plush beds and linens and elevated amenities—closer to boutique hospitality than traditional camping – think of it as glamping.

Yes. Journey Tents share nearby bathrooms with amenities, hairdryers, and additional toiletries available at the concierge tent. All other accommodations have private ensuites.

Yes, all accommodations include air conditioning and heating for your comfort:

• Suites and cabins offer full temperature control for a consistently comfortable stay.
• Voyager Tents are equipped with AC units; insulation varies slightly due to the canvas structure.
• The Expedition Tents  provides enhanced insulation and climate comfort.
• Journey Tents also include air conditioning, in a canvas-tent experience. 
• Air circulation with fans available upon request
• Heated mattress pads and extra blankets available for cooler months

Tents do not lock, but all accommodations include personal safes large enough for valuables and regular-sized laptops.

Yes, there are electrical outlets to charge your items

Wi-Fi is available at Three Peaks Lodge and the Collective Pavilion. Some accommodations may receive signal, but streaming is not supported.

If you’re planning a stay with family or friends and want to be near one another, we’ve got you covered. Our accommodations are thoughtfully placed on either the north or south side of The Great Lawn. Journey Tents and shared bathrooms are located on the north side, while all other accommodations—including our Outlook Collection of retreats, including The Lodge—can be found on the south. We offer room configurations ideal for groups, with neighboring layouts designed to keep your crew close and connected.

Yes, we offer ADA-accessible accommodations. Please inquire in advance to ensure availability.

Guests must be 18 or older to reserve accommodations.

A pack & play is available for $100/night. Rollaway beds are available for certain rooms (Summit or Outlook) and must be requested in advance.

No pets are permitted, in accordance with Governors Island regulations. Service animals protected under the ADA are welcome.

Take the Governors Island Ferry from the Battery Maritime Terminal in Lower Manhattan. Ferry tickets from Manhattan are included in your reservation. Please reserve your ferry tickets in advance. If arriving via the Brooklyn ferry (MTA ferry), tickets are not included. Let our concierge know your arrival point so we can meet you. Concierge number: +1(917)9946167

The Governors Island Ferry departs from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street. The closest subway stations are:

• South Ferry Station (1 train) – Located right at the southern tip of Manhattan.
• Whitehall Street Station (R, W trains) – A short walk from the ferry terminal.
• Bowling Green Station (4, 5 trains) – Just a few blocks away on Broadway.

All stations are within a 3–5 minute walk to the ferry entrance.

Yes, but Brooklyn ferry tickets are not included. Please notify us so we can meet you at the correct terminal.

Yes. Please text the concierge team at +1 (917) 994-6167 when you board the ferry in Manhattan so we can greet you upon arrival.

The final ferry from Manhattan departs at 8:15 PM. If you plan to arrive after 6:00 PM, please notify our team in advance.

Governors Island is car-free. The nearest garage is at 81 Whitehall Street. We recommend reserving a spot via SpotHero.

Yes. Bikes, scooters, and strollers are permitted. We also offer a partnership with Blazing Saddles: 24-hour bike rentals for $28/day.

Weddings, corporate retreats, wellness getaways, creative sessions, and full-property buyouts (up to 250 guests) are welcome.

Yes. Full retreat buyouts are available for groups up to 250 guests.

• The Summit Suite – Private indoor-outdoor suite | 10 seated | 15 casual
• Collective Commons – 500 sq. ft. | 20 seated | 30 standing
• Collective Pavilion – 950 sq. ft. | 60 seated | 85 standing
• Three Peaks Lodge & Sunset Terrace – 64 seated (Lodge) + 22 (Terrace)
• The Great Lawn – Up to 175 seated | 500 with tent rentals.

Yes. Groups up to 75 can move to the Collective Pavilion. Tents can be added for larger gatherings with notice.

Email events@collectiveretreats.com or fill out the form on our website.

Explore 172 car-free acres including art exhibits, historic forts, lavender fields, hammocks, and cultural events.

During the day, you can go hiking, biking, fly fishing, or horseback riding, just to name a few. Visit govisland.com for seasonal activities.

Yes. Daily yoga, live music (select nights), happy hour, and lawn games are offered Check the Experiences page for details.

Yes! With our partnership with Blazing Saddles, guests can hold their bikes for 24 hours for a daily rate of $28.

Yes. QC NY Spa is a short walk away. Collective guests receive 10% off weekday bookings with proof of stay.

A Continental breakfast, included in your rate, is served at Three Peaks Lodge daily from 8–10 AM. Evening à la carte dinner service runs daily from 5–9 PM. Reservations encouraged.

Yes. The Sunset Terrace Bar is open daily from 3:30–9:30 PM, with happy hour from 4–5 PM. Enjoy cocktails, wine, beer, and small bites.

Yes—vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available. Please inform us in advance for special arrangements.

Guests may bring wine (corkage: $40 per bottle) or a cake ($25 service fee). Outside food is otherwise discouraged.

Yes! Friends are welcome to join you for the evening and return on the final ferry (10 PM). We’ll coordinate their return.

Yes—pasta, chicken fingers, and fries are available. Highchairs are also provided.

Absolutely! Governors Island offers a variety of dining options beyond Collective Retreats. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, wood-fired pizza, or refreshing cocktails, there’s something for everyone. Explore the island’s culinary offerings here: Governors Island Food & Drink Guide.

Yes. Friends may join you for dinner, drinks, or evening activities. Please note they must depart on the final ferry at 10 PM.

Text (917) 994-6167 or email governorsislandconcierge@collectiveretreats.com.

Wi-Fi in common areas, breakfast, happy hour, nightly s’mores, ferry tickets (from Manhattan), and programming.

Yes. Early check-in and late checkout at 1 PM are available for $50, pending availability.

Yes. We’re happy to hold your bags before check-in or after checkout.

Coffee/tea, water, flashlights, hairdryer, Byredo toiletries, robes, heated mattress pad (seasonal), and in-room safe.

Basic toiletries and extra amenities are available at the front desk.

No, smoking is not permitted anywhere on Governors Island. This includes tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and any other items that produce smoke or vapor. The island maintains a smoke-free environment to ensure the comfort and safety of all visitors. For more details, please refer to the island’s official rules and regulations: Governors Island Rules

Yes! We love creating special moments for our guests. Just email us at concierge@collectiveretreats.com and we can discuss how we can pre-arrange surprises.

Yes. To preserve the peaceful energy of the retreat, quiet hours begin at 10:00 PM in all guest room areas. We kindly ask that music and conversation move to shared spaces like the lawn or campfire after this time. Respecting the calm helps ensure everyone enjoys their stay.

While the retreat feels a world away, we’re still part of New York Harbor. You may occasionally hear sounds from passing ferries, helicopters, or nearby city activity—but for many, it’s part of the island’s charm. You are in the outdoors, so we recommend bringing earplugs if you are a light sleeper.

Cancel 7+ days before check-in for a refund, minus $75. Inside 30 days, bookings are non-refundable. Full policy on our website.

Yes. A full deposit is required at booking. $100/night credit card hold at check-in.

Credit, debit, and cash.

Check-in: 4 PM
Check-out: 11 AM

Yes, we’re here to make your stay more enjoyable, so please don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know what we can do to improve your experience. Concierge number: +1(917)9946167.

Your safety is our top priority. Our retreat team is on location and available 24/7. In the event of a medical emergency, trained EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) are on the island 24/7 to assist. Emergency transport off the island can be arranged if needed—please note additional fees may apply. If you need assistance, please call Concierge number: +1(917)9946167.

Yes. The retreat is fully fenced and secure after 6 pm, with access limited to authorized golf cart transportation. Our team and overnight security are always on hand to ensure a safe and peaceful environment.

Yes. Governor’s island has EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) available both day and night should any medical assistance be required.

Cold or inclement weather will not permit cancellations and refunds unless the company deems the conditions make the stay unsafe. You acknowledge that Collective reserves the right to cancel your stay at any time, including once you are checked in, due to dangerous weather, or other conditions, solely at our discretion. In the unusual case of a company cancellation due to inclement weather cancellation, guests will be reimbursed for any nights impacted due to the closure.

Rain won’t stop the celebration. For smaller gatherings, we’ll move you into the Collective Pavilion—a warm, inviting space with views of the harbor. For larger events, tent rentals are available with advance planning to ensure your day stays beautiful, rain or shine.

We recommend packing light but thoughtfully for your time with us. Here’s a suggested list to make your stay comfortable:

• Comfortable walking shoes (for exploring Governors Island’s car-free pathways)
• Casual, layered clothing (evenings by the water can be cool)
• Light jacket or sweater (for breezy nights)
• Rain jacket or umbrella (just in case—watching the rain from your deck is magical!)
• Swimsuit (if you plan to visit QC Spa)
• Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Bug spray (available onsite if needed)
• Personal toiletries (essential items are available at the front desk if you forget anything)
• Portable phone charger (outlets available in tents, but always good for island adventures)
• A good book, journal, or games (perfect for the Great Lawn or lazy afternoons)

Provided in your tent:

• Heated mattress pad (in cooler months)
• Coffee station and water bottles
• Flashlight
• Hairdryer
• In-room safe