Collective Retreats Hudson Valley
Where has glamping been my whole life? There was a time when I would go camping. I think we all remember the start of a new relationship where you would pretty much do anything just to spend time with one another. You want me to sleep in the middle of the woods in a sleeping bag, on a hard ground, in a tiny tent, and wash my hair in a lake? Sounds like fun babe, let me pack my bag. Fast forward 20 years (wow…that sounds like we’re really old) and I have a new appreciation for my mattress, blow dryer, and some electrical outlets. Glamping is a trend that has taken off in the last decade for many reasons. Some people like the fact they are leaving a relatively small footprint. Others enjoy being one with nature without having to sacrifice comfort. And some people are looking for once-in-a-lifetime accommodation experiences like luxurious tents, lighthouses, tree houses, and tiny homes.
COLLECTIVE RETREATS
The creators of Collective Retreats designed this concept because they love travel and believe in its power to help people connect- to places, to people, and to themselves. They have built these retreats that make it possible for luxury to coexist with ruggedness. After spending just one night there, I think they have hit the nail on the head because I left feeling relaxed, recharged, and more connected to nature than I’ve felt in a long time.
LOCATION
My daughter and I were thrilled to be asked to be guests of Collective Retreats, Hudson Valley and couldn’t wait to get our glamp on. The retreat is located on Liberty Farms, in Ghent, NY, just a two-hour drive from New York City. On this working 300-acre hay farm, five stylish tents are spread out so everyone has their own space as well as a stunning view. The Hudson Valley is filled with ways to fill your day from hiking, wine tasting, shopping, and historic sites.
OUR ARRIVAL
Our visit began when Jeffrey, the general manager, picked us up in the parking lot in his golf cart and whisked us up to show us around. Jeffrey is enthusiastic and passionate about the retreat and his excitement was contagious. My daughter thought he was so funny and he immediately made us feel welcome.
THREE PEAKS LODGE
Our first stop was the Three Peaks Lodge, the communal area where travelers gather each day. The tent is breathtaking!
In this area, you can dine under the stars and learn more about the area.
OUR TENT
After getting some background information, we finally were able to start glamping and see what we’ve been anxiously awaiting…our tent. Adirondack chairs were perched on our private deck waiting for us to come enjoy the peaceful view.
I can honestly say I could never have imagined what would await us when we opened the tent flaps.
No sleeping bags here! Instead there is a king-size bed with 1,500 thread-count sheets, a down duvet, and warm Pendleton blankets. Above you, a chandelier hangs off a rustic beam, and the tent is filled with a comforting scent from the wood-burning fireplace in the corner.
The room had a lounge area with comfortable chairs and flannel throw blankets. It was a nice place to read in the morning.
Each tent is unique and named after a famous author from the area. We stayed in the Herman Melville tent. Only when glamping does your tent have a name!
There was also a credenza. (A credenza…that’s what my tents have been lacking!) One of my favorite memories of our stay was sitting on our deck in the morning with a cozy blanket while drinking a hot cup of coffee made with local beans. It was the first time I’d ever used a French press and I loved it. (Ok, so I had to google a video on how to use it, but after I figured it out I loved it!)
A PLEASANT SURPRISE
Situated behind our tent was a teepee that held something I only dreamed about while camping…
a flushing toilet, a sink, and a rain-style hot shower! Thick Turkish towels felt amazing after my hot outdoor shower before slipping into the plush robe waiting back in the tent. I may be getting the hang of glamping!
TIME FOR DINNER
When I pictured the food at a glamping retreat, I imagined a cowboy ranch campfire meal but I was pleasantly surprised at the gourmet dishes Chef Wendy cooked up. She was kind and welcoming and her food was unbelievable! The ambiance was breathtaking and as we waited for our food to be made we watched a family of deer playing in the field.
We started with a salad made with local vegetables and a balsamic dressing.
The main dish was a filet with mashed potatoes and a savory vegetable mix.
For dessert, we devoured a homemade apple crisp, made with apples from just a few miles down the road.
BREAKFAST!
For breakfast, we had a fabulous egg scramble with bacon on the side. It was the perfect way to start our day!
S’MORES AND MAKING MEMORIES
One of the best parts of glamping was the memories my daughter and I got to make together. She still conciders this one of her favorite trips. Her favorite memory was having s’mores by the campfire and having Jeffrey teach her how to brand the retreat’s logo.
Their logo is the same symbol that Old World explorers would use to communicate that a location is a safe place for shelter and you see it throughout the retreat. The plaque she burned hands in our family room as a reminder of our wonderful time at the retreat.
OTHER LOCATIONS
Collective Retreats also has locations in Yellowstone , Vail, Colorado. Hill Country, Texas , Sonoma, California 2018. Governors Island (a quick ferry ride from NYC)
Tips for Planning Your Stay
-Rollaway beds are available for children under 12.
-Wear comfy clothes…after all, you’re “camping.”
-Mornings and evenings may be a bit chilly depending on the season. I wish we had packed slippers.
-You may want to bring bug spray, depending on the season. Our tent provided organic bug spray but we didn’t need to use it.
-The tent is very dark when you turn off all the lights, so if your child is nervous you may want to bring a nightlight. We always keep one in our travel bag.
-Rates for the luxury tents in the 2017 season are between $500-$700 per night.
A warm thank you to Collective Retreats Hudson Valley for having us as guests of your retreat. It was truly an unforgettable experience that brought us back in touch with nature in elegant style! As always, all experiences and opinions are my own.
