This new tropical ‘beach club’ brings Tulum to NYC’s Governors Island

A new tropical restaurant has opened on Governors Island, promising to transport New Yorkers to Tulum, a town on the coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Grupo Gitano announced last week the opening of Gitano Island, a tranquil 27,000-square-foot sandy getaway with Mexican cuisine, live music, and lush plants and palm trees, all just a boat ride away from Manhattan.

After four seasons in Soho, the team behind Gitano Garden of Love decided to take a shot at establishing their iconic restaurant and beach club on Governors Island. Gitano Island will feature familiar attractions that can be found at Gitano’s other locations, including the iconic black Bedouin dining tent with a 360-degree marble bar and the twin dining pergolas and open-fired kitchen.

Gitano regulars will be able to take advantage of the exclusive member’s lounge, centered around a 40-foot water fixture and a giant disco ball that hangs directly above. For the first time in NYC, Gitano will be hosting a collection of local and international DJs and live artists underneath a tented stage. The music program will feature classic and nu-disco, house music, afro beats, and Latin music.

The food menu includes a variety of Mexican cuisine, including classics like guacamole, chorizo con queso, and watermelon salad. Chef Jose Luis Hinostroza has curated a taco menu exclusive to Gitano Island, featuring a variety of unique combinations.

“We love New York City and are grateful to have support from many fabulous New Yorkers who have fallen in love with the Garden of Love,” James Gardner, Founder and CEO of Grupo Gitano, said.

“This year we will surprise and delight in boatloads, literally, transporting the Garden on barges to Gitano Island, Manhattan’s first ever glamorous Beach Club, just a five-minute boat ride from Casa Cipriani. We are so honored and excited to be a new part of this very special place, Governors Island!”

Guests will be able to purchase Grupo Gitano’s new Club Gitano membership, which grants them preferred access and reservations at all Gitano locations, and exclusive access to the Gitano Island members beach lounge.

Gitano Island is open seven days a week for brunch and dinner from noon to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on weekends. The ferry to Governors Island departs daily from the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street and from Brooklyn on weekends.

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