written by Kerry Newberry | photography by Cascada
At Cascada, Portland’s newest luxury hotel and spa, every design detail is rooted in sustainability and serenity. Located in the heart of the Alberta Arts District, the 100-room property is a LEED Platinum-certified building, only the second one on the West Coast. The highest level of certification, Platinum is granted to projects that adhere to exceptional energy efficiency, minimal water usage and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
You’ll see all that on display here and more—from the avant-garde thermal springs and spa to the stately rooms. In the lobby lounge, stylish furniture is covered with Portuguese cork and filled with natural latex. (There’s no petroleum foams or animal skins on the property.) Natural materials and wood anchor all the spaces.
But the most memorable details are rooted in biophilic design from lush and leafy plant walls to the soft glimmers of circadian lighting (you can feel the color temperature and intensity of the lighting change throughout the day to mimic natural daylight patterns). Whether you book a few nights or just a spa day, the holistic wellness here will leave you recharged and refreshed.
ROOMS
Expect natural and minimalist design details in the hotel’s 100 rooms from floor-to-ceiling windows and tile bathrooms to contemporary accents. Easily set for digital nomads and extended stays, you’ll find in-room kitchenettes, a dedicated workspace and a washer and dryer. Upgrade to the Sky Loft and enjoy a soaring space with 16-foot ceilings and an upstairs bedroom. Or opt for the two-bedroom suites featuring gourmet kitchens and local art.
THERMAL SPRINGS
A true oasis, the thermal springs and spa span two floors and include a collection of water-inspired wellness. Start in the bright and airy conservatory that’s set to a sultry 82 degrees and brimming with tropical plants, from monsteras to bromeliads. Then wrap up in the silent subterranean sanctuary with mineral pools, a sauna, a steam room and a cold plunge.
MORE WELLNESS
In addition to booking a massage, facial or scrub at the full-service spa, take advantage of the state-of-the-art fitness facility with equipment from Technogym. Weekly group wellness classes range from heated vinyasa and mat Pilates to total body HIIT and barre. For balance and mindfulness, check out the breath-work and meditation options.
DINING
Start your morning at Alberta Street Coffee in the hotel’s serene living room lobby where you’ll find baked goods and healthy bowls like house-made horchata oats and chia pudding. Lunch options range from duck soba salad to a mushroom sub with pumpkin seed pesto. For dinner, Terra Mae restaurant serves up dishes that blend Portuguese and Japanese flavors like black cod rillettes with airy milk bread buns and caldo verde with buckwheat soba. Read more on page 25.
1150 NE ALBERTA ST. PORTLAND
www.cascada.me
