Luxurious spa retreats can seem set apart from the rest of the world. Yet Cascada Thermal Springs + Hotel rests and relaxes in the heart of Portland’s Alberta Arts District. “Cascada was designed as a serene escape,” says Ashley Wondra, director of sales and marketing.
Cascada fits a lot into its four stories and hundred rooms. The let-the-sunshine-in Conservatory uses renewable energy–producing glass. Not only does it maintain an 82°F tropical oasis, but it adds light to the space, even on cold, rainy, or overcast days.
Among the rare flora curated with the Portland Botanical Garden, passionfruit vines climb a 25-foot living wall. With daybeds and a large, warm vitality pool, the Conservatory provides a social and treatment space that combines community with restoration.
“Cascada is a retreat like no other,” says Danya Feltzin, executive vice president. “Guests can restore and rejuvenate their bodies while feeling inspired by the thoughtfully designed environment.”
That environment is above ground — and also underneath the Alberta streets.
The subterranean Sanctuary is the silent, conversation-free counterpart to the Conservatory. The main sound here is natural hot springs. Guests can rest and recharge with three distinct thermal circuits, including three vitality pools — mineral, ambient, hot — a cold plunge pool, sauna, ice fountain, and steam room.
“Our thermal springs are located underground to create a secluded, peaceful sanctuary,” says Feltzin. “The design not only enhances the feeling of immersion but also blocks out external distractions, allowing guests to fully unwind.”
The attention to detail extends even to Cascada’s 100 percent merino wool sauna hats. Naturally breathable and insulating, the hats regulate body temperature, provide additional comfort, and protect hair.
“It’s a small gesture with a big impact,” says Wondra.
For guests ready to pick up their personal pace, Cascada’s fitness offerings are meant to be a complement to the restorative thermal springs.
“We view wellness as a rhythm, an intentional interplay of movement and stillness,” explains Wondra. “Our fitness programming and thermal springs work in harmony to offer a full-spectrum approach to physical and mental wellbeing.”
Guided sessions include heated vinyasa yoga, total body high-intensity interval training (HIIT), barre, and more. Guests might begin their day with a dynamic yoga flow strength session that activates circulation and energy. Moving on to the hydrothermal circuit becomes a form of recovery, where the mineral-rich pools, sauna, steam, and cold plunge soothe muscles, calm the nervous system, and accelerate restoration.
“The balance of exertion and ease is core to our philosophy,” says Wondra. “We want guests to feel strong, feel soothed, and feel more like yourself.”
To prepare your skin for summer activity, hot weather, and sun exposure, Cascada is launching a new Signature Body Treatment. Crafted to detoxify, nourish, and revive the skin, sessions include an exfoliating body polish, hydrating white algae wrap, and therapeutic hot oil scalp massage.
”It’s a full-body reset, designed to leave you glowing and grounded,” says Wondra.”
The warm flicker and gentle, natural scent of hand-poured candles is another signature touch at Cascada. Crafted with a clean-burning coconut-apricot wax blend, the candles weave in aromatics from pure essential oils combined into four custom scents: Air, Earth, Ocean, and Forest.
“Whether guests are drawn to something bright and citrus-forward, grounding and woodsy, or soft and natural, there’s a scent designed to meet the moment,” says Wondra. “These aren’t just candles. They’re sensory anchors, crafted to carry the calm and clarity of Cascada with them, even after they leave.
When it’s time to relax, guests can unwind in rooms with minimal decor. Rooms feature mattresses with organic cotton and wool, timber ceilings, limestone plaster walls, and kitchenettes. Views of Alberta’s street life, blocks of craftsman homes, and local businesses complete the scene, melding privacy and connection to community.
The Sky Loft Suite with balcony on the fourth floor offers panoramic views and a private outdoor space to soak in sun or starlight. “It’s an immersive experience unto itself,” says Wondra.
The spa and each guestroom feature Cascada’s custom-blended hypoallergenic products, including shampoo, conditioner, wash, hemp lotion, detox mask, ocean mask, enhancing serum, antioxidant serum, and moisturizing toner.
“Our skincare line is crafted with a fully holistic approach,” says Wondra. “It recognizes the skin as our largest organ and an important pathway for both nourishment and detoxification.”
Formulated and made in Oregon, each product uses ethically sourced ingredients, selected for their therapeutic benefits and biocompatibility with the body. “We never use artificial fragrances or endocrine-disrupting chemicals,” says Wondra, “only pure essential oils chosen for both their sensory qualities and wellness properties.
For guests seeking some simple refreshments without leaving the comfort of their rooms, the in-room honor bar combines convenience with Cascada’s philosophy of holistic wellness. “Guests will find small indulgences sourced as close to home as possible,” says Wondra.
Kombucha from Eugene-based Billion New Friends (BNF) arrives by tricycle. Vegan chocolate bars from Portland’s Vehicle Mushroom Chocolates combine high-quality cacao with adaptogenic mushrooms. From grass-fed beef jerky to cassava chips, small bites are curated to be free from industrial seed oils.
“We’ve chosen to provide all drinking water in glass, stainless steel, silicon, or ceramic vessels rather than plastic,” notes Wondra. “This decision reflects both our environmental values and our dedication to guest wellbeing.”
Portland’s focus on craft, attention to detail, and flair for flavor come through in a growing range of food and drink options. Terra Mae, the restaurant on Cascada’s second floor, is popular with both guests and the local community, evoking the rustic charm of the Portuguese countryside with the sleek sophistication of modern Japan.
“The atmosphere encourages guests to reflect on their own journey, fostering a deeper connection to the earth, food, and one another,” says Wondra.
Terra Mae’s attention to detail extends down to the steak knives. Custom designed and hand-forged from Damascus steel by a skilled artisan, each knife’s layered steel is both functional and visually striking.
Mornings at Alberta Street Coffee serve up protein bowls and your choice of daily rev-up, such as locally roasted Deadstock Coffee.
Cascada is offering special summer packages that combine overnight accommodations, thermal springs circuit, and select treatments.
A special members-only, wait-listed event has been getting people’s attention, too, notes Wondra. “Moon Circles are intimate, seasonal rituals designed to align with the lunar cycle. The experience is both grounding and expansive, a space for reflection, renewal, and community,” she says. These “curated evenings” offer “a blend of breathwork, intention-setting, intuitive movement, journaling, and somatic meditation under the energy of the new moon.”
Also new for the summer is the Secret Garden, for guests who prefer to combine their restorative time with being outside. The Secret Garden offers a full-contrast outdoor therapy thermal circuit, including a Finnish dry sauna, hot pool, and chilled waterfall walk.
Expected to open later this summer, Forbidden Fruit is an intimate bar tucked away next to the Secret Garden that will provide a social space along with craft botanical cocktails, smoothies, and small bites. “It’s our most sensual concept yet,” says Wondra. “The menu draws inspiration from the wild and the sacred, with bold flavors, rare botanicals, and spirited elixirs designed to awaken every sense. It’s indulgence with intention — an ode to pleasure, ritual, and earth’s more untamed gifts.”
Life brings challenges, wear and tear, and exhaustion. Cascada is a haven for guests to relax, reset, and recharge, but the team also considers it a place to rediscover balance and inspiration.
And for folks in Central Oregon who wish they had their own Cascada closer to home? Wondra says they plan to open a new location in Bend by 2028. “We’re early in design, but it’s something our community is already buzzing about.”
CASCADA Thermal Springs + Hotel, 1150 NE Alberta St., Portland, 503/227-2232, [email protected], cascada.me
While in Alberta
Cascada’s location makes it easy for guests to enjoy time in the Alberta Arts District, one of the city’s most vibrant and creative neighborhoods. Wondra suggests blocking in time for a few of the neighborhood’s walkable favorites, or hop on a rental bike.
Food & Drink
Mémoire Cà Phê: Vietnamese-American comfort food. Named by EATER as one of America’s 14 Best New Restaurants 2024
Baon Kainan: reimagined Filipino flavors. Part of the food cart POD across from Cascada
Pasture PDX: sustainable sandwiches with local flair. Two blocks from Cascada, and named Best New Sandwich Shop in Portland 2022 by The Oregonian
Urdaneta: modern Spanish tapas
Proud Mary: bespoke coffee, food, and “amazing atmosphere”
Shops & Culture
Frock: locally made clothing and accessories
Alberta Street Gallery: artist-run cooperative
Laundry and Average Joe’s: vintage sportswear
Guardino Gallery: art
Tumbleweed: gifts
Collage: creative supplies
Also check out: Thursday farmers markets and Last Thursday art walk
