Cascada, the thermal springs hotel and spa that helped turn Portland’s Alberta Arts District into a go-to weekend wellness escape for locals, is heading for Bend. Developers say the Bend outpost is expected to break ground later this month and open in 2028 as a smaller, mountain-minded version with roughly 68 rooms and rooftop thermal soaking. The news has already stirred up debate in town over whether another upscale destination will complement Bend’s small-town vibe or crowd it out.
As reported by OregonLive, the project is scheduled to start construction later this month and is aiming for a 2028 debut. Hospitality Design has profiled the brand and describes the Bend plan as a 68-room wellness destination with a rooftop thermal spa and programming tuned to the region’s outdoorsy lifestyle.
From Portland’s Underground Spa To Central Oregon
Cascada’s Portland flagship, developed by SolTerra in collaboration with LEVER Architecture, opened in early 2025 and drew national attention for its underground thermal circuits, glassy conservatory and roughly 100 guest rooms. Condé Nast Traveler labeled the property an urban oasis and highlighted its thermal pools, movement studios and sustainability features.
Design And Local Reaction
Hacker Architects is leading the Bend design, which is aiming for softer interiors and more outdoor connection than Cascada’s Portland outpost. According to The Source, the proposed site lands between downtown Bend and the Old Mill District, and a social post about the project has already sparked pushback from residents worried about traffic and an overly luxe feel. SolTerra representatives told The Source they hope Cascada will “add to,” not replace, what makes Bend special.
Where This Fits In Bend's Boom
The Cascada project arrives as Bend continues to see public and private investment reshaping the local economy, from higher-education expansion to new lodging and restaurants. In March, lawmakers cleared funding for OSU-Cascades' expansion, underlining the region’s broader development momentum and why fresh hospitality projects are drawing close scrutiny.
Timeline And What To Expect
SolTerra says it will roll out membership, pricing and job details as permitting advances; construction is expected to start late this month, with phased openings leading up to a full 2028 debut. In Portland, a three-hour visit to Cascada’s thermal springs runs about $100, according to The Source, a number that may hint at how day access could be structured in Bend.
In an invitation about the project, organizers wrote that the Bend property “will serve as a year-round gathering place rooted in biophilic architecture, sustainability and long-term destination stewardship,” as detailed by OregonLive. Whether Cascada can bring its Portland thermal formula to Central Oregon without eroding Bend’s small-town draw is what locals and planners will be watching as renderings and permits move through review.
