We found it. The best group (or couple) destination location in America, except it’s in my own city, and they hosted us on our most epic team retreat yet. Cascada, FTW. Oregon, FTW. EHD, FTW. LOL. Listen. There are parts of being “the boss” that are really hard for me (mostly because I don’t feel naturally good at them), but our team retreats are the 3-4 times a year that I love being the one in charge. I joked with them this week that I must have been a camp director in a former life – I just love getting people together in an organized way to experience something really unique in a way that feels healthy (mostly) and bonding. This summer started out already so depleting (my own fault), where I overscheduled too much big personal stuff (mostly unavoidable and all so fun). But the LA + PDX crew hadn’t gotten together since February, so I was desperate to squeeze it in, and we didn’t have any other dates that worked for all til September. But I needed it to be relaxing, and not come out of it feeling socially and physically depleted. I whispered to myself, I just need to go to a wellness resort. So I reached out to Cascada Thermal Springs + Hotel, a wellness resort in Portland that just opened up last year, that I had been dying to go to, and asked if they had availability for a mid-week stay for the 6 of us. Just a quick 3-night, 2-day. They offered to partner on our stay (which was so generous). I told them we’d do organic stories and include them in a reel, but it was such an incredible stay and experience that it deserves a full dedicated post (and so much more). It was an absolute 15/10 in every way – the design, the food, the thermal spring experiences, the hospitality, the vibe. If you live in Portland or enjoy girls’ trips (or a solo trip, which I plan on frequently), Cascada is an incredible destination or staycation.

They kindly asked what my goal was for our team, and I said easily, “I just want us to connect and not feel depleted”. What ended up happening was one of the best retreats we’ve ever had (certainly the most physically fun). This wasn’t our annual planning retreat (that is in February) or our Q4 prep retreat (in September), so while we of course talked about work and I went over some timely business stuff, I really just wanted to have fun together and show them more of Oregon that I love. I know we aren’t supposed to talk about employees like they are our kids (they aren’t! I know!), but like my kids, it’s also extremely important and rewarding for me to have them be good friends with each other, even without me. I look at all the former EHD folks who work together and socialize all the time still, years later, and I know that it’s one of my most important career responsibilities (I also have a fantastic employee picker). So yeah, it might be forced bonding, but it sure does work!!!

The best crew. Top left to right – Gretchen, Caitlin, Marlee, Kaitlin, then Jess, me, and Mal. Please excuse my post-hike/waterfall plunge maniacal look. I think my dopamine was OFF THE CHARTS in this shot. Ok, so here is what we did:

The Stay – Cascada

We booked a 2-bedroom suite for larger hang time and then a few individual rooms (and everyone got their own room this time, which was incredible – it’s hard to find locations that can fit all 7 of us with our own rooms). The rooms are minimal and super well-appointed (meaning very smart design and full of amenities like dishwashers, washer/dryer, small kitchen, and closet space).

They checked every single box without being wasteful. The mattresses and bedding were great, the robes were so nice, and the windows were so thick (it was so quiet at night). It felt very Japanese Spa (of which I’ve never been, ha), and we all really appreciated how simple and clean it felt. I love that they had kitchenettes if you wanted to stay for days and not eat out every meal. Two huge TVs for all our Love Island needs (y’all, it’s my first season watching Love Island, and I think I can’t do it – is it always this terrible??).

Top Notch Fitness + Wellness

Wait, what is a “wellness resort”? It sounds pretentious, I know (and maybe it is, I don’t care). I wrote about my love for them in this post and how they are my preferred girls’ trip now, but Cascada is my new #1. I’ve been to CIVANA twice, Canyon Ranch 3 times (my SIL worked there and I got a 90% discount), and Two Bunch Palms. They are all great, TBH, and I’d go back to any of them. But Cascada is by far the best value and checks all of the boxes (and way more) in a new and fresh way, and I can’t believe it’s in my own city. Wellness resorts are geared toward making you refreshed physically, instead of depleted. They usually have a lot of fitness programming (workout classes), a robust spa, and the best ones have sauna/cold plunges, steam rooms, etc. They usually have really healthy food and limited alcohol (often an option, but it’s not a party vibe at all). A lot of them have more spiritual programming like Astrology, Mediums, vision boarding workshops, and some even have more med-spa stuff (medical facials, injections, etc). I literally couldn’t be more their demographic. Sure, if you have the budget, you can go to Miraval and spend $2,500 per person per day for an all-inclusive experience (not the spa treatments), but Cascada was so reasonably priced, and what you get is just so incredible. I wouldn’t be surprised if they raised rates, so get in on it now 🙂

Excuse the terrible iPhone shots throughout this post. The gym is huge and brand new. And I can’t WAIT to show you the thermal hydrospring Sanctuary.

We started day one with an optional heated Yoga Sculpt class, which kicked our ass in the best way. They have a handful of classes a day with really good instructors.

This was our post-workout glow (note the sheer joy on my face). The class taught by Majo was fantastic.

Then they treated us to a guided contrast therapy session and beautiful silk robes made by Tribal Chic Boutique. Dustin, Casada’s director of membership + fitness, led us through a sauna meditation in their beautiful sauna, below.

Admittedly, I’m more of a cold plunger than a sauna lady, so it’s harder for me to sit in the heat for more than 10 minutes. Dustin helped us by doing these Wim Hof-style movements and breathing techniques that made it go by so much faster. It was so awesome.

And then straight from the sauna we all walked through the freezing-cold rain shower (I was admittedly the most enthusiastic about this, and I think I might have sang?). It felt INCREDIBLE. We set intentions. We shocked our bodies. Our dopamine and oxytocin were flying so high. I know how unorthodox this is to do with your employees, but I knew that everyone would be into this (and they absolutely were).

Please note how beautiful the design is – so much “simple but special” woods and fabrics. A huge shout-out to the wonderful Dustin – he is a real earth angel, and we felt so grateful that he took the time to lead us through this session.

The Casual Spa Restaurant – Forbidden Fruit

I knew they had a spa-side restaurant, but my expectations were normal spa food. My God! It was not only gorgeous and vibey, but the food was INCREDIBLE and so thoughtfully created by Chef Megan Sky.

There were gluten-free options, specialty smoothies, house-made cashew, almond, hemp, and pepita milk (no seed oils in anything), and the most amazing breakfast sandwiches were made with beet-infused biscuits. Every single thing was incredible (get the green smoothie, I think called the emerald). Oh, and a shout-out to Alberta Street Coffee in the lobby, which is also so good.

The Conservatory

This pool room was incredible. I had seen this in photos on IG so much so I knew it was really pretty, but in person it’s perfect. We all even commented that having it be indoor was awesome (less sunscreen needs, and not too hot or cold as they can control the temperature). The design of it obviously helps – full of so much light and plants, so you kinda felt like you were outside. Off to the side are a few little glass sunrooms that I almost dozed off in. No food or drink allowed in here (outside of their offered ginger tea and water in silicone cups), and while you can talk here, since it’s mostly adults looking to chill, the vibe is quiet and so relaxing. No kids and no day drinking, and it just stays so clean and quiet.

The Sanctuary

The real coup de grâce is their underground thermal spring pools, which are just the most perfectly designed. Some of the others that I’ve been in are too exposed (too much natural light and huge windows), but this one is so dark with such soothing lighting that everyone felt really comfortable walking around, and no one really looks at anyone else. There is no talking down here, which is also lovely, and someone comes around with a singing bowl every so often to remind people to “return to silence,” which was so nice.

It has EVERYTHING you want. Hot tub, cold plunge, Sauna, steam room, ice bath, salt room, mineral pool, and they just opened red light therapy booths (literally just a few days ago and we were the first to step inside).

We spent a full hour down here both days.

There’s a photo for you. Me, in the brand new redlight therapy booth (there are a few of them).

While we didn’t get any spa treatments done (booking for 7 is always a challenge), we saw everyone coming out of the treatment rooms in a happy daze. The spa is so booked up so I must assume the treatments are fantastic.

Dinner At Terra Mae

Y’all, I lived in New York for 10 years and LA for 12, so I’m experienced with fancy big city food. This Japanese Portuguese fusion restaurant, Terra Mae, was shockingly amazing. Every single dish was so so so delicious. The founder and executive Chef, Megan Sky and Jules Boyd (two Portland ladies, FYI) have created the most beautiful and, more importantly, delicious menu that I’ve had in a long time. Like, I might take our friends from LA back next week to show it off. It was just so thoughtfully designed (and cocktails were also delicious).

Day Two

We were pretty well-behaved that night, so some of us did an optional pilates class in the morning to start the day. If I lived closer (I’m about 25 minutes away), this would be my preferred daily workout location, but I’m absolutely going to book their fitness + thermal springs offering for locals for frequent occasions.

My Perfect Day In The Gorge!

The fact that Travel Oregon doesn’t pay me to promote this effing beautiful state is hilarious – I’ve got to reach out. My enthusiasm for the surrounding Portland area is off the charts (the coast! wine country! the gorge! Sisters! Hood River!). But the Gorge really is my home planet – I just think it’s the most beautiful place in the world. It’s essentially the river that divides Oregon from Washington, and during the melting of the last ice age, it created this massive, wide, extreme canyon, flanked by high mountains on the Oregon side that allows for hundreds of waterfalls. So you get water, shady nature, and views all within your hike.

Within an hour from Portland (and it’s a pretty drive), you can drive up to Waterfall Lane and stop at many of these – some require 2-3 mile round-trip hikes, some you can view from the parking lot. One of my go-tos is Horsetail Falls because it’s a short 1/2 mile hike (rocky and mostly switchbacks but safe for ages 5 +) with a great payoff at the top. You can walk behind it, and if you are like me, climb down to swim.

We usually wear river shoes to hike and hang out in, and then eat our lunch down here. It’s absolutely a cold plunge, but it feels incredible, and the water is so loud and misty. I’m in HEAVEN in the photo on the right. My tolerance for cold plunging is extremely high, FYI, so I know it’s not normal (but quite the dopamine payoff).

This hike is about an hour total (20 minutes up, hang for 20, 20 minutes down) And what I love about it is that if you have someone who doesn’t want to do the vertical hike up to Horsetail Falls there is another huge waterfall and pool right at the bottom, off the wooded parking lot, called Ponytail so they can chill at a picnic table or even swim there. So it’s a great one for multiple abilities.

BTW, I know how unorthodox it is to, say, do art therapy together (Palm Springs), Wine tasting (The Carly), Horseback riding (Mexico), Vision Boarding (Manzanita) as a team. I know that it might not be most leaders’ priority to have these different experiences with their team (and maybe most teams wouldn’t even want this!). But we are so tight, and by planning these trips, I feel like I’m doing business my way, which is actually empowering (and a great reminder that there is no perfect HR handbook on how to run your company and manage your team – it’s very specific to your people, your team size, and your industry). We couldn’t do this if we had 10+ people (well, we could, but it would be so much more expensive and hard to coordinate). So by staying really lean, we get to do more and more often.

Of course, our BFF and photographer, Kaitlin Green, joins when she can (and she brought her vintage-style camera to take the better shots in this post). I’m the luckiest lady in the world.

This is us, sans Kaitlin, who is taking the shot, at the bottom of Pony Tail Falls. Since this was an unplanned hike, none of us had the right clothes, really, but we made it all work.

The Vista House View Point

Look at that. This is why I love blues and greens so much. In person, it looks like The Land Before Time, otherworldly. If you have an extra 20 minutes, don’t take I-84 home back to Portland; instead, take historic highway 30, which winds on all the vintage bridges, and you automatically get routed to the Vista House, which is a viewpoint (and small museum) at the top.

It’s just a place to stop and take a picture, but absolutely worth adding 20 minutes to the drive. It’s stunning even on a cloudy day, but if you get blue skies, it beats any ocean view if you ask me.

Lunch At Sugarpine

It’s not a secret, but I sure hope I don’t make this adorable cafe even busier…Sugarpine is our post-hike lunch/beer/ice cream stop every time. It’s an adorable vintage drive-through turned outdoor picnic table-style cafe with the most delicious (and constantly changing) menu. Get the pork sliders, the Caesar salad, the soft serve, and this summer’s veggie sandwich is out of this world (has Fritos and fresh-cut beans in it!).

They started serving slushy margaritas, which were surprisingly not too sweet. And the ice cream sundaes…While I prefer a simpler soft serve, we had two try two of their wild sundaes that were so fun (but a bit much for me and melted so fast). But fair warning, the wait time is always long (usually 30-45 minutes to order and then another 30-45 minutes to get your food). It’s worth it if you aren’t starving, but the volume of post-hikers like us is huge (especially on weekends and Mother’s Day, lol).

Then back to Cascada to hit the thermal pools (Sanctuary), and we lay around the Conservatory pool for a while, too. We had plans to go to the Monticello antique mall around 4 pm to get one more dopamine hit of the day via shopping, but we were all so zenned out and relaxed at Cascada that we didn’t want to change gears and rush anywhere. So we chilled, worked a bit, and met up for dinner.

The hotel is in the Alberta district in NE Portland, which is very cool but not overly crowded at all (like NW 23rd can be). So we went for a stroll and got a drink and nachos at Bar Cala, which was fun.

We got to celebrate Mal and Caitlin’s 7-year work anniversary (which is actually next week)! We rarely get to celebrate in person, so it was nice to cheers them. They told stories of their first day of work at EHD and how different it was then (in person, in our LA office, much bigger team). I was also so busy and felt like a scrambled-up lunatic. I’m sure that was likely still fun, but challenging to be around, ha. Marlee and Gretch got to hear about how it used to be, and we reminisced about former EHD alum that we all still love so much (Bowser, Sara, Brady, Mel, Tessa, Ginny – her new line is so good!, Orlando, Velinda, Julie, Grace, Veronica, and of course Arlyn, who, as you know, recently moved to North Carolina with her fam). I don’t plan on dying soon, but I have fantasies about the 20-year anniversary of the blog and bringing back everyone who was a real part of making it successful and giving them each a speech about what they mean to me – like a reverse funeral. Totally normal:)

So that was our summer 2026 team retreat. A huge thanks to Cascada for hosting us and giving us a constant body high. God, it was incredible. And yes, I know that these retreats might seem weird to a lot of you who have more traditional or corporate jobs, but you have to trust me that I know my team well enough that it’s not weird. Bonding as a team comes in only second to keeping the business healthy financially (or no one has a stable job, which is bad for all). Sixteen years in and I’m still learning so much, y’all, but this one aspect of my role as their leader, where I get to step outside being just their boss, is my absolute favorite and greatest career honor. I’m just so lucky and grateful for them… and for you who read and invest your time here so that we can still be a successful blog 16 years in. What an absolute pleasure it’s been to be able to keep doing this for me, for them, and for you (as she legit wipes a tear away). Thank you so much for still being here. xx

*Pretty (vintage-esque) Photos by Kailtin Green