Luxury Travel, Portland Style

According to market research surveys, the luxury travel industry has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, with a strong projected growth rate all the way to 2030. Luxury travel is a subjective and nuanced term; though the basics definition of luxury is “the state of great comfort and extravagant living.” Portland does this—in a realm all its own—that is constantly evolving and growing.

Luxury Lodging

In October 2023, the city welcomed The Ritz-Carlton, Portland, the first Luxury Brand of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. This hotel building is a glistening, 35-story tower with 251-rooms that features incredible views of the city and Mt. Hood and has transformed the city’s skyline. The hotel's signature restaurant, Bellpine, is operated by Michelin-starred Pedro Almeida. Beloved local chef Lauro Romero was instrumental in the restaurant's development and launch, as well. Bellpine showcases the region’s diverse flora and fauna with authentic ingredients indigenous to the forests and coastal waters of the Pacific Northwest. The 19th-floor Ritz-Carlton Spa takes its inspiration from the lines and shape of the curves and folds of a Portland rose, complete with rejuvenating treatments in the Spa’s five treatment rooms.

Luxury product putting down roots

The Ritz-Carlton, Portland is not the only luxury assets putting down roots in Portland and the surrounding area. In 2024, Soho House Portland opened in the creative hub of the Central Eastside. The newest Soho House space includes a rooftop pool, expansive gym, restaurant and lounge, and event space.

Other mainstay luxury assets that continue to build deeper ties within the Portland hospitality community are the Multnomah Whiskey Library and Oregon Helicopters’ wine tours.

Visitors to Portland are spoiled to have such an amazing wine country experience so close (just one hour's drive) from the city. An easy day trip can include wine tasting through the Willamette Valley, as well as dining at McMinville’s groundbreaking restaurant Okta.

Fine Dining

Look for the orange door in the classic Portland neighborhood of Ladd’s Addition. From there, take the stairs to what feels like a converted upstairs apartment. Fine dining with the levity of an intimate dinner party, L'Orange is the brainchild of co-owners Jeff Vejr and Joel Stocks. A seasonal menu and fine-tuned wine program make for an unforgettable meal.

The majestic and ever “blooming” cherry tree in the middle of Janken speaks to the opulence and beauty of the entire dining experience here. Smoked cocktails arriving under a cloche, foie gras and truffles are all mainstays on the Japanese and Korean focused menu.

Shopping

When it comes to designer goods, many choose to build their collection while in Portland due to the state having zero sales tax. Downtown’s Pioneer Place includes outposts for Louis Vuitton, Gucci, St. Laurent, and Tiffany & Co. Also nearby, Marios is known in the Pacific Northwest for its impeccable service and variety of designer goods.

For a more indie-driven luxury shopping experience, pop into Frances May. Co-founder and owner Pamela Baker-Miller brings her background as an Indigenous woman, artist, and mother into her sourcing, collaborations and in-house clothing line.

For stunning American fine craft, be sure to visit Day in the Life gallery and studio. Perfectly curated textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and furniture make for perfect reminders of Portland to keep in your home. For a true luxury experience, make an appointment for a custom suite design session at the attached Wildwood & Company. After perusing the front-of-house gallery, you’ll be transported to a private fitting lounge that feels right out of a James Bond movie. If you really want to get suited up, another great spot for incredible modern suiting is Barnes & Morgan.

For more custom shopping, set up a consultation at Betsy & Iya. The team here is not only interested in the design you want to create, but also the story behind it, as they begin to craft the heirloom jewelry of your dreams.

At first, the term luxury travel can feel uppity, inaccessible and exclusionary. Portland proves that luxury can also be something very, very different. Here, extravagance and comfort are about celebrating proud service, applaudable creativity, and an ode to experiencing something that not only is special but also makes the traveler feel special as well.

Photo courtesy of Wildwood & Company.