I’m always up for something new when it comes to spa experiences and wellness treatments. Especially when they involve anything that can tighten, smooth and basically turn back time for my skin. As a busy working mom in my forties, I’ve noticed a lot of changes in my skin texture over the last few years. I have a great skincare routine for my face, but besides using a loofah and a good lotion, my body doesn’t get the same attention. And frankly, it’s starting to show.
When I heard about dry brushing, I was naturally curious. I had heard that it could reduce the appearance of cellulite and exfoliate the skin, but I had no idea that there were so many other benefits, including improving circulation and detoxifying the lymphatic system. I’m also always up for a nice back scratch, so I definitely wanted to give it a try.
What Is Dry Brushing?
Dry brushing is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves gently brushing the skin with a natural bristle brush in specific patterns, typically before bathing. This technique exfoliates the skin, stimulates the lymphatic system, and promotes overall skin health.
Benefits of Dry Brushing
- Exfoliation: The coarse bristles effectively remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin smoother and more radiant.
- Improved Circulation: The brushing action stimulates blood flow, which can lead to a temporary rosy glow and an invigorated feeling.
- Lymphatic Support: By stimulating the lymphatic system, dry brushing may aid in the body’s natural detoxification processes, helping to remove toxins more efficiently.
- Cellulite Appearance: While scientific evidence is limited, some individuals report a temporary reduction in the appearance of cellulite due to the plumping effect from increased blood flow.
- Relaxation: The rhythmic nature of dry brushing can have a calming effect, similar to a light massage, promoting relaxation and stress relief.
The West Coast Ritual Signature Package at Retreat
After doing a ton of research and spa hunting, I booked the West Coast Ritual Treatment at Retreat Spa at Hyatt Regency Vancouver. It includes 75 minutes of full-body dry brushing, a full-body relaxation massage AND a special gift of a brush and beautiful Artisan soaps for $199. So a back scratch, a relaxation massage and a gift? Basically, all my love languages wrapped up in one package. How could I refuse?
As soon as I walked through the doors of Retreat, I felt welcomed and cared for. The atmosphere is calm and quietly luxurious. I was greeted warmly at the front desk and offered a choice of water or tea before being taken to a waiting area. Soon, Makiko—my massage therapist—came to greet me. She led me into the most peaceful, and meticulously clean treatment room and took the time to walk me through what I could expect before leaving me so I could change.
As I climbed onto the massage bed, I immediately noticed they had warmed it up for me which I thought was an extra nice touch. And although it might be a weird thing to say, I’ve never had such a comfortable donut pillow to put my face into. I was in the most comfortable and relaxed state and the treatment hadn’t even started.
Before beginning the session, Makiko introduced me to a selection of essential oils: lavender, grapefruit, and peppermint. She held them under the donut pillow where my face was and we started with a few deep breaths to centre and ground me. It was such a small detail, but it set the perfect tone for what was to come.
The Dry Brushing Experience
Makiko explained that we’d start with dry brushing the backs of my legs, then my arms, then my back, followed by a massage. Then I would roll over and we would do the fronts of my legs, torso, chest and front of the arms followed by more massage. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Was it going to hurt? The answer was no. The brushing sensation was a little scratchy at first, especially on more sensitive areas like the inner arms and thighs, but Makiko was so attentive, constantly checking in about the pressure and adjusting it to ensure I was comfortable. Once I relaxed into it, I found it surprisingly invigorating—like a gentle wake-up call for my skin. By the end of the dry brushing, I felt lighter, almost like I had shed off any old, dusty energy I had been carrying and that my body had just been given a fresh start.
The Relaxation Massage
Next came the relaxation massage, and I can only describe it as pure bliss. Makiko’s technique was firm yet gentle, working out the tension I’d been holding in my back, shoulders, and neck (read: my laptop posture disaster zones). She moved slowly and intentionally, and I felt like I was finally giving my body the reset it had been quietly asking for. The oils she used were the perfect balance to the gentle scratching of the dry brush.
By the time she finished (with the best scalp massage, I might add), I was so deeply relaxed that I came this close to falling asleep on the table. Every part of the experience—from the essential oils to the rhythmic strokes of the massage—was designed to calm the nervous system and restore a sense of balance and well-being. I could have layed there all day.
The Little Extras I Appreciated
To top it all off, I was gifted the very same dry brush used during my treatment, along with a beautifully wrapped artisan soap and a lavender, grapefruit and peppermint essential oil blend. It felt like a little piece of the spa experience that I could bring home with me—something to remind me to carve out time for myself, even on the busiest days. Makiko took the time to show me how I could dry brush at home so I could keep up this wellness routine. Not to mention the ridiculously smooth skin that I had to keep touching because I just couldn’t believe it belonged to me! Like BUTTER.
Run, Don’t Walk: Book the West Coast Ritual at Retreat
If you’re busy like me and live or work in Downtown Vancouver, chances are you don’t always make enough time for yourself. Between meetings, endless emails, and commuting, not to mention being a mom, it’s easy to put self-care on the back burner. But after experiencing the West Coast Ritual, I genuinely feel more grounded, less tense, more in tune with my body and wow, my skin has never looked or felt better.
Dry brushing might seem like a small thing, but it’s an incredible addition to any wellness routine. Not only does it leave your skin feeling ultra-smooth, but it also helps kickstart your circulation and lymph flow. And when paired with a deeply relaxing massage? You walk out not just feeling better, but being better.
Final Thoughts About Retreat at Hyatt Regency Vancouver
I really can’t say enough about this treatment—or about Makiko, who was intuitive, skilled, and incredibly kind. She made sure I felt cared for every step of the way. I will definitely be back, and if I’m being honest, I’ve become obsessed with looking at other Retreat Spa treatments I’d like to try. Head Spa? I mean, that sounds euphoric.
So if you’re looking for the best spa in Downtown Vancouver and want something that goes beyond your typical massage, treat yourself to the West Coast Ritual at Retreat. For $199, you get 75 minutes of expert care, full-body rejuvenation, and thoughtful little extras to take home. Whether you’re new to spa treatments or a seasoned self-care enthusiast, this is one experience worth making time for. And who doesn’t want smooth skin with summer right around the corner?
Trust me—your body and mind will thank you.