MGM National Harbor Spa Offers Plenty of Luxe R&R

Looking to get away from it all, without going too far? If you're craving a little "me" time, you can do just that at the MGM National Harbor spa. The spa is one of the reasons to visit the new resort and casino, located just across the Potomac River from Alexandria. Located on the fourth floor of the resort, it offers a variety of facials, massages and hydrotherapy in soothing treatment rooms and lounges. You don't have to be a hotel guest to visit the spa.

MGM has teamed up with luxury French cosmetics and skincare company Clarins, offering a variety of skin treatments including facials such as the "Power Firmer," "Moisture Quencher" and the "Skin Perfector." Prices for facials run from $100 to $170.

A number of body treatments are also available including a Vichy rain body polish, which comes in a variety of scents, includes relaxing lavender and white pepper. Seven massage treatments are available including Monumental Body Glow Ritual ($265) which offers massage and facial treatment all in one treatment. (Ask for Angela, she's certified in both massage and esthetician treatments.)

Massage prices start at $155 with the priciest being the 80-minute Pure Melt Hot Stone Massage at $250.

In addition to Clarins, MGM has also teamed up with some local businesses, including Shea Yeleen's shea butter cream, offering the products for sale at the spa.

To reach the spa on the fourth floor, you just head to the elevator from the casino/conservatory floor, which is to the right of the entrance. Parking is free in the parking garage or you can pay $25 for valet parking.

If you plan to get a manicure or pedicure, you can add that on at the beginning or end of your massage or facial (it's on the third floor and you won't want to head down there in a spa robe, one of the employees pointed out).

If you're going to the spa with a friend or significant other, you can book appointments in a couples' treatment room and also relax in the unisex lounge area. (There are also lounge areas just for women and men.)

Before you head to the changing room and lounge area, you'll fill out a form with information about what you're seeking in your treatments (if you have any problem areas, aches and pains, etc.).

Be sure to give yourself time to enjoy the lounge areas where you can curl up on a chaise lounge and read a newspaper with a cup of tea.

The men's lounge is a "man cave" with a TV; the women's is more relaxing with reading materials and lots of natural light.

You can also make time to take a dip in the hot tub or relax in the steam and dry saunas before or after your treatments.

There are lockers where you can leave your clothing and purse and lock them using a four-digit code that you come up with yourself. You'll get a robe and sandals to wear.

There are showers, make-up wipes, deodorant, lotion and an assortment of other items available including a nifty "quick dryer" that you can use to dry your swimsuit if you bring one to hang out in the hot tub or saunas.

Spa treatment rooms are designed for relaxing, with just the right lighting and beautifully painted ceilings.

If you plan to have lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants at the resort, be sure to make reservations ahead of time.

PHOTOS: All photos by Patch.com