Wet, smiley faces surround me. My wife, Danielle, and son, Andy, are splashing around and Peninsula Hot Springs employees are casually walking by in earth-coloured shorts, fisherman’s pants and tights. I’m soothed, relaxed and happy.
But I was feeling euphoric before I slipped into the steaming waters; it began when I sat in the driver’s seat of the four-cylinder ML250.
This is because safety is the first priority of the Mercedes-Benz brand, and knowing that you and your loved ones are completely encased in airbags, should something go wrong, is comforting.
My family and I glided down the freeway, the fuel gauge barely moved and within no time the gentle hum of the diesel motor had Andy sleeping blissfully.
Barloworld sales consultant Andrew Lewis said the ML250’s features had always been the best in its class and the interior is elegant, comfortable and practical.
I agree.
“In terms of engine technology, getting six-cylinder performance from a car that only has four cylinders makes a big difference on fuel economy,” he said.
“The fuel consumption on this vehicle of 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres places this vehicle in a more favourable luxury-car tax bracket, providing further savings for the purchaser.”
The ML250 doesn’t have explosive power that throws you back into your seat but rather it has the power when you need it. It corners and accelerates well and you can certainly get the ML250 up and boogying by using the paddle gearshift options.
Barloworld marketing manager Tim Murphy said Mercedes-Benz and its love affair with diesel-fuelled cars were attracting new fans.
“Our customers vary. We have our traditional clients that come from the sectors you would expect, like medical, finance and real estate. However, we are also seeing a whole new group of clients from industries you wouldn’t expect and a lot of successful young business owners,” he said.
“The recently released C-Class coupe and all-new B-Class are also attracting much younger buyers.
“The range appeals to everyone, and the new designs we are seeing on some of the new models to join the range are appealing to a whole new audience. But they still get approval from our long-standing Mercedes-Benz clients.”
I felt like a rock star behind the famous Mercedes-Benz star on the bonnet. I glanced across to Danielle, who was gazing out the window, head resting on the leather headrest and I wondered if the hint of a smile was a response to my new rock-star appeal or if it was just the effect of this stunningly beautiful car; probably the former.
At the Peninsula Hot Springs, we changed into fluffy white robes ready to bathe in the sulphur-, magnesium- and potassium-rich waters.
The rock star was now gone and I felt now like a Roman emperor with my queen and heir by my side. We strolled among the 20 pools that make up the complex and dipped in and out of them as we pleased.
The geothermal-warmed waters are cooled to temperatures ranging from 36-40 degrees.
We passed people in bathing suits, resting blissfully in beach chairs, sipping chai latte at the kiosk or sitting by the side of pools.
There is something about this place tht is hard to describe. Some say that the waters have miracle properties that can help cure skin illnesses, arthritis and boost fertility.
Peninsula Hot Springs duty manager Chris Rogers said the waters promote positive thinking, which helps people feel happy. At the start of his shift, part of his job is to hand-deliver a chocolate to each staff member.
“The water makes you feel good and it is good to absorb minerals. As far as the water being magical, that’s another thing,” he said.
We spent the afternoon dipping in and out of pools and experienced reflexology, and sweated in a Turkish hamam and Finnish sauna.
“The directors are travelling around the world checking out different spas and resorts and taking all the world and putting it together,” Rogers said.
“But I love the natural beauty of this place, and the view from the top pool allows you to see from Cape Schanck to Sorrento.” gierodiaconou@theweeklyreview.com.au
Test Drive » Barloworld Mercedes-Benz, 988 Nepean Highway, Moorabbin, 8506 9888.
www.mbbarloworld.com.au
Relax » Peninsula Hot Springs, 140 Springs Lane, Rye, 5950 8777. www.peninsulahotsprings.com.au