It all started
35 years ago when Italian Millionaire
Cleto Saporetti invested in property
in South Africa and specifically in
the heart of the Cape Winelands. He
found a prime site and immediately fell
in love with the tranquillity and natural
beauty of Idas Valley, located just
outside Stellenbosch.
The property is actually a working farm
today and comprises an area of 40 hectares
covered with fruit orchards, grape vines,
proteas and olive trees.
Originally it was used as a private
residence where Mr Saporetti entertained
his friends, family and business associates.
Traces of the original house can still
be recognized as one walks through
the recently renovated passages. Saporetti
visited a Health Resort in London
to recover after a serious car accident,
and met Dr. Boris Chaitow, a Chiropractor
who strongly believed in the natural
healing powers of the human body.
Saporetti got hooked on this philosophy
and came up with the idea of creating
the very first South African Natural
Health Resort. He discussed his idea
with Dr. Chaitow who decided to join
him on his journey to fulfil his dream.
At first independent
therapists were imported on a 12 month
rotation period. This led to the creation
of a training programme to empower people
from the local community and promote
the natural health philosophy. The Hydro
developed quickly as the news spread.
Guests referred to their “safe
haven” where they could be themselves,
improve their health and recharge their
souls in a natural, tranquil environment.
The Hydro
needed to expand and opened the West
Wing rooms in 1974. In 1975 a fire
threatened the safety of the guests
and the resort had to be evacuated,
damaging the veranda and administration
department - the cause of the fire
is still a mystery today. The veranda
was transformed into a light diet
breakfast area and casual lounge and
the indoor swimming pool, the fitness
area/ gymnasium, skincare section
and Auditorium were refurbished. Later
in 1977, the East rooms were also
opened to provide much needed accommodation
as The Hydro’s popularity grew.
With the Hydro
approaching its Golden Years, the need
to embark on a major renovation project
was discussed and consensus was reached.
This investment would ensure The Hydro
could cater for the advent of new technologies
and meet the demands of discerning international
guests. Phase 1 of the “face lift”
began on September 10th 2007 with the
creation of a brand new reception. Therapy
and Skincare departments, The Hydro
shop, Fitness Centre, Dining room, Lobby
and some Studio rooms were all refurbished.
The entire roof was architecturally
redesigned and installed over a 4 month
period that unfortunately disrupted
The Hydro’s customary peace and
serenity.
The transformation has however been
astounding and has given The Hydro its
own new lease on life, recharging the
staff and improving their work environment.
In addition, new packages, additional
treatments, improved products, equipment
and facilities have been added to increase
the value of our diverse range of services.
As The Hydro moves into 2008 and beyond,
we will continue to follow the founders’
philosophy and their dream for many
more years to come.
We wish all
our guests a safe and happy festive
season and a wonderful 2008!
