Nirav speaks about his project and invites friends to join it
Tucked away in the quiet hills of the Algarve, just a few kilometres from the Spanish border, lies a piece of land that holds a dream – one man’s vision of a meditative, creative, and self-sustaining community. Nirav, a long-time Osho sannyasin and group leader, calls it Go Dhyan Garden. For nearly a decade, he has been nurturing this dream – largely alone.
The land is about 2 kilometres from the small village of Alcoutim and 30 kilometres from the coast at Vila Real de Santo António. Despite its rural stillness, it’s surprisingly accessible: paved roads lead right to the entrance, and public transport is available from Lisbon, with a bus stop just 4 kilometres away. The nearest airport is in Faro, 95 km south.
“I bought this land in 2015,” Nirav says, “with the idea of creating a centre or resort – something that could be many things: a meditation and healing space, a place for personal and spiritual development, a residence for people who want to live differently.”
He chose the location carefully: far enough from noise and distraction, but close enough to essential infrastructure. “There are no buildings nearby,” he says. “At night, the sky is full of stars. The moonlight is enough to walk around without a flash-light.”
A blank canvas – with a few bold strokes
The land is expansive: 9 hectares (22 acres), with two private lagoons and gently rolling terrain that naturally separates spaces. The soil can support a variety of Mediterranean plants and fruit trees – almonds, figs, citrus, aloe, medicinal herbs. Nirav envisions organic gardens, natural building, and energy self-sufficiency.
So far, there’s a basic shelter built from a converted water reservoir, a geodesic dome, and storage areas – but the real asset is that 98% of the land is classified ‘multiusos’, or multi-purpose, under Portuguese law. “That means that we can build for a wide range of uses: residences, a retreat centre, glamping, agriculture, even a hotel if we wanted,” he says.
There’s already permission to build up to 2,000 square metres (roughly 21,500 square feet) with basement and two floors, totalling 6,000 square metres (65,000 square feet), creating space for around 400 beds. If necessary, this area can always be increased if a serious and consistent project is presented. The local authorities would be very happy to facilitate this, since it could bring added value to the region.
Electricity is connected, and water comes from a borehole tapping three underground streams of “pure, crystal-clear water.”
A dream bigger than one man
Nirav’s vision isn’t a vague ideal – it’s specific and practical. He imagines:
- A meditation and healing resort
- Residences for those wishing to live and age in a conscious community
- Areas for workshops, creativity, and wellness
- Production of ecological products – teas, creams, tinctures
- A lounge-restaurant
- A place where people can even “leave their body in beauty and peace”
He says it simply: “It could be a reference point for meditators from around the world.”
But Nirav is honest about the challenges too.
“I’ve done the work of six people, mostly alone, since 2015,” he admits. “I’ve planted hundreds of trees, created living space, handled administration, but I’m tired now. Some health issues are slowing me down. I know I can’t do this alone for much longer.”
From isolation to invitation
Despite years of effort, the right kind of people – those who want to co-create, not just visit – have been slow to appear.
“Many people are interested once everything is finished and comfortable,” he says wryly. “But very few are ready to help build it with their hands or their hearts.”
And so, he’s now opening the door more widely. He’s looking not just for volunteers, but for partners, visionaries, creatives, and doers.
“I’m not attached to owning it,” he says. “If I die, I’d rather this land went to someone or a group who could carry the vision forward. I’m open to foundations, investors, donors. What matters is the spirit of the place.”
Who is Nirav?
Born in Portugal in 1959, Nirav lived nearly four decades in Switzerland and has dual nationality. A trained psychiatric nurse, he also studied holistic healing, meditation counselling, tantra, creativity, and ecology. He took sannyas in 1989, receiving the name Swami Nirav Firak in Pune, where he spent time in Osho’s physical presence.
Over the years, he’s led groups and workshops in healing and meditation and participated in many others. “But I’ve always dreamed of a place where we can live the work – not just visit it on weekends.”
What’s needed now
Go Dhyan Garden is ready to move to the next phase – but Nirav needs help.
He’s seeking people with:
- Vision and maturity
- Design and 3D animation skills (to present the project visually)
- Writing and storytelling ability (to shape a compelling narrative)
- Website and public relations experience
- Builders, gardeners, artists, therapists, and especially meditators
“I need pillars,” he says. “Not just guests. People who will help carry the temple.”
At the moment, he can offer food, lodging, and lots of open space for creativity and collaboration. Salaries or stipends would require further funding, but he’s open to shared ownership, donations, and co-investment.
“If nothing comes,” he admits, “I may have to let go. Live here quietly on my own. But part of me still believes there’s someone out there who has the key to this door.”
The invitation
If you’re reading this and something stirs – whether it’s a longing for community, for creation, for deeper silence, or just for a new kind of life – you are invited to reach out.
This isn’t a project for everyone. It’s for those who feel ready to build something real – from the inside out.
“I believe that growing old and evolving with people motivated by the same search is not just possible – it’s beautiful.”
Downloads
- Descriptive Report (PDF) – Go Dhyan Garden (GDG) Project
- Letter to investors (PDF) – Go Dhyan Garden (GDG) Project
President: José Ramalho (Nirav)
info.godhyan@gmail.com
+351 933 300 300
godhyangarden.org
facebook.com/godhyangarden
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