How to Plan a Getaway to Dorset’s Puravida Weekender

In the old days people used to don sackcloth, live on a diet of bread and water, and engage in self-flagellation to undergo spiritual growth. Nowadays, you can do it while having a good time. The Puravida weekender aims to set you down the path to enlightenment while blowing your mind with some world-class dance club action.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Understand what “conscious clubbing” at the Puravida weekender is all about. By day, there are lots of events designed to help you shed your inhibitions, expand your consciousness and connect emotionally with those around you. By night, you put theory into practice and lose yourself in a welter of spacey electronic beats.
2. Decide if this is for you. After all, the combination of dance music and New Age philosophy is a little unusual and not for everyone. If it appeals to you, however, you may find it is a life-changing experience.
3. Think about which of the non-nightclub based activities you might want to participate in. Options might include anything from exploring the world of Yoga, learning about bio-energetics, engaging in meditation sessions or getting to grips with your inner rhythms through a drum jam.
4. Decide on your accommodation needs. The basic ticket will cover you for food over the weekend and access to a campsite on the grounds. If you prefer a bed to a sleeping bag, a limited number of rooms are available for rent in actual buildings on the site.
5. Buy tickets in advance. The Puravida weekender tends to sell out early so you’re advised to do this as quickly as possible. You can book via the website (see Resources) or by calling 01747 821221.
6. Make travel arrangements. The Puravida weekender takes place in Dorset. The DorsetForYou tourism website gives you tips on how to get there (see Resources).

Tips & Warnings

• The Puravida weekender is held on the grounds of the Osho Leela Centre, an organisation dedicated to assisting spiritual growth and personal development. To get a better idea of what you can expect from the spiritual side of the Puravida weekend, you might like to visit the Osho Leela website and read up on the organisation’s background and philosophy (see Resources).
• Puravida is located in Gillingham, Dorset. When travelling from afar, don’t get confused with the better known Gillingham in Kent!