On the outskirts of Madrid lies a serene suburban neighborhood – a perfect little nook for building a small community, undistracted by the chaos of the city, but close enough to it when you need that rush.
Welcome to Rivas-Vaciamadrid, the home of what will possibly become one of the first real community-focused colivings in Madrid.
Simply named (for now) Coliving Madrid, this soon-to-be ex-Airbnb is slowly turning into a different kind of shared space. The operator and owner, Lu, who had a few experiences as a coliver himself, now wants to take what he learned and build a coliving community in no less than the Spanish capital.
His coliving project is still in the early phase so we’re very excited to see where it goes.
Take a look at the interview we did with Lu below to find out his vision and the idea of Coliving Madrid.
Disclaimer: This piece of content may contain some affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase or book through one of our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
How it all started
“Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment, full effort is full victory.”
-Mahatma Gandhi
1. Walk us through the journey that led you to opening your own coliving space in Madrid.
Lu: When I was in quarantine in my flat in Barcelona for 3 months, I realized that I needed a change in my life. I felt stuck in my routine and longed for a sense of adventure and new experiences. That’s when I decided to try out coliving and went to Tenerife.
It was an eye-opening experience for me, as I discovered a new way of living that allowed me to be in a beautiful location, work hard, and meet amazing people at the same time. I found that I thrived in this environment, and I felt more fulfilled and inspired than I had in a long time.
As I continued to explore coliving spaces, I knew I wanted to make this feeling a permanent part of my life.
That’s when I decided to open my own coliving space in Madrid.
2. How would you describe the concept behind your place?
Lu: Coliving Madrid is more than just a place to live and work. It’s a community that fosters personal and professional growth, and where people can connect on a deeper level.
I believe that in today’s fast-paced world, it’s important to have a space where people can slow down, disconnect from technology and distractions, and focus on their passions and projects while surrounded by a supportive and like-minded community.
At Coliving Madrid, we strive to create an environment that encourages collaboration, creativity, and personal development
3. You rented your space as Airbnb accommodation. What are some of the main changes you had to (or will have to, since you’re still developing the concept) to implement in order to convert the concept to coliving?
Lu: My idea is to leave only one room in Airbnb for outsiders to be able to book in the coliving, so we also have newcomers experience the coliving experience.
4. You’ve also had the opportunity to stay in other coliving spaces, how would you say your stays have influenced your approach to creating your own space?
Lu: My stays in various coliving spaces have truly shaped my approach to creating my own space.
Each experience taught me something new and inspired me to bring the best of each space into my own. I am constantly striving to create a space that provides the same sense of community, comfort, and creativity that I have found in my own travels as a digital nomad.
5. You partially started the concept in March this year, with some upgrades still under until it’s fully completed – what are some of the biggest challenges you came across in these first few months of going into market as a coliving?
Lu: Starting Coliving Madrid has been a wild ride so far. I’ve learned that creating a community takes time and effort, but it’s worth it.
One of the biggest challenges has been figuring out how to balance the needs of our colivers with the practicalities of running a business. However, seeing people connect, share experiences, and create lasting friendships has made all the hard work worthwhile.
I’m excited to continue growing and evolving Coliving Madrid and providing a unique and memorable experience for our community.
6. Is there something that you wished you knew before starting this project?
Lu: Before starting this project, I wish I knew how challenging it is to establish the core values and culture that would shape our community.
Other colivings make it look so easy, but creating it from scratch was a whole different ball game. It took me a while to identify what unique value I could offer to our community that would make it thrive and flourish.
7. What is your relationship with other coliving spaces in Spain (and further)? Do you receive support or advice from some of them?
Lu: I maintain close communication with other coliving spaces, and we even visit each other to exchange ideas and collaborate.
We believe in a win-win approach and strive to build a supportive community of coliving owners, as the essence of coliving is all about sharing and collaboration.
8. What is the story behind you choosing Madrid as the location of your coliving space, and especially, Rivas-Vaciamadrid?
Lu: Our family bought the house 30 years ago when Spain was using pesetas instead of Euros. There was nothing around the house but rural paths and some plantations.
At the time, Rivas was known as the garbage disposer of Madrid, but the residents slowly turned the garbage disposer into the most wanted neighborhood in the community of Madrid.
I thought that was a sign: where better to start a coliving community than in a place like that?
9. What are some advantages and disadvantages of your location?
Lu: Coliving Madrid has many advantages that make it an ideal place for digital nomads and those seeking a unique coliving experience. One of the biggest advantages of the location is its proximity to Madrid.
Rivas-Vaciamadrid is just 17 kilometers away from Madrid, making it an easy commute for those who work in the city but prefer to live in a quieter, more peaceful area. The town is also conveniently located near the Madrid-Barajas Airport, making it easy for visitors to travel to and from the coliving space.
Another advantage of Rivas-Vaciamadrid is its natural surroundings. The town is located next to the Southeast Regional Park, a protected area that boasts a large lake and many hiking trails. This provides a great opportunity for residents to connect with nature and explore the outdoors.
Additionally, the town is known for its many green areas, including several parks, making it an ideal place for outdoor activities like picnics, sports, and exercise.
While there are many advantages to the location of Coliving Madrid, there are also some disadvantages to consider. One of the biggest challenges for digital nomads and remote workers is that the town may not have as many entertainment options as larger cities like Madrid, which could be a downside for those looking for a bustling nightlife or a wider variety of restaurants and cafes.
10. Which uniqueness do you think Coliving Madrid offers or will offer compared to other colivings in Spain?
Lu: I believe the uniqueness of Coliving Madrid lies in its personal touch and community-focused approach. Our coliving is not just about providing a place to sleep and work, but also about creating a sense of belonging and fostering relationships between our guests. We have a strong emphasis on community events and activities, such as shared meals and workshops, which allow our guests to connect on a deeper level.
Management
“True hospitality consists of giving the best of yourself to your guests.“
-Eleanor Roosevelt
11. What type of management do you practice or are you planning to practice in the future?
Lu: Currently, we are practicing internal management where our team lives and works on-site providing services to our residents.
We believe that this allows us to provide a more personalized and dedicated service to our residents. However, we are open to exploring external management options in the future if it aligns with our vision and values.
12. How much are you included in the community and daily activities of Coliving Madrid?
Lu: I am not just the owner, but also a member of the community. I actively participate in daily activities and events, and enjoy getting to know my guests and learning about their experiences.
I believe that being involved in the community is an essential part of creating a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone who stays at Coliving Madrid.
13. What kind of activities are included for people who decide to stay at your place or will be included in the future?
Lu: At the coliving, we believe in creating a strong sense of community and offer various activities to encourage residents to interact and connect with one another.
We organize community dinners, game nights, movie nights, hikes, and other social events. Additionally, we offer workshops and classes such as cooking, yoga, and skillshares.
Our aim is to provide a space for residents to not only work and live comfortably but also to foster personal and professional growth through shared experiences and learning opportunities.
Coliving Madrid Community
“We become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams.“
-Jimmy Carter
14. It still might be too early to speak about the profile of people who usually come to Coliving Madrid, but – so far, what are some of the things your colivers have had in common? Who is your target audience?
Lu: At the coliving, we have welcomed a diverse range of individuals from different backgrounds and professions. However, most of our colivers so far have been digital nomads, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who value work-life balance and seek to live and work in a supportive community of like-minded individuals.
Our target audience is individuals who are open-minded, community-oriented, and interested in cultural exchange and personal growth.
We welcome people of all ages, nationalities, and backgrounds who are willing to contribute to our community and embrace our values of respect, collaboration, and sustainability.
15. What do you think will be the main reason people will choose to come to Coliving Madrid?
Lu: It’s likely that the main reason people will choose to come to Coliving Madrid is a combination of factors such as the location, the community, the amenities and services provided, and the opportunity for remote work.
Our location in Rivas-Vaciamadrid offers a peaceful and quiet environment, while still being close to the city center of Madrid. The community aspect is also important, as we offer a supportive and inclusive environment where people can connect with like-minded individuals from all over the world.
16. What do you think is the ideal length of stay for colivers to fully enjoy the experience you are creating?
Lu: I think you need at least 15 days to fully enjoy the experience.
17. Do you have some special offers/discounts?
Lu: Yes, we offer a 15% discount for monthly stays.
About the Coliving Movement
”No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.”
-John Donne
18. Do you think that coliving is only dedicated to a specific group of people such as freelancers, digital nomads, and remote workers, or you think there is a possibility for it to gain popularity beyond that group of people?
– Coliving can be a great fit for a variety of people beyond freelancers, digital nomads, and remote workers. It can also appeal to entrepreneurs, artists, and anyone who values community and shared experiences. Additionally, coliving can be an attractive option for those seeking a more sustainable and affordable lifestyle. As the concept of coliving continues to evolve and expand, it is likely to attract a broader range of individuals from different backgrounds and with different needs.
19. What do you think is the most important aspect of a coliving?
Lu: The sense of community and social interaction that it offers. Colivings provide a space where individuals can connect with like-minded people, form new friendships, and participate in group activities.
20. How important do you think coworking space or areas are for a coliving?
Lu: It is considered an important component of coliving communities. Many people who choose to live with us are freelancers, remote workers, or entrepreneurs, and having a designated workspace where they can be productive and interact with others is essential. Additionally, coworking spaces can foster a sense of community and collaboration, which aligns with our values.
21. One of the main selling points of colivings is the possibility to meet new people, share experiences and maybe even develop new partnerships. Is this something you also had in mind when opening your place?
Lu: Absolutely. Fostering a sense of community and creating opportunities for connection and collaboration among our colivers is a top priority at Coliving Madrid. We believe that sharing experiences and developing new relationships can lead to personal and professional growth, and we strive to provide a supportive and inclusive environment where this can happen.
22. Lastly, how do you see Coliving Madrid developing in the next few years? Do you have a vision of what it will grow into, or some aspirations and goals that you’ve set for it?
Lu: Yes, we have a clear vision for Coliving Madrid in the next few years. We aim to become a hub for digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and remote workers from all over the world who seek a community that supports and inspires them.
We plan to expand our facilities to accommodate more colivers, and to continue providing excellent amenities and services that cater to their needs.
We also plan to offer more community-building activities, such as workshops, seminars, and cultural events, to encourage interaction and collaboration among our members.
Ultimately, we hope that Coliving Madrid will become a model for sustainable, community-driven living that inspires others to pursue similar ventures.
Secure yourself the best coliving experience
- italki – Why not learn some Spanish before your trip and make your coliving even better? italki is the perfect platform for that! You will find more than 3500 native speakers waiting to help you with your Spanish.
Disclaimer: This article contains some affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, we can earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase.
