They say the first year is the most dynamic, and we appreciate that we were there to hear about it while it was still fresh. Raquel was just getting comfortable and settling into her new role as a coliving owner and operator, and the coliving scene was blooming, especially in the Canaries.
For us, Coliving 1907 would introduce Las Palmas and Gran Canaria to us, a place we’d later return to so many times, so we naturally had it on our list to come back to this beautiful historic house in the old town of Las Palmas for so long.
Well, we thought that 2026 was the perfect year to do so, especially because Coliving 1907 will celebrate its 5th birthday🎂🥳
There had been so many learnings from that first year that Raquel told us in 2022 so many learnings from that first year that Raquel told us in 2022, but what are they now, almost 5 years after opening?
Read it in our catch-up interview with Raquel below!
Celebrating 5th Anniversary
“Milestones make the targets achievable.”
-Harjeet Khanduja
1. Coliving 1907 is approaching its 5th anniversary this November. Now when you reflect on what’s behind you, how would you summarize the first five years in three words?
Raquel: People, Learning & Experiences.
2. What would you say are the main differences in operating a coliving space today and back when you opened? Has it become easier for you as an operator, and would you say the reality of operations is different to what you imagined they would be in your first year?
Raquel: When I first opened the co-living space, everything was much newer. There weren’t many precedents or a clearly defined concept, so a large part of the work involved trial and error, fine-tuning, and really understanding what the co-livers needed.
Today, however, co-living is much more established: theres more choice and a clearer guest profile. That forces you to be more strategic, pay much closer attention to detail and stand out not just through the space, but through the experience.
As a manager, Id say that experience gives you perspective and allows you to anticipate many situations. But at the same time, expectations have risen: guests compare more, value more aspects and expect a very carefully curated experience.
The day-to-day reality is different from what I imagined in the first year. I thought more about the visible aspects, such as the community, the connections and the experience, and less about everything behind the scenes: emotional management, logistics, social media. And, above all, the constant energy required to maintain a space like this.
3. What achievements, big or small, brought you the most joy in these 5 years?
Raquel: What has made me happiest over the past five years have been the achievements that can’t always be measured. Seeing how people who arrived without knowing each other end up forming genuine bonds, including working on projects together or forming friendships that last over time. Thats something that makes me very happy.
Also those little everyday moments: an unexpected chat in the kitchen, someone staying a bit longer because they feel at home, or a review that doesnt just talk about the space, but about how they’ve felt here. Thats when you know that what youre creating makes sense.
And, without a doubt, one of the greatest achievements is looking back and seeing that, almost five years on, the project is not only still going strong, but has evolved, grown stronger and continues to make an impact on the people who pass through it.
4. Whats one hack (a thing or an approach) that you’ve seen that worked for other colivings but didnt work for yours? (e.g. a certain activity or collaboration method, or an operational approach like hiring an external operator, etc.)
Raquel: Trying to over-structure community life: rigid schedules of activities, compulsory group dynamics or a constant stream of social events.
On paper, it makes a lot of sense, because it facilitates interaction and ensures movement within the space. But in my experience, what really works here is exactly the opposite: leaving space for connections to emerge more naturally.
Whats more, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has a large community of digital nomads. There are activities every day and something for everyone.
5. In the past 5 years, was there a day that you will never forget (good or bad) – perhaps a hard day that taught you a lesson, or an extraordinary unexpected or delightful situation in the coliving that will be forever engraved into your memories? (think of a mishap, a special event like celebration or a surprise, a misunderstanding, or just an operational chaos).
Raquel: It was one of those days when several things went wrong at once: minor glitches and last-minute changes. In short, a certain sense of chaos. Luckily, far from causing tension, people began to adapt naturally.
That day taught me something important: a co-living space isn’t defined by everything running perfectly, but by how people respond when it doesnt. Through experience, Ive come to understand that its not about having absolute control, but about being quick to find solutions.
6. You’ve opened the doors of Coliving 1907 in the midst of the remote work and digital nomad boom. Now that that period has calmed, do you see a change in the digital nomad trend, specifically, do you see the difference in your target audience? Has the profile of travelers changed at all, or the remote work is still booming, and have you noticed any changes on the traveling trends and how long people tend to stay in one place?
Raquel: When we launched, we were right in the midst of the remote working boom, during a period of rapid expansion when everything seemed possible and there was a widespread sense that I can work from anywhere in the world without limits.
Remote working hasn’t disappeared, but it has become more structured. Many companies have moved to hybrid models or ones with greater oversight, and that has slightly altered the behaviour of digital nomads. It is no longer so much about constantly moving around, but about finding a balance between work, life and stability.
More and more people prefer to stay in one place for between 3 and 6 months so they can work better, establish a routine and truly connect with their surroundings. We have also noticed this in co-living, where stays tend to be longer and less impulsive.
The profile has also changed. Previously, younger profiles predominated, very much geared towards adventure and constant movement. Now we see a more diverse community: established professionals, people working remotely for companies (not just freelancers), including couples or people seeking something more stable and sustainable over time.
In short, I wouldn’t say the phenomenon has declined, but rather that it has evolved into something more conscious, more stable and, in a way, more in line with what co-living can truly offer.
7. With the experience you have today, what piece of advice would you give to someone who is opening a coliving for the first time today?
Raquel: Define your target audience clearly. Dont try to appeal to everyone. The clearer your profile is, the easier it will be to create a consistent experience.
Take care when selecting residents. Its not about filling places, but about ensuring people get on with one another. A poor living environment can affect the whole group. Establish a culture from the outset. You set the tone: rules, communication, values. This comes across in every detail.
Spend time in the space at the beginning. Youll understand your residents better, spot areas for improvement and be able to tweak the model as you go along.
Dont just think like a property manager; think like a host. Youre creating a place where people live, work and connect.
8. In the coliving space, the most important question seems to be what makes a coliving successful. In your 5 years of operations, what would you say to that – is it the community, the space design, how you approach remote work, your location, or something else? Is there a blueprint at all?
Raquel: The design of the space. Its not just about it looking nice, but about it being designed to encourage interaction in lively communal areas whilst also allowing for privacy when needed.
Location is very important. Coliving 1907 is situated in the city centre, in a neighbourhood right at the heart of the citys historic, cultural, commercial and gastronomic centre, with a wonderful atmosphere. As it is not a tourist area, it is the best option for living and experiencing the true Canarian spirit.
In my opinion, it is essential to pay attention to detail and offer a personalised service that caters to each persons individual needs.
What Future Brings for Coliving 1907
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
-Helen Keller
9. And lastly, looking ahead, how do you see Coliving 1907 in the next 5 years? Do you have any specific goals in mind that you would like to achieve?
Raquel: Id like Coliving 1907 to remain, five years from now, a place where people connect, grow and keep coming back. A hub for the community.
A space with a strong personality, offering something unique where the experience is just as carefully curated as the accommodation.
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.
