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.

Coliving movement

• • Interviews with Coliving Operators

Coliving 1907 – A historical house telling a unique story of Las Palmas

• ByMarko
• November 5, 2022

• • The Coliving Spain Project

Coliving Spain 2022: #6 Coliving 1907 – Your peaceful refuge in the Digital Nomad Center of Gran Canaria

• ByGala
• November 16, 2022

The post Catching up with Raquel – A Brief Reflection on 5 Years of Coliving 1907 appeared first on My Coliving Space: Spain.

Today, we are bringing you a new chapter of Maria’s journey as she opens a new Cactus Coliving experience on another Canary Island – La Gomera.

Join us as we jump into Maria’s decision-making process and discover why she believes San Sebastian is the perfect location for the second house of the Cactus Coliving brand.

Enjoy!

Embracing a New Chapter

“Milestones make the targets achievable.”

-Harjeet Khanduja

1. Congratulations on the opening of your new coliving space in La Gomera! Could you share the inspiration behind this new venture?

Maria: The idea for our coliving space in La Gomera came about when my parents visited the island for a day trip on August 5th, 2023. They stumbled upon a charming old house that was managed as a hostel at that moment.

It was about to be closed down by its current management, who were moving operations to another island. Knowing that many of our clients at Cactus Coliving Tenerife had shown interest in visiting La Gomera, and realizing the potential of the location, I went to check out the hostel and the surrounding area the following week.

Falling in love with the house’s Canarian style (for those of you who know me, you know that I have a great weakness for Canarian architecture 😍) and its close proximity to the beach, just 5 min walk to a nice volcanic black sand beach, we decided to take the opportunity and make it happen.

2. Two years ago, we had an amazing time at your original coliving space in Arona (Tenerife). How has your experience with the original space influenced the design and concept of the new space in La Gomera?

Maria: Well, drawing from the knowledge I gained during my studies at Les Roches and my three years of operating Cactus Coliving Tenerife, I’ve learned a lot that has directly informed the design of Cactus Coliving La Gomera.

As you know, the heart of any coliving space is the kitchen. With this in mind, I dedicated significant effort to creating a spacious and well-equipped kitchen in our La Gomera location.

It features two cooking stations, two sinks, and ample storage to ensure that our guests have a comfortable and convenient culinary experience.

Another crucial aspect is fostering a sense of community. To facilitate this, we’ve brought on board Rebeca as our community manager for La Gomera.

She’ll be the main point of contact for guests, ensuring that everyone has the best possible workation experience on our beautiful island.

Given that many of our clients prioritize remote work from Monday to Friday, we’ve also designated a specific area for work.

Here, guests will find large tables, ergonomic chairs, and the option to rent monitors, among other amenities, to support their productivity during their stay.

3. What unique features or amenities can guests expect at your new location in La Gomera?

Maria: Our new location in La Gomera offers several unique features and amenities that promise an exceptional experience for our guests.

Firstly, we’re just a 5-minute walk away from a stunning black sand beach, providing easy access to leisure and relaxation by the sea.

Additionally, our coliving space is strategically situated in the heart of San Sebastian de La Gomera, offering guests convenient proximity to a variety of amenities such as restaurants, supermarkets, a farmers market, and beautiful parks, all within walking distance.

Moreover, our location is only a 10-minute walk from the port, making travel to and from Tenerife incredibly convenient. With a quick 45-minute boat trip, guests can easily access our coliving space from Tenerife, enhancing

4. You’re known for your commitment to the local community in Arona (Tenerife), from monthly cleanups to other initiatives. How do you plan to incorporate that into the guest experience at your new coliving space in San Sebastian (La Gomera)?

Maria: We keep our commitment to the local community into the colivers experience at our new coliving space in San Sebastian de La Gomera.

We offer workshops where colivers can learn about unique aspects of local culture, such as the traditional use of whistling as a language among locals.

Additionally, we’re partnering with local organizations for clean-up initiatives, providing colivers with opportunities to contribute to the island’s preservation.

We’re also hosting workshops on making mojo, a popular Canarian sauce, to give colivers a taste of local cuisine.

These activities aim to offer a meaningful connection to the community and culture of La Gomera during their stay.

5. Now that you have two spaces (the original one in Tenerife and the new one in La Gomera), do you see guests interacting between these locations? Is it common for guests to visit both, and is there any promotion for those interested in trying both spaces?

Maria: A good number of our colivers like the chance to visit both Tenerife and La Gomera. They know they can rely on Cactus Coliving for solid internet and a good place to work at either site. So, it’s pretty common for guests to move between the two during their stay.

Plus, to encourage colivers to try out both places, we throw in an extra 5% discount for those who do.

What Future Brings for Cactus Coliving

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

-Helen Keller

6. Now, with this significant milestone achieved, what are your hopes and ambitions for the future of Cactus Coliving, both in 2024 and beyond?

Maria: We’re committed to encouraging our colivers to make a positive social impact wherever they go.

Currently, we’re working on several projects, such as our charity Animal Month initiative, where we support a horse rescue to raise funds for more animals in need.

Additionally, we’ve recently partnered with the Canary Green organization to kickstart beach clean-ups in Tenerife for 2024.

Our goal is for each of our colivers to find ways to support our islands and local communities, contributing to a brighter future for the Canary Islands.

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.

Coliving movement

• • The Coliving Spain Project

Coliving Spain 2022: #5 Cactus – The perfect long-term coliving experience with a local impact

• ByGala
• May 23, 2022

• • Coliving Movement

Why are the Canary Islands one of the most popular places for coliving?

• ByMarko
• February 8, 2023

The post Discovering San Sebastian de La Gomera with Cactus Coliving’s New House appeared first on My Coliving Space: Spain.

In our conversation, we delved into her journey, exploring the origins of Co Co Coliving and why Denia was chosen as its home base.

Discover what inspired this unique venture and the diverse community it’s attracting.

Enjoy the read!

Beginnings

“Work, love, and play are the great balance wheels of man’s being.”

-Orison Swett Marden

1. Could you share more about yourself and the journey that led to the opening of Co-Co Coliving?

Corinna: I no longer wanted to live in Germany, I used to travel a lot (before my dog Bosse came to live with us) and loved seeing new people and countries. I also don’t want to grow old in a cold country with lots of gray weather.

Of course, I also like to meet new people and interact with like-minded people. In addition, I worked in gastronomy for a long time, so I’m no stranger to hospitality. I like the idea of opening up and sharing a place that offers so much space and is in such a beautiful location for others to enjoy themselves.

My cousin – with whom I bought the house and founded the company – and I are both self-employed and digitally active. He is a programmer and I am a designer and conceptioner. This is why the idea of a co-working & co-living space wasn’t far off.

Now, after a year of renovations and a soft-opening phase, we are finally ready to open our doors to everyone in December 2023.

2. While developing Co-Co Coliving, were there specific influences or inspirations that shaped your approach and led to the creation of the space and experience you offer today?

Corinna: I always had a vision of our co-living space: it should be cozy, clean, and inviting.

You should feel right at home here and be able to let yourself go. There should always be enough corners that offer space for relaxation and creativity so that you can also be productive without being disturbed.

We have combined the influences of our house, which was built in the 80s, with modern elements. The Spanish style is complemented by a touch of Scandic.

We have created a space that invites you to relax but also to socialize.

3. What is the story behind you choosing Denia as the location of Co-Co Coliving?

Corinna: Not much of a story. Dénia has found us.

We flew to Barcelona with a list of places, rented a car, and drove down the coast to Valencia to see all the places that interested us. By chance, we ended up south in Dénia to meet friends of Marco (my cousin). We liked Dénia straight away.

Plus, it met all our criteria: Lively in winter, open supermarkets & restaurants (over 300 restaurants), etc., sea & mountains, no high-rise buildings, beautiful nature, hiking opportunities and excursion destinations nearby, 2 airports (Alicante & Valencia), lots of sun, the opportunity to do sports, nightlife,…

I could go on and on. The people here are also very friendly.

4. What sets Co-Co Coliving apart from other coliving places in Spain? What would you consider your signature or unique offering?

Corinna: Difficult to answer. But I think we offer a lot of privacy. Even if 10-12 people live here, there is enough space on the property to retreat if you want to.

We are not directly in the center (10 minutes), so we have a lot of nature and peace. The house is like a retreat with the option of action. We also only have private rooms and no dorms, and the rooms and bathrooms are very modern and new. The quality and feel-good factor is very important to us.

Management

“Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance and order and rhythm and harmony.”

-Thomas Merton

5. What is the management style or approach you follow at Co-Co Coliving?

Corinna: We go through an onboarding process with every new resident so that everyone lives by the same values and has all the information they need. It is important to us that you show consideration and care for your fellow residents and life together.

6. To what extent are you involved in the community and day-to-day activities at Co-Co Coliving?

Corinna: I live in the co-living space, so of course I’m also involved in the community and the activities.

However, there are no compulsory activities, we like to organize them individually with the current flatmates. We all have different daily routines, which is why a fixed schedule doesn’t fit from our point of view.

However, we offer many things and share events, markets, hikes, sports, and other activities with everyone.

7. What types of activities are offered to colivers during their stay at your coliving space, and what’s your approach to organizing them?

Corinna: We go to markets, parties, meals, bars, hiking, and sports together.

We also offer Spanish courses with a neighboring language school. In summer, we also organize diving courses and boat trips together.

We offer everything and do it together or help with the organization.

Visitors

“A diverse mix of voices leads to better discussions, decisions, and outcomes for everyone.”

-Sundar Pichai

8. What is the typical coliver profile in Co-Co Coliving (age, occupation, etc.)?

Corinna: As we are still very new to the market, this is difficult to answer.

At the moment, most of them are in their late 20s to mid-40s. The sectors are very mixed, but everyone can work remotely. Many have previously worked in marketing or an agency.

Most are active in sports (hiking, cycling, gym) and enjoy eating out.

But all of them also love to have their peace and privacy in between without any obligations.

9. What is the most common motivation for people choosing to stay at your coliving space?

Corinna: The peace and nature. And still having the option of many different activities without being in the middle of it all.

And a big point: the grey, cold, rainy weather in other places.

10. What do you think is the ideal length of stay to fully emerge in the community and experience at your place?

Corinna: From our point of view it makes sense to stay at least 2-3 weeks. More is always better. But you need a certain amount of time to arrive and Dénia and its surroundings have so much to offer that you should give yourself enough time without rushing.

11. Do you offer some special offers/discounts?

Corinna: We have a general discount for a stay of 2 weeks and extra savings for 4 weeks and longer. In addition, the 2nd person in the room only costs a small surcharge per night.

We also have theme weeks from time to time, such as nutrition coaching or stress management, which is then included in this target room. There are also yoga and fitness courses that residents can take part in from time to time.

Oh yes, and not forgetting our great outdoor kitchen with a big BBQ and bar. As we come from a catering background, we also have an extensive bar menu and bar service.

About Coliving Movement & Future

“We are all one family in the world. Building a community that empowers everyone to attain their full potential through each of us respecting each other’s dignity, rights and responsibilities makes the world a better place to live.“
”

-Pope John Paul II

12. Do you believe coliving is exclusively tailored for certain groups like freelancers, digital nomads, and remote workers, or do you see it expanding to a broader audience?

Corinna: I think coliving is something for many groups apart from digital nomads/remote workers. As long as you find your perfect place with like-minded people, coliving is always a good fit.

For us, we focus on people who are also coworkers and want to enjoy the sweet life at the same time

13. What is your opinion about coworking being a crucial component of coliving?

Corinna: It doesn’t have to be, but it is an issue for us. In addition to coliving, we also offer pure coworking space. And this daily, weekly, or monthly (of course, also annually).

We also like to involve locals in our community, which makes it possible.

14. 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?

Corinna: Yes, the exchange and getting to know each other is a big factor. If you’re not interested in other people, you can also go to a hotel or Airbnb. For us, this includes being open and respectful towards each other. Care for each other.

15. Lastly, how do you see Co-Co Coliving 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?

Corinna: We wish for many wonderful moments, guests who come back because they feel comfortable, a community that stays in contact even outside of Co-Co. Valuable contacts in a private and professional context. So that when you think about your time here, you realize how valuable it was.

Kudos for the amazing photos used in this interview go to Mirjam Kilter for capturing these incredible moments! 📸

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.

Coliving movement

• • Coliving Movement

Why are the Canary Islands one of the most popular places for coliving?

• ByMarko
• February 8, 2023

• • Interviews with Coliving Operators

The Offsite Tribe’s Traveling Community – Experience Fuerteventura and Many Other Exotic Destinations

• ByMarko
• February 23, 2024

The post The Perfect Harmony of Personal Space and Social Connections at Coliving Costa Blanca appeared first on My Coliving Space: Spain.

We had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Lavinia, the founder of The Offsite, who has hosted 13 coliving pop-ups since 2020.

We discussed how it all began, the key elements, the participants, and why Fuerteventura is one of her favorite pop-up destinations.

Enjoy reading!

Beginnings

“Not all those who wander are lost.”

-J.R.R. Tolkien

1. Could you share more about yourself and what led to the start of The Offsite?

Lavinia: I’ve always loved traveling and organizing events for my friends – so it’s no surprise to anyone that I’m hosting trips now and building a community!

The idea started with two friends when we decided to go and work from Lisbon during the pandemic. We invited all our friends to join us! What started as a two-week trip ended up being a five-week one, with twelve of us enjoying the late autumn sun in Portugal!

It was a blast and I decided that I loved coliving and wanted to do more of it ☺

2. While developing The Offsite experience, were there specific influences or inspirations that shaped your approach and led to the creation of the experience you offer today?

Lavinia: I see the Offsite experiences being very well-rounded; there’s surfing but it’s not exclusively about surfing, same with yoga, same with spirituality stuff (such as cacao circles or breathworks).

In the same way, hostels are very good for people who travel alone, I wanted that experience but for people who are working, maybe a bit older, and not mostly there to party.

I’d say I was inspired by many concepts out there and picked and chose what I liked in each to create my very own unique offering.

3. The Offsite pop-ups always have interesting locations. What’s the process of choosing these places?

Lavinia: They are mostly based around surfing, with a good community for digital nomads!

4. This year you are returning to Fuerteventura for the third time since you started hosting The Offsite pop-ups. What’s the story that led to this tradition?

Lavinia: We just love that island! The combined two months spent there have been so good that I have never even explored the other Canary Islands.

For me, Fuerte is still so beautiful and untouched while still offering a good community of digital nomads, surfers, and freedom seekers.

The nature is breathtaking, the surf is great and it’s always sunny and warm – What not to like?

5. What sets The Offsite apart from other pop-up experiences? What would you consider your signature or unique offering?

Lavinia: I haven’t attended many other experiences, but I think The Offsite is really special as it allows everyone to be exactly who they want to be, we’re all so unique, no one’s the same age, nationality, or background.

As mentioned above, we offer different activities from surfing to breathwork to ice baths and nights out – it makes the experience very well-rounded! We do everything together from morning to evening, and that makes us all become super super close – I think that’s definitely one of Offsite’s strong attributes!

Management

“Unity is strength division is weakness.”

-Swahili proverb

6. To what extent are you involved in the community and day-to-day activities?

Lavinia: I’m fully immersed in it!! We do everything together; from the moment I pick them up at the airport when they arrive till I drop them off when they leave, I do everything in between with everyone ☺

7. What types of activities are offered to guest during their stay at your pop-ups, and what’s your approach to organizing them?

Lavinia: There’s usually always one weekly surf and yoga class included as well as a welcome BBQ night.

The rest of the week is co-created as a group, but I always make sure I research all activities the location has to offer and come up with daily suggestions – in Fuerteventura, we have gone on volcano sunrise and sunset hikes, on party boat trips, kite surfing, we’ve attended a full moon meditation in the dunes, a breathwork session followed by an ice bath & a karaoke night in town, just to mention a few!

Visitors

“Strength lies in differences, not in similarities”

-Stephen R. Covey

8. What is the typical profile of The Offsite guests?

Lavinia: No typical profile type! The most common age range is 25-35, but we’ve had as young as 19 and as old as 44.

Occupation and nationality vary so much. Everyone is open-minded and ready to make new friends!

9. What do you believe attracts individuals to The Offsite pop-ups? What is the most common motivation for people choosing to stay with you?

Lavinia: I think people choose to join an Offsite because they know they will be genuinely taken care of and that they will be able to be part of such a great loving community!

Many Offsiters join again to be with the same friends they’ve made on past Offsites! It’s like a little tribe meeting up on different corners of the world a few times per year!

I’ve also heard from Offsiters that they are pushing themselves out of their comfort zones by joining; it might be the first time they travel alone, or they’ve never joined a coliving before, or never tried surfing, and want to try something new – so being out of their comfort zone but in a very safe place would be another element to people joining ☺

10. What do you think is the ideal length of stay to fully emerge in the community and experience at your place?

Lavinia: I think one week is great you really do connect deeply with everyone but then of course, if you’re able to stay longer you’ll see even more of the location and meet new faces on different weeks and connect even deeper with the ones that are staying the full length of the trip!

About Coliving Movement & Future

“Every new friend is a new adventure… …the start of more memories”

-Patrick Lindsay

11. Do you believe this kind of experience is exclusively tailored for certain groups like freelancers, digital nomads, and remote workers, or do you see it expanding to a broader audience?

Lavinia: Not at all, I’ve had people from all kinds of work backgrounds join.

Many people are not necessarily digital nomads, many joiners are actually not nomads and sometimes don’t even work fully from home but ask their bosses to be able to do so for a week in order to join us. We’ve had students that decide to come and revise or write their thesis with us.

On top of that, I am now also running some “offsite offs”; travel offsites where we don’t work – for people who are not allowed to work remotely at all but have always wanted to experience the Offsite magic.

12. 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 with The Offsite?

Lavinia: We’ve had all of that – some people have found new job opportunities and a lot of friendships have been made of course! Many Offsiters have met up around the world in each other’s cities/homes.

13. Lastly, how do you see The Offsite experience 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?

Lavinia: I want to have fixed houses while continuing the pop-up ones in more remote places.

I want to cover more countries and have different non-working experiences like Offsite in a van, Offsite with no phones, and Offsite on a desertic island – many plans to be excited about!

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.

Coliving movement

• • Coliving Movement

Why are the Canary Islands one of the most popular places for coliving?

• ByMarko
• February 8, 2023

• • Interviews with Coliving Operators

Coliving & Surfing: Explore the Benefits of the Community and Remote work in Fuerteventura

• ByMarko
• March 7, 2023

The post The Offsite Tribe’s Traveling Community – Experience Fuerteventura and Many Other Exotic Destinations appeared first on My Coliving Space: Spain.

In the short history of coliving, few places have played as pivotal a role as Sun and Co., standing as a cornerstone in the industry’s narrative.

Last year, we explored the origins and the journey that led Sun and Co. to its current standing with Jon, the co-founder and former general manager.

Now, we’re excited to introduce you to the fresh faces (and some familiar ones) stepping into these renowned shoes, marking a new chapter for Sun and Co.

Join us in this exclusive interview as we unveil the dynamic personalities shaping the future of Sun and Co.

New Faces of Your Favourite Coliving

“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”

-John F. Kennedy

1. The new coliving season began with significant changes in the Sun and Co. management team. Could you share more about that transition?

Nana: You can surely say that the past season for us started with a bang!

During the first half of 2023, both Jon (general manager and co-founder) and Iva (local host and marketing and sales specialist) decided to pursue their careers elsewhere.

When it comes to Jon, you have to understand that he had been with Sun and Co. since the doors opened 8 years ago: his image and name have always been very much intertwined with the identity of Sun and Co., therefore it was clear that big challenges were on the way.

We decided to face this the best way we knew: took a deep breath, and after the initial shock (we won’t deny it!), we looked at the situation as an opportunity for change.

Sun and Co. has always been an inspiration for a lot of the colivers that crossed our doors, and we decided to practice what we preach – learn and grow together, as a community.

Edu opened new positions to the world, and he leveraged the name of Sun and Co. to get in touch directly with some professionals in the field, including myself and Ana.

What was key at this stage was knowing that the structure of the team needed to be flexible in order to better fit the new personalities that would come in. Having the right team members is the key, tasks and responsibilities can always be adjusted and moved around.

It took a few months of interviews, talks, and brainstorms…but eventually a new team that could support Sun and Co. in this transition was put together and ready to start!

2. Can you introduce the new team members who joined Sun and Co. last fall?

Nana: The team right now is composed of three core members, supported by a young mind through the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs program.

Ana and Nana are the new additions that started in September 2023. Both have worked for several years in the coliving industry, supporting and developing the growth and well-being of different communities of nomads.

Ana had experience as a social media manager and joined the team as Head of Marketing and Community Pass. She is a mindfulness and emotional intelligence trainer and adores holding space for people to express themselves.

I (also Anna, but I go by Nana here!) have been extremely involved in community hosting and customer experience, testing the industry through direct experiences in different colivings throughout Europe. I am also a yoga teacher and I am an advocate of all the beauty that comes from being surrounded by a community.

What surely made the transition easier, was Fer! After being with Sun and Co. for two years as a local host, he stepped into the role of general manager, allowing a smoother transition and onboarding of the new team, as well as making sure that the core identity of Sun and Co. was maintained intact.

So if you have been with us before, not all faces are new!

3. Sun and Co. has a history of wonderful interactions with guests. How do you plan to maintain connections with guests who have fond memories of the original team and atmosphere?

Nana: As a new relationship builds with time – we trust that time will create new fond memories for our guests the same way it happened before.

Ana and I are directly involved in the community, from running our community meetings to participating in community dinners and activities when possible.

Our expertise and skillset have allowed us to review some of the processes that were in place since years and brought significant changes that we believe will help us in the long term to stay connected with the broader community and function better on the operational side.

Not to forget, our social media channels and newsletters are up and running, allowing us to showcase that the essence of Sun and Co. is still here.

We can sense the excitement of new beginnings, and we invite our community to come and meet the new team for themselves!

For the big nostalgics, we are proud to say that former team members will always be part of our family. The Slack community will allow us to keep these contacts alive, as people like Jon and Iva will also be invited to join us there; and for the people that want to stay longer, we invite them to check out the Community Pass.

Jon and Siena are active members in the Javea community, and it’s easy to stay in touch with them once you’re here for some time!

4. What positive changes or improvements can guests expect with the new management?

Nana: Let me start with Slack, a new addition launched in January 2024. It’s a very big change for Sun and Co., but as our community grows constantly, we felt the need to have a better way to stay connected with each other.

Experiences in other coliving places have confirmed that this communication tool is extremely effective: not only does it allow easy communication among all community members (current and past), but it also helps us in operations such as welcoming guests and sharing announcements.

Sun and Co. is known for a structured community-building approach, where the community takes the lead in organizing the weekly activities and where a special emphasis is put on professional and personal growth.

The new team brings in elements that allow to create a space where vulnerability, self-discovery and connections are welcomed and encouraged to a new level.

Ana has started hosting a bi-weekly sharing circle, inviting people to open up on different topics each time; while I have started offering a weekly yoga class whenever the group is interested, to bring in more awareness on the connections between body, mind, and breath. It feels to us that these events bring a more holistic approach to the transformative experience we always wished to provide to our guests.

At the same time, Fer is more and more sharing his passion for gardening, local products, and cooking. Every Wednesday the community is invited to join him for a Garden Session!

A lot more changes are on the way, big or small, and once again we invite everyone to follow us on social media, check our newsletter, and come to visit us – as, in general, the new energy of the team is something truly special and marks a new chapter.

What Future Brings for Sun and Co.

“Change brings opportunity.”

-Nido Qubein

5. What are the key goals and aspirations for Sun and Co. in the upcoming period?

Nana: Our main focus right now is to fully settle down with the new team. Re-establish good dynamics, ways of working, and explore each one’s interests and skills. As mentioned before, in this first year the team’s structure is a test so that we can learn and then leverage each one’s strengths.

Besides that, we want to make sure that everyone that comes across our door feels welcomed and inspired to be their true self. A big focus is on facilitation and holding space, which we believe is the ABC of a healthy community and that should have our attention especially in such a moment of transition.

As a leader in the industry for years, Sun and Co. is facing one of the biggest challenges that any small business could go through: a complete change of the team. We are sure that we will succeed in this, and that Sun and Co.’s identity will be once again re-defined as a result of contributions from all sides of our community and team.

6. Can you share any upcoming events or initiatives that guests can look forward to in 2024?

Nana: We have just launched our third edition of the Basque Country Pop-Up, which we very much look forward to! There might be news coming up for our community later this year…but too early to say. So stay tuned!

We are also investing a lot of time in the growing community based in Jávea and all the people who decide to come to visit us for longer periods through the Community Pass.

For us, it’s a new and exciting experiment that brings a new perspective on the coliving industry. We are trying to understand how to accommodate the needs of a growing community, and a community that changes in needs and age.

We are also working on submitting some Erasmus+ Projects that would allow us to open our doors to meaningful and impactful projects.

At last, we always seek for new collaborations that can bring to our community new insights, expertise, and growth from different sources. The collaboration with Travel & Tapas is one of those.

Overall, with a new team the energy and motivation to explore what this industry has to offer is high, and surely 2024 will be a year of exploration for all of us.

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.

Coliving movement

• • Coliving Movement

Why are the Canary Islands one of the most popular places for coliving?

• ByMarko
• February 8, 2023

• • Interviews with Coliving Operators

Sun and Co. (Part 1) – 8 years of Hosting, Learning, and Community-building in Javea

• ByMarko
• April 4, 2023

The post Sun and Co. – Embracing The New Chapter appeared first on My Coliving Space: Spain.

In that light, today we’re bringing you the interview with Jonatan, the owner, and operator of EcoIsleta Coliving, the first coliving with the goal of becoming Zero Waste and helping its residents and its local neighborhood embrace an environmentally friendly lifestyle.

EcoIsleta is a relatively new space, one of the few ones in Las Palmas, and located in one of the most convenient locations of the city – the La Isleta neighborhood.

Read what Jonatan has to say about their idea and values and follow our journey while we’re staying at their space.

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

“If we wish to rebuild our cities, we must first rebuild our neighborhoods.”

-Harvey Milk

1. Can you tell us a bit more about yourself and the journey that led you to open EcoIsleta Coliving?

Jonatan: We are a family from the Canary Islands. Our relatives have been living in our neighborhood for more than 100 years.

Basically, we started working for our local community in 2008, and since that year, we have done many different activities in the neighborhood.

Eco Isleta Coliving is just one of our projects through which we try to support the neighborhood.

2. Tell us a bit about the Eco Isleta brand/ecosystem – the vision of the concept and the offering that come together under this name.

Jonatan: EcoIsleta is a tool to regenerate our neighborhood.

We have an organic shop and a coliving, and everything we do is focused on the sustainability of this part of the city.

3. Before opening your place, have you had the opportunity to stay in some other coliving spaces or any similar accommodation? Tell us a bit more about that experience.

Jonatan: No, we have never been in a coliving or visited any coliving before opening EcoIsleta Coliving. Perhaps it could be helpful, but I’m not sure that what works in other colivings can work in our neighborhood.

We are not offering a room and a desk, we don’t want to be the best coliving in the city, we want you to understand our identity, we want you to discover the uniqueness of the La Isleta neighborhood.

4. When building your coliving space, was there something that influenced your approach or inspired you to create the space and experience you have now?

Jonatan: We got a lot of inspiration from reading the book Art of Coliving by Gui Perdrix.

We also took inspiration from some colivings we admired and whose philosophy we liked, such as Sun and Co.

5. What is the story behind you choosing Las Palmas as the location of Eco Coliving?

Jonatan: There is no other option for us. We live 300 mt from our shop and 350 mt from our coliving. We love our neighborhood, so it doesn’t make sense for us to do it in other places. EcoIsleta means working for the future of La Isleta neighborhood and that’s why we’re here.

6. Not one coliving is the same as the other! Being on an island with many other coliving places, what would you say is Eco Coliving’s signature – some uniqueness that you offer compared to other coliving places?

Jonatan: As far as I know, nobody has this “crazy” goal of becoming a Zero Waste Coliving…

Not too many colivings in the world can tell you the amount of compostable trash turned into a resource they have produced every month. I would say that is our biggest differentiator.

Management

“There’s nothing wrong with staying small. You can do big things with a small team.”

-Jason Fried

7. What type of management do you practice in the coliving?

Jonatan: We are a family. My wife Rita runs the shop and I (Jonatan) run the Coliving.

We don’t have employees because we can´t afford it. Sustainability sounds very cool, but it is very difficult to be profitable with a sustainable business.

That’s why we do it all; we do cleaning, maintenance, check-in, community dinners, etc.

Our calendar to manage the bookings is in Excel. We don’t have any booking application, we answer emails manually, we read carefully each application, talk to people, we do a bit of ” amateur marketing” when we have time, like social media, but we prefer old fashion “marketing”: mouth to mouth.

We make many mistakes and don’t like to hide them away. Instead, we are transparent about our business with future colivers before coming.

This is a workers’ house from 1912 – are you ready to experience how they lived?

But to be honest, I love what I do… believe it or not…

8. How much are you involved in the community and daily activities of Eco Coliving?

Jonatan: As much as possible. I love to meet and talk with people from all around the world.

We consider ourselves part of the community; we cook every week for our community and it is something very powerful…

9. What kind of activities are included for people who stay at your place?

Jonatan: We do all sorts of different activities like International Dinners, Mojo Remote (trying the typical Canarian cuisine and homemade mojo), hikes in a natural area near the house, Tandem (language learning game), Paella Remote (Paella workshop and dinner), La Isleta Learning Remote when we go to the High Schools and share about the digital nomad life with the children, Vegan Dinner, etc.

10. How do you approach organizing activities and events?

Jonatan: We don’t have a closed schedule or any kind of program, we improvise. We are in a city full of activities, and our community is very small and familiar, we see what works for the week ahead and plan in that direction, and mostly we are open to the suggestion of the community. We are small and we can move fast or organize a dinner or any other activity very fast, which is very helpful.

EcoIsleta Community

“All we have to do is find something we love doing each day, surround ourselves with like-minded people, and put all of our effort into that one thing at all times.”

-Jason Calacanis

11. What is the typical coliver profile in EcoIsleta Coliving (age, occupation, etc.)?

Jonatan: The typical coliver in EcoIsleta is someone who wants to live more sustainably, a conscious traveler, or simply a remote worker.

We had people of all ages, from 25 years to 60 years.

12. What would you say people who come to EcoIsleta Coliving are searching for; what is the most frequent reason people come?

Jonatan: Meeting like-minded people, finding purpose in their life…

13. What do you think is the ideal length of stay to fully emerge in the community and experience at your place?

Jonatan: At least 1 month.

14. Do you offer some special offers/discounts?

Jonatan: Not at the moment. First, we need to be profitable, and then we can think about discounts.

Expenses in a Coliving are very high, amenities, community, maintenance, cleaning, taxes, we only have 7 rooms.

In today’s economy profitability really starts when you scale, but that is not in our plans. It doesn’t make any sense to us. We don’t want to be big; we want to be useful, so we have to figure out how to be profitable with a single unit. And we are still learning how to do it…

We do have different prices for high and low seasons, though.

About the Coliving Movement

”We have all known the long loneliness, and we have found that the answer is community.”

-Dorothy Day

15. Do you think coliving is only dedicated to a specific group of people such as freelancers, digital nomads, and remote workers, or do you think it can gain popularity beyond that group of people?

Jonatan: Hopefully, we will see colivings in the future for different kinds of people, not only for remote workers, why? Because living together is more sustainable and also, we are facing a loneliness challenge in the cities.

16. Do you think coworking is a crucial component of coliving and why?

Jonatan: Yes, because people need to work, but we are not here to be the best place to work, we are here to offer you a sustainable community experience that helps our neighborhood find answers to change the way we live.

17. What would you say is the most crucial element of a coliving?

Jonatan: Community. We live in a world where we are all extremely connected, but more alone than ever.

I would suggest throwing away your mobile phone for a few hours a day and getting real connections, going to the beach, smelling the ocean… love is all around.

18. 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?

Jonatan: Of course, Sustainability is about collaboration, sharing, and helping each other. The challenges we are facing in the new paradigm are based on solid communities that embrace a new philosophy based on collaboration. Competing is driving us to a very dangerous situation.

19. Lastly, how do you see both Eco Coliving and Eco Isleta ecosystem 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…

Jonatan: We see ourselves working to help La Isleta to become the first sustainable neighborhood of the Canary Islands.

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.

Coliving movement

• • Coliving Movement

Why are the Canary Islands one of the most popular places for coliving?

• ByMarko
• February 8, 2023

• • Interviews with Coliving Operators

Coliving Madrid: Creating a Tranquil Community on the Outskirts of the Spanish Capital

• ByMarko
• April 22, 2023

The post EcoIsleta Coliving – Sustainable Community in the Digital Nomad Center of Gran Canaria appeared first on My Coliving Space: Spain.

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.

Coliving movement

• • Interviews with Coliving Operators

FEM Coliving – The house of the Pyrenees, Community, and Personal Growth

• ByMarko
• July 9, 2022

• • Coliving Movement

Why are the Canary Islands one of the most popular places for coliving?

• ByMarko
• February 8, 2023

The post Coliving Madrid: Creating a Tranquil Community on the Outskirts of the Spanish Capital appeared first on My Coliving Space: Spain.

Many coliving operators take inspiration from Sun and Co. but where did Sun and Co. get their inspiration? If you missed the first interview part, where Jon talks about their beginnings, we suggest checking that out first.

If you’ve already been there, it’s time to hear a bit more about their team, their projects, and their plans.

We’re not going to share anything else so you can just jump right in and enjoy!

About Management

“Leadership is the art of giving people a platform for spreading ideas that work.”

-Seth Godin

1. What type of management do you practice in the coliving?

Jon: We have Eduardo, who is the CEO, and the owner, and he’s not that involved in the day-to-day.

Then, there is me as the general manager. I am in charge of leading the team and making the whole business run. I’m also focused on business development. When I say business development, I’m referring to a few projects that we have running at the moment.

We also have Fernando on the team who is in charge of the offline experience – operations, logistics, community experience, etc., and we have Iva, who is in charge of the online aspect – marketing, sales, and booking, but she also helps with hosting.

We have three people hosting, and we also usually support ourselves with an intern who is supporting both the offline and the online.

2. Can you tell us a bit more about the Sun and Co.’s Community Pass? Who is this for and how can people benefit from it?

Jon:  We recently opened a coworking space in town, so our idea was not only to provide a better working environment for our residents at the coliving space but also to provide the opportunity for those who have already moved from that life stage.

For people who have settled in something more stable, more long term, or maybe something more private, like renting their own apartment in Javea. We wanted them to still have access to the coworking space and the community.

3. Depending on the season, Sun and Co. changes the business model from coliving to hostel and vice versa. Can you share a bit more about how this works, the differences in operating and experience, and give a few tips for people who want to book one or another?

Jon:  From the beginning, we knew we were not going to mix two types of clients. When the hostel is open, the coliving is closed, and vice-versa. We still keep up with that rule and that helps us bring the best of both experiences.

4. Lastly, besides the regular Sun and Co. coliving experience, you also organize pop-up experiences. Can you tell us a bit about this idea and the difference between the regular experience and the pop-up?

Jon: This year we’re going back to the Basque Country, my homeland, for one month of pop-up experience in a beautiful villa. The main idea behind the popup was to provide our members with the same Sun and Co. experience but in a new location.

We wanted to replicate our experience the most we could, but because of this new location, we had to implement some changes.

Like, for example, to facilitate buying food because the house is very rural. In Jaeva, there is everything you need: supermarkets, restaurants, and everything in town making it easy for people to be independent. That is not the case in the popup location. So we decided to put up a system through which everybody will buy food together and share expenses.

The system is that we order online and from Monday to Thursday, every night, we switch groups and one group cooks dinner for everybody else.

In this case, the experience is more intense, because it is more remote and we have dinners together every night. You spend more time with people, more often, so it’s more intense when it comes to relationship-building.

Last year, we had two blocks of people, the first that stayed for two weeks, and then the second that stayed for another two weeks. I think checking in and out at the same time also gives a certain experience. You are with the same people from the beginning to the end. That is another thing that makes the experience different from the coliving in Javea.

And finally, the venue is a very luxurious villa with a swimming pool. So, the house quality is higher than one in Javea, so part of the offering to our members is also this higher quality product that differs from the one in Javea.

About Visitors

“Whatever you do, do it well. Do it so well that when people see you do it, they will want to come back and see you do it again, and they will want to bring others and show them how well you do what you do.”

-Walt Disney

5. What would you say people who come to Sun and Co. are searching for; what is the most frequent reason people come?

Jon:  Most people don’t come because of Javea or because they need accommodation. They mostly come to experience Sun and Co. and then discover the beauties of Javea through it.

Of course, it’s Spain, and I would lie if I said people don’t feel attracted to being in the sea and in a sunny destination. It’s definitely an important aspect of why people come. I believe it would be different if we were located in a rainy or cold location, but it’s not the main aspect.

I think even back in 2015/16 when coliving wasn’t that popular, it was easier to attract people to a sunny destination with nice weather than a cold or a mountainous area. Nowadays, there is room for colivings in different types of locations and people love going to the mountains as well.

So, people end up coming to Sun and Co. mostly because they heard about it from someone and they liked what they saw through our website.

I think we were also lucky when it comes to the community part. I think it would be harder to build this focus on the community if we were in a more popular destination, such as Barcelona. When a destination is that popular, you are probably receiving more people who are only looking for accommodation and are not really interested in the community part. Then it can happen you have people with different expectations and friction between different communities that can harm the overall community experience.

I think that also helps us with expectation management. Of course, people have expectations about Sun and Co., but they don’t have that many expectations about the destination, so they are often pleasantly surprised. Once they come and discover the place, many people return for the destination.

On the other hand, being in a more popular destination makes the marketing of your space easier. People are already interested in the destination and it’s easier for them to find you.

For us, this was always a bit of a challenge, leaning only on our brand to market our space. We didn’t have any support around with the municipalities or the local authorities or the government trying to make this destination attractive. So, being in Javea was both a challenge and a benefit. The good part is that we managed to attract everybody to come exactly for what we marketed.

Generally, about the coliving movement

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”

-Henry Ford

6. Lastly, how do you see Sun and Co. developing in the next few years? You already have many years of development behind you, but is there a future vision of how Sun & Co. can grow even more in the next years, or some aspirations and goals that you’ve set for it?

Jon:  I think one of the goals is to transform our brand into a community brand more than a coliving brand. As I mentioned before, we are already expanding beyond the Sun and Co. walls.

One is the coliving experience, another is the community or the coworking experience, and the third is the pop-up, so we already have more than only a coliving space.

So, ideally, in the future, I would love to see Sun and Co. go beyond the Sun and Co. world, expanding the brand and the concept into something more generic, where we talk about the Sun and Co. community beyond the space. And see how that expansion can absorb the needs of more different types of people and more people in different stages of life like those who are about to start their journey, those who are already settling down or even thinking of having a family, those who might want higher qualities or to discover new places, etc.

The main focus is still on Javea and we’re spreading the concept to see how we can cover the needs of the different workers who have different requirements but keep that purpose and connection we started with. Continuing to be meaningful. If the work is not connected to your values, then it’s impossible to transmit its value to others.

This is just the second part of the interview we did with Jon from Sun and Co. If you missed the first interview part, where Jon talks about their beginnings, we suggest checking that out too!

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.

Coliving movement

• • Coliving Movement

Why are the Canary Islands one of the most popular places for coliving?

• ByMarko
• February 8, 2023

• • Interviews with Coliving Operators

Sun and Co. (Part 1) – 8 years of Hosting, Learning, and Community-building in Javea

• ByMarko
• April 4, 2023

The post Sun and Co. (Part 2) – 8 years of Hosting, Learning, and Community-building in Javea appeared first on My Coliving Space: Spain.

Located in the beautiful small town of Javea, just about 100 kilometers from Valencia, Sun and Co. earned its recognition due to its long history and a thoughtful, dedicated, community-first approach. And today, we’re bringing you a part of their story.

Jon Hormaetxe, the co-founder and former general manager of Sun and Co., one of the first colivings in Spain, shares their journey from opening the coliving in 2015 until today, just days before leaving Sun and Co. after 8 years of being at its heart.

This is also the first Travel & Tapas interview focused on showing the beginnings and the journey of the pioneers in the coliving world in Spain.

Without saying too much, we invite you to read the first part of the interview with Jon below and learn about Sun and Co.’s beginnings, followed by years of exploration of the community, dedication to hosting, and reinvention of the work-life balance in the digital nomad era.

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

“To make great ideas a reality, we must act, experiment, fail, adapt, and learn on a daily basis”

-Jocelyn K. Glei

1. Could you tell us a bit more about the journey that led to opening Sun and Co. back in 2015? As one of the first colivings in Spain, it must have been a different motivation and path than what we typically see today.

Jon: It all started in 2015. I was attending a coworking conference in Valencia. I used to work in real estate in Edinburg (The Melting Pot) for about 2 years and was already familiar with the coworking movement so I decided to attend this coworking conference in Spain.

That is where I met Eduardo, the owner of Sun & Co. Eduardo already had the idea of creating a coworking space in Javea (the town where Sun & Co is, about 100 km from Valencia) as there was nothing similar there.

He was one of the last speakers at the conference and presented this idea which I loved. I remember thinking to myself Wow, this looks like the best idea ever.

Javea is a gorgeous destination surrounded by beautiful beaches, nature, with great weather, and this seemed amazing to me – especially after living in Scotland for years and originally being from the Basque Country, I’ve never actually lived in a sunny destination. So, after Eduardo presented his idea, all I could think of is how it sounds like such a cool project.

Fast forward to the conference end, there was one last dinner for the attendees, and by chance, I ended up sitting next to Eduardo. It was a complete coincidence, but we started talking about his project with Sun & Co. and started brainstorming around the idea some more.

At one point, he told me he was looking for somebody to join the team and help him launch it; somebody who could do marketing and just a bit of everything else along the way. Even though I love the project, I wasn’t sure at that moment as I was not planning on staying in Spain, but we kept in touch. I went back to Edinburgh for another 3 months. During that period, we had another chat and I decided to come to Javea and launch Sun & Co. with Edu.

The property was Edu’s family house he previously refurbished and redesigned to be a hostel. He’s an architect so he made quite a nice place. The reality with the hostel was that there was a high demand for this service during the summer as there was nothing like it in Javea back then, however, during the colder seasons, it was not fulfilling its full potential and was sitting empty.

That’s why he wanted to find a solution how to fill the space up during the low season, and that’s how we came up with the whole concept of a coliving.

We already had a few references. There was already a space in the Canary Islands called Surf Office, another one in Morocco (SunDesk), and there was also one in Galicia named Sende. We also knew the market was growing and that there were more and more digital nomads traveling to Southeast Asia.

In 2015, there was already a group of pioneer digital nomads leading the path and setting foot for others to follow. Being a digital nomad was still a new concept, something unique and innovative that brought together different people ready to try out new concepts like coliving, so it was a great time to open a space like this and experiment.

2. Even though there were not as many direct reference points (colivings) to take influence from, when building your coliving space, was there something that influenced your approach or inspired you guys to create the space and experience you have now?

Jon: I think when you start, it’s always good to look at some other references that are already making this happen. Of course, you get some inspiration, copy the things that you enjoy or improve things you think you can do better.

For us, in the beginning, it was very important to see that there was already something like this existing; that there were already a few places like this, and that they were getting clients.

Background in the Coworking niche

Jon: The biggest influence, however, I think, in one sense, came from the fact that I had already been involved in the coworking movement. Back when I moved to Javea, in a way I was already a part of the coworking community in Spain. I had already attended a few coworking conferences, so that helped us gain inspiration.

Also, in 2013/14, I couldn’t say it was the very beginning of the coworking movement, but it was still in the early phases. The conferences were full of small operators. The biggest ones had only 2-3 locations, no more.

The coworking movement came from something very aspirational and very passionate. Most coworking owners put a lot of passion into what they were doing, and there was a lot of focus on community. They used to see the coworking space as a tool to create meaningful connections that will improve people’s lives.

The coworking was supposed to provide a nice space that will spark those connections and potential collaborations that could be born by meeting other freelancers.

So, there wasn’t a big focus on growing and making a very successful business out of a coworking space but rather putting a lot of focus on the community aspect. So coming from that atmosphere of co-working communities to co-living, I think it was one of the biggest influences.

We knew the importance of creating a community and putting our focus there and making sure we create opportunities for our guests to connect.

Experience in hospitality

Jon: Besides that aspect, we also had Eduardo’s perspective that came from his experience in running a hostel for two years before opening the coliving space.

So we had a lot of input on how to run a hospitality business in general. The logistics were more or less already implemented when I arrived.

Providing the local experience

Jon: And the third influence to me would be the booming of Airbnb.

In 2015, there was this vision of utilizing empty rooms and renting them to other people so they can make the most out of them. You rent them out, people use them, and you get some money. It was kind of a social impact project. Many people started getting interested in hosting and trying hard to provide the best hosting experience: to welcome their guests, show them around, make them feel special, etc.

And also, there was a big focus on how you can get a local experience by going to an Airbnb because you will be sharing a house with local people who will welcome you and show you around. So there was also this aspect of the local atmosphere, the local experience, the local host, and so on.

That was something that we knew we really wanted to implement. We wanted to allow people to experience the local culture and create this local atmosphere where not only me or Eduardo are the locals but also other people working with and around us. We knew we wanted to involve different local people in the experience.

Creating a personal experience

Jon: And lastly, we wanted to make this experience as personalized as possible. This was not supposed to be a place that you come to and just leave like another client or just a number on our guest list. We wanted to make sure that our guests feel that we know who they are and we welcome specifically them into our experience. We know your name and what you do and what you like and welcome you to our family when you arrive. That was the experience we wanted to provide (and still do).

So those are more or less a few influences we had back then.

The interesting thing was that for us, there wasn’t a huge risk involved in opening this space, because we already had the hostel. We already had a good business, even if it was open only for 2-3 months. The space was also already refurbished and renovated for the hostel, so we didn’t have that challenge or the need for that kind of investment. That gave us a lot of security and allowed us to be patient and take our time with the Sun & Co. coliving brand and work on the concept.

The security from the hostel allowed us to be flexible in the first few months and not rush into any decisions. In the first month, we didn’t have anybody in the coliving, it was just me living there. After two whole months, we had our first client ever – a Finnish girl named Kaisu.

We went to pick her up in the car and I stayed with her for two weeks and we had our first real coliving experience.

Kaisu had an amazing time and came back to Sun & Co 10 more times after that stay. She even met her boyfriend in Sun & Co. And that’s exactly what we wanted to create – a place where people can create meaningful connections and a place they’ll want to come back and feel like a part of something. And after a few months, little by little, we had the first few people and by having them, we were able to slowly improve the experience.

3. Did you have any challenges in marketing/educating people on the coliving concept at the beginning of your operations? How did you approach the market back then when people still haven’t had much knowledge of this concept?

Jon: Mostly in the rural areas or those who are more focused on digital and remote workers, the operators might fear offering a product or a service where the main value is the community, but being empty when they open the space. But, I always say the same: the space is never empty because you are there. You are the first member of your community.

The same went with us. In the beginning, we knew that if anybody was going to decide to come to stay with us, they first had to like our personalities, or at least like our values and our way of doing things.

So during the first few months, even a year, we were exposing ourselves quite a bit. We used a lot of comedy and humor because that was something representative of us. A lot of funny videos were a big marketing tool for us because we wanted to share a part of ourselves in the marketing. If somebody comes, we don’t know how many people will be around, but we will, so if they seem to like what we do, they will probably like the experience.

So in every email we sent, we were adding a picture, not of us, but a picture of the concept so they get a taste. There was a lot of marketing around who we are, our values, and our visions in order to connect and link other people who identify with the things that we envision or enjoy doing.

I think this is the very best way to start a community, to connect with the founders’ personalities and values.

A community is something that always starts very small and then grows by word of mouth, and little by little because human relationships evolve slowly. Building a relationship with someone is not something you can do in one day; it’s something you need to work on and invest time in. So, when you’re building a community, you also need to build it slowly, one person at a time, starting with yourself.

That is why the passion and the transparency the owner puts into setting up their space is critical. It is the only way to make other people connect to the same values, and the same vision, and make them engage. And then, slowly, people start talking about you and their friends start talking about you, and that’s how it begins.

Having said that, for us, there weren’t many coliving around when we opened. So if you were to type on Google Coliving in Europe or Coliving in Spain, we were coming out on the very first page. Even though the term wasn’t very popular and not many people were searching for it, it definitely helped us get discovered by the few who were.

There was also a growing trend for people searching for coworking spaces or coworking in a hotel or similar, trying to figure out how to work and travel, and they were finding us. The people who came like that also helped us shape the concept throughout the years.

I remember the first year, being there with everybody was a part of my everyday life. We were all together, working socializing, and I think the people who came then really felt as if they were a part of what Sun & Co. is today. I think they feel that Sun & Co. maybe wouldn’t be what it is now if they haven’t contributed with their presence. And it is true. It’s all about belonging.

That’s more or less how we started and marketed. We also went to a few conferences and marketed ourselves in Facebook groups.

4. After 8 years of operating, what would you say was the most difficult or challenging phase of operations and the most difficult year/period for the business?

Jon: The most difficult was the Covid situation and the lockdown.

We had a few guests stay in the house when the Spanish government announced that all of the hotels and hostels had to close their spaces. So since we are registered legally as a hostel, we had to close our doors.

It was a struggle, so we decided to launch a crowdfunding campaign. It was just donation based.

We asked our members if they could donate some money to keep Sun and Co alive during this period and to make sure that we were able to cover our costs to open again when the situation gets better. And one of our main quotes at Sun and Co is Communities are built when you give to others without asking for anything in return. So we always try to encourage everyone to give unconditionally to others and care about each other.

But we were asking ourselves how can we ask our members to give something to us without expecting anything in return. But, of course, they knew that there was an end goal there. So the campaign was quite impressive because we raised 17000 euros out of donations.

Our biggest donation was made by a guy whose name is Javier. He said that he felt that Sun and Co was like his own house and when you have your own house, you sometimes need to pay for some additional costs to keep it in good shape. He donated 1000 euros just for this reason. So, for us, all that was extremely surprising and we weren’t expecting that at all. We were constantly thinking of what makes Sun and Co affect people’s lives in a way they want to support us and donate their money.

When that was happening, one of our members, Remi, who actually moved to Javea now, posted on Facebook how much money was collected and said how we were always so generous with everyone in Sun and Co, so now they wanted to be generous towards us and give back. This made me think a lot. Generosity is a big word. And with generosity, there is care. When you put generosity and care together, you create a safe space.

With only a few of these ingredients, you create a space where people truly feel comfortable and free to express themselves; a place where people feel comfortable sharing their biggest fears, talking about love, family, or those type of topics that actually make us grow, and improve and transform our lives through relationships and conversations that we build in an environment like this.

So even though it was the hardest period, it let me realize that we’re creating this kind of environment in Sun and Co. that creates a transformative experience where people actually end up donating 17,000 euros for it to keep going.

5. Lastly, after many years of operating, where do you find the driving force/passion?

Jon: First of all, I think coliving is a very aspirational business. Like often with hostels, many people open a space like that just so they can combine their life with their work and meet people who fit that picture. For example, people who want to move to a rural area open hospitality space there so they can remain there, meet like-minded people, and share their passion for the region or the lifestyle.

I also started this business from a bit of a selfish perspective. I wanted this lifestyle for myself and it seemed like a great job to do. But after we opened, I started questioning myself if I am really making an impact, leaving something good for the world.

We talked about this in one of our mastermind sessions and I had some of our members telling me how they found inspiration here and that’s the impact we’re leaving with Sun and Co. but I still struggled to see it clearly.

I later volunteered as a case study participant in a session about finding your life purpose, and this helped me realize how connected my current life was with my childhood and my younger self. I found connections in my family relationships and realized that I was building this company and the customer experience based on something rooted in myself.

I realized one of my goals or missions in life is to create safe spaces where people connect in meaningful ways and that I was doing it every day by running a coliving space. When you look at it from that perspective, from your life purpose, the chances for you to keep the excitement and motivation about what you do for a long time are higher.

Over time, I run more than 100 mastermind sessions in Sun and Co. And how we do these mastermind sessions is that usually for an hour, we focus on one person who is facing a challenge and for that hour, we all try to help them solve it.

The session is usually run or moderated by one of the hosts. But for me, hosting these sessions, and seeing that 10-12 people are willing to spend an hour focused completely on somebody else, all thinking together to help another person, a stranger they met only a few days ago, solve their challenge, and then the outcomes – it was very enriching. That was very much aligned with my life purpose.

And of course, this is only my example. We all have different purposes and life paths, but connecting what you do to that is what helps you maintain the motivation and excitement for it.

On the other hand, in this business, even if it aligns with your life purpose, it indeed seizes to be sustainable at one point, and you need to know when to take a step back or go further. Meeting so many people over and over again, it’s true you get a bit blind. Instead of seeing one individual at a time, you start unconsciously grouping. So, at that point, you need to take a step back and give space for other people to run things while you focus on other parts of the business and take more managerial roles. For the past few years in Sun and Co., I’ve been taking care of things operationally while the other team was running things more from the management, leadership, and BD aspect.

This month, after seven and a half years, I’m leaving Sun and Co. to continue creating spaces where people connect in meaningful ways but through other coliving brands and projects. That is my step further.

It’s very easy for the host to burn out if he/she lives in the house because it’s very easy to mix what work is and what is not. You might have a great relationship with your clients and even become friends, but I think it’s important to differentiate between when you’re working and when you’re not. It’s a very social job, but it’s crucial to take clean breaks and know when you’re going home on your own to rest and do your thing and then come back to work and be in full working mode.

Then, another challenge is when you have a small coliving space to provide opportunities for your employees to grow and advance in their careers, and the job and day-to-day easily become very repetitive. And if your employees feel like their job is repetitive, they might get frustrated, tired, burnt out, and so on. That’s another challenge.

That’s why you have to be really, really connected to your mission in life or the lifestyle that you want, and you really need to be able to balance that lifestyle properly. Because, if not, you can easily get tired (literally, but also from what you do).

This is just the first part of the interview we did with Jon from Sun and Co. To find out more about the Management, Community, and Future goals of Sun and Co. check out part two.

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.

Coliving movement

• • Coliving Movement

Why are the Canary Islands one of the most popular places for coliving?

• ByMarko
• February 8, 2023

• • Interviews with Coliving Operators

Coliving & Surfing: Explore the Benefits of the Community and Remote work in Fuerteventura

• ByMarko
• March 7, 2023

The post Sun and Co. (Part 1) – 8 years of Hosting, Learning, and Community-building in Javea appeared first on My Coliving Space: Spain.

We’ll tell you that it can easily be, because, in Corralejo, you will find a coliving and coworking space tailored to answer all your remote work needs while you enjoy the beauties of the island.

Meet Coliving & Surfing and its operator and community manager – Diego.

We recently did an interview with Diego to understand how this project came to life and what digital nomads and remote workers can expect by staying in Coliving & Surfing. We’re not going to spoil the interview, but the focus is on the community, learning, growth, and leaving a social impact on the island.

Inspired by the surfing culture of the island, positive vibrations, and eco values, Coliving & Surfing puts its efforts into making the best experience for its colivers but also uses its space to support the island and promote impactful ideas.

Read the interview below and get inspired!

If you missed some of our last interviews with coliving owners in Spain, be sure to check them also.

Cheers!

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

“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity”

-Albert Einstein

1. Can you tell us a bit more about the Coliving & Surfing brand/ecosystem – the vision of the concept and the offering that come together under this name?

– We built the brand around surfing and personal development since the brand is under the umbrella of the Surfing Colors Hotel – a surf camp concept integrated into a 200-bed hotel (150 bedrooms, 50 apartments).

2. Before opening your place, did you have the opportunity to stay in some other coliving spaces or any similar accommodation? Tell us a bit more about that experience.

– Not really, but I had similar professional experiences in the past. For more than 4 years, I have been working for Mondragon University in the LEINN degree (leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation).

It is a degree where students have to create a real company with KPIs instead of grades. It includes both individual and teamwork, and it is a methodology that comes from Timmi Akademia in Finland.

During the process, these students must travel for a month to Berlin, another month to San Francisco, another to China, and another month to India. These trips are called learning journeys.

During this process, I lead the Berlin campus for all receiving students from all campuses. Many tools that are used used to create cooperation are the same for different communities just with different names: family meetings, personal skills events, masterminds, feedback, etc.

In those four years, I created the experience (learning journey, hosting more than 400 students in Berlin.

3. When building your coliving space, was there something that influenced your approach or inspired you to create the space and experience you have now?

– I know quite a few coworkings, such as Betahaus in Berlin and Utopicus and Impact Hub in Madrid. I saw them being born, growing, and adapting the business to their clients and the market, so that gave me a lot of insights and inspiration.

But what really happened is that 5 years ago, I met John Hormaetxe (Sun & Co.) in Hub Fuerteventura, the first coworking in Fuerteventura, and he quickly became our reference.

4. What is the story behind you choosing Corralejo and Fuerteventura as the location of Coliving & Surfing?

– Sebas (the host of Hub Fuerteventura) opens the first coworking on the island – Hub Fuerteventura, and without knowing each other, he invites me to give a course on digital marketing on the island.

Not being able to pay me at the time, he flies me in, invites me to stay in his home, and teaches me how to surf. This experience makes me get to know this wonderful island and this unique way of life and I make some great friends along the way.

Among those friends, one was Miguel Fariña, the director of the hotel Surfing Colors. During the pandemic, Miguel decided not to close the hotel, even though the rest closed. This gamble turned out good as it caused the hotel to fill up with remote workers escaping the lockdown. Seeing that, he realized there was an opportunity in the middle of the crisis and decided to take three rooms and create a coworking space and a communal kitchen out of them.

This was an interesting bet, but the communal kitchen (which is now a part and the heart of the community) allowed the concept to switch the business model from hotel to hostel and vice versa.

So, in the middle of the pandemic, Miguel offers me the opportunity to start a coliving inside the hotel. Something that is pure innovation within the hotel sector.

I liked the idea and the challenge, so I agreed but under one condition – to call Jon Hormaetxe to help us define the concept.

For 10 days, we got involved. We did interviews, a map of empathy, value proposition, and finally, we defined a strategy between the three of us to integrate a coliving inside a hotel with our different experiences.

We created a very interesting Minimum Viable Product and after almost two years, I can say that it is a success story. We have reached our objectives and exceeded them.

5. The Canary Islands are known for their strong coliving industry and friendly and supportive relationship between coliving owners. Can you tell us a bit more about your relationship with other colivings in the rest of the Canaries and Spain as well?

– For me, networking is very important. It is part of my skill set. I have visited different colivings in the Islands and met with their operator: Nacho (Repeople), Marina (Amarilla), Maria (Cactus Coliving), Carlos and Elsa (Pueblos Remotos), and Talleres Palermo coworking.

With the hotel, we have also created Escuela de Canarias (Hencansa) the first course in the Canary Islands on how to create a coliving. I motivated them to do the same as we did: interviews, empathy map, value proposition, design the space, and the community, and how to do marketing. Many of them have created wonderful spaces like Jonathan with Ecoisleta.

Also, in our business model, we have seen that B2C has worked very well, so we moved to explore B2B as well, directing to companies. Company retreats are another different model with another type of client. Many colivings on the islands have helped me by providing their spaces to sell these retreats to companies in Germany and create a wonderful experience for them.

6. Not one coliving is the same as the other! What would you say is Coliving & Surfing’s signature – some uniqueness that you offer compared to other coliving places?

– Each coliving is different and it is very important to work on values, mission, and vision. Also, the person behind the coliving gives a lot to the personality of the space and experience.

Our challenge, in this case, was to integrate the coliving into a hotel without affecting its personality. I am thankful that we created a wonderful team with Ari and Ricky from Loswiththeflow. They specialize in videos for colivings. After visiting many spaces, I think we found the formula.

We have integrated all the people that create this special atmosphere in Fuerteventura: surf schools, mindfulness, and above all, other similar communities on the island (we do not see them as competitors but as business partners).

Lastly, of course, there is the social impact, inviting social agents of Fuerteventura. Our mission is to help personal development within a community creating social impact on their journey.

Coliving & Surfing approach to Management

“The fastest way to change yourself is to hang out with people who are already the way you want to be.“

-Reid Hoffman

7. What type of management do you practice in the coliving?

– Creating a community within a hotel has its advantages and disadvantages. We have 24-hour reception, housekeeping, and maintenance services.

Our current team for the management of the coliving (apart from everything provided by the hotel) is Ari and Ricky from Lostwitheflow and myself. The three of us live in the coliving and are part of the experience.

8. What kind of activities are included for people who stay at Coliving & Surfing, and how do you approach organizing them?

– When we set the challenge and Jonh Hormaetxe helped us define our community, it was clear to us that the first thing we had to do was to connect the people within the community.

For that, we have the family dinner every Monday where we embrace new colivers and give each other feedback to improve everyone’s experience. On Tuesdays is the Open hour talk, where we exchange our skills. Once a month, we have a mastermind, and on Fridays, we have an after-work activity.

The other challenge is to connect our community with other communities similar to ours on the island.

Our space is also a coworking space, open to people from outside. Every day, we create events with different topics, inviting coaches and specialists from the island so they can share their knowledge for free (most of the time) with our colivers and people from outside.

Monday is Fit Monday, Tuesday is Open hour talk, Wednesday is wellbeing Wednesday, and Thursday is our dance day.

On the social impact part, which we believe is very important for our footprint when we travel, every week, we invite people from the island to talk about the challenges of the island (lack of water, recycling, gentrification, migration of young people due to lack of opportunities, migration in general, etc.).

In addition to this, every morning we have yoga or pilates, and, of course, all the facilities provided by the hotel (heated swimming pool, pool bar, etc.)

9. Can you tell us more about your skill-sharing events?

– We call it Open Hour Talk and do it every Tuesday. After the session, we have paella and live music at the hotel.

It is not only to exchange our skills; we take the opportunity to invite interesting people from the island to make a social impact with them. For example, El Capitan Canarias, who talk about recycling and participating in eco-activities.

Community

“When people are free to choose where in the world they want to work, they simply enjoy their day-to-day work more“

-Brian De Haff, CEO of Aha

10. What is the typical coliver profile in Coliving & Surfing (age, occupation, etc.)?

– Most of our clients are between 20 and 50 years old, but we don’t really have a fixed coliver rate. Of course, our brand is aimed at people who do surfing or water sports, but only 20 percent of them actually practice this on a constant basis; the rest discover it on the go.

We promote well-being, sports, and personal development, which are the hallmarks of the island and especially Corralejo. People come to the Canary Islands for tranquility and the sun; personal discovery, both spiritually and physically, and of course, our wonderful weather – the constant spring.

11. What would you say people who come to Coliving & Surfing are searching for; what is the most frequent reason people come?

– Of course, the most frequent reason people come is to work remotely. Our client’s first priority is to have a good bandwidth and a comfortable place to work and hold their meetings.

From there, we designed everything around the experiences that focus on having a before-work and after-work in a wonderful environment. With an inspiring atmosphere, sun, paradisiacal beaches, water sports, well-being, and a lot of people coming from all over Europe with the same mood and vibes.

12. What do you think is the ideal length of stay to fully emerge in the community and experience at your place?

– From an economic point of view, most of the coliving spaces can offer a better price for a longer stay.

But if you really want to take advantage of the community there is always a process of integration with it. This is normal. My recommendation is one month. The average stay of our clients is almost a month and a half (six weeks).

It is the greatest satisfaction, and I have to say that we have 34 percent of people who extend their stay, or those who come back, which has been 16 percent so far, in a window of a year and a half of operation.

13. Do you offer some special offers/discounts? (For longer stays, group bookings, couples, etc.)

– Of course. We can make offers for long stays (we consider it more than 21 days) and to groups.

In fact, we are now launching a new brand called innremote.com, which specializes in corporate retreats in the Canary Islands, because most of the spaces in the Canary Islands (and many that you mention on your website) are part of the search brochure for the companies in Northern Europe who are interested in coming here and doing retreats.

Generally About the Coliving Movement

”A true community is not just about being geographically close to someone or part of the same social web network. It’s about feeling connected and responsible for what happens. Humanity is our ultimate community, and everyone plays a crucial role.”

-Yehuda Berg

14. Do you think coliving is only dedicated to a specific group of people such as freelancers, digital nomads, and remote workers, or do you think it can gain popularity beyond that group of people?

– Of course. In fact, new community concepts will appear. For now, we have it clear, our client is someone who works and travels. But we have realized that it is no longer only the digital nomad. After the pandemic, the remote worker has emerged.

The difference is that he works for a remote company and has other needs. For example, families, those traveling with pets, makers, seniors, disabled, etc. There are many types of new customers and for each one, there is a new type of community.

15. Do you think coworking is a crucial component of coliving and why?

– Without hesitation. Our client needs a quiet space to work in, either with a computer or his hands.

I repeat what I said before, the main common denominator is to telework, travel, meet other people like yourself, and experience the social reality of the place where you travel.

16. What would you say is the most crucial element of a coliving?

– As in any community, whether that is a company, a family, a high-performance team, remote workers, etc., the basis for the creation of a community are two things: commitment and trust. This is achieved through tools such as feedback, skill-sharing, values, common goals, etc.

Most companies that offer remote work to their employees made a cultural change within the company, the famous organizational design, which at the base the same and works similarly.

17. 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?

– Of course. Two years ago, when we designed the experience we did a lot of user interviews, built the empathy map and the value proposition, and in the end, created the user journey. We analyzed everything, from marketing, sales, the user experience in the coliving, and the after-sales.

This was one of our hypotheses, and we confirmed it in the customer study we did.

We also believe that it has to happen not only between the colivers but also within the island. That’s why we want those who want to contribute to leave their mark on the island with their knowledge.

For example, we are working with the institutes of the islands so that young people and remote workers can design solutions to the challenges of the islands.

18. Lastly, how do you see both Coliving & Surfing 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?

– Just next month, we will be revisiting our mission, vision, and values as a team. For us, it is clear that we want to make an easier life for remote workers and motivate them to move to Fuerteventura.

Another goal is to allow these remote workers to meet other people like them and leave a footprint with social impact. We have several projects in mind, such as creating other spaces (always with our values present), consulting to develop communities, corporate retreats, etc.

Personally, I teach about innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship in several business schools. Last year, we created the Hecansa, which is the first course that teaches how to create communities of workers on the island – something I also want to encourage the locals to do. And why not? In the future, we could help young people from the island to acquire skills to work remotely and teach them how to answer the needs of the companies – help them become professionals in programming, UX, data, etc., and show them they can work from this wonderful space for the world.

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.

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