HEALTHPLAN MAGAZINE

The surge in remote work and the increasing prevalence of digital nomadism in Spain, have propelled the rapid growth of coliving in recent years. This way of living has emerged as a dynamic and transformative living experience, reshaping the traditional notions of shared accommodation.

Found in historic cities, sun-kissed coastal retreats, and picturesque landscapes, coliving spaces in Spain offer a unique blend of community living, cultural immersion, and the convenience of a private sanctuary. As the Iberian Peninsula embraces the global trend of collaborative lifestyles, individuals from all walks of life converge in these shared spaces, fostering connections, igniting creativity, and collectively weaving the vibrant story of coliving in Spain.

This comprehensive guide aims to unravel the concept of coliving, distinguish it from traditional roommate arrangements, and shed light on the numerous advantages it brings to those who embrace this lifestyle.

So, if you're intrigued by this dynamic living trend, read on to uncover everything you need to know about coliving.

Understanding Coliving in Spain

Coliving, or co-living, as it is sometimes called, is synonymous with communal living, representing a contemporary approach to shared housing where residents coexist in a communal space, sharing facilities and amenities. Unlike the randomness of traditional roommate arrangements, coliving is meticulously designed to foster a sense of community through organised events, activities, and the facilitation of collaboration among residents.

The core idea behind coliving is to combine the social connections of living with others with the convenience of having a private living space. Typically coliving spaces are houses or apartments that typically encompass fully furnished bedrooms or apartments alongside extensive shared common areas such as kitchens, lounges, coworking spaces, reliable WiFi, gyms, terraces, and more.

Accommodation can range from a private ensuite room to the more budget-friendly option of shared rooms with bunk beds.

How does coliving differ from having traditional roommates?

The primary distinction between coliving and traditional roommates lies in the intentional community aspect. Coliving spaces are purposefully crafted to enable residents to interact easily and partake in communal activities.

Most coliving providers appoint community managers to organise events, coordinate shared meals and outings, and foster connections among residents. Weekend trips, game nights, yoga classes, and coworking events are standard offerings. Unlike random roommates, coliving places emphasis on building meaningful relationships and creating an engaging social environment through shared interests and values.

Advantages of Coliving

Choosing coliving over other housing options comes with numerous advantages, including:

• Affordability: Sharing costs makes coliving more economical than having a solo apartment.
• Built-in Community: Instant access to a social network with shared interests, reducing isolation.
• Networking Opportunities: Ideal for meeting new people and collaborators, especially in coliving spaces focused on entrepreneurs or remote workers.
• More Space: Private bedrooms complemented by expansive shared common areas.
• Convenience: Cleaning, bills, WiFi, and amenities are managed for residents.
• Location Flexibility: Coliving spaces are found in major cities globally, facilitating easy relocation.
• Travel Connections: Opportunities to connect with fellow residents for exploration and navigation in a new city.

Who Benefits from Coliving?

Coliving appeals to individuals with a more leisurely travel pace, creating a more stable and connected community atmosphere. Many coliving spaces require a minimum stay of one week, but numerous travellers find themselves extending their residence for weeks or even months at a single location. This option proves especially advantageous in Spain, where the rental market is fiercely competitive and costly, partly due to the prevalence of platforms like Airbnb. Choosing a coliving arrangement can streamline the process, saving time, money, and the hassle associated with dealing with agencies, extensive paperwork, and additional stress-inducing expenses.

Coliving spaces appeal to diverse demographics, including:

• Remote workers and digital nomads
• Entrepreneurs and startups
• Students and postgraduates
• Travel enthusiasts seeking immersion in a new city
• Young professionals desiring an active social environment
• Many coliving providers cater to specific niches, such as creators, wellness enthusiasts, or tech professionals, creating built-in communal bonds based on shared values and interests.

The Value of Community

Coliving fulfils the innate human need for belonging and community, enhancing mental well-being. This sense of community is cultivated through shared meals and activities, coworking spaces, community events and outings, a moderate resident size, and collaboration opportunities. This built-in community serves as a support network, especially for those living abroad in unfamiliar cities.

Different Types of Coliving Spaces

Various types of coliving spaces cater to different preferences, such as:

• Apartment Coliving: Shared apartments with individual bedrooms, offering a more independent lifestyle.
• House Coliving: Multi-room houses for 6-12 residents, fostering a more intimate community.
• Boutique Hotels: Hostel-style setups with modern shared amenities and activities.
• Digital Nomad Coliving: Tailored for remote workers with ample coworking spaces and events.
• Student Coliving: Geared toward students and post-graduates, often located near universities.
• Senior Coliving: Catering to active retirees seeking a community within their age group.

Finding the Right Coliving Space

As coliving continues to gain global popularity, choosing the right community is crucial. Consider the following tips:

• Location: Choose a coliving space in a location that aligns with your interests and priorities.
• Length of Stay: Consider whether nightly, weekly, monthly, or longer-term options suit your needs.
• Amenities: Prioritise essential amenities and consider additional offerings like gyms, terraces, and lounges.
• Community Size: Assess the number of residents, as it can impact the social experience.
• Application Process: Understand the application process, which typically screens residents based on values, interests, and personality.
• Membership Fees: Be aware of upfront membership or application fees, contributing to community events and supplies.
• Private vs. Shared Rooms: While emphasising shared spaces, coliving often offers private room options for those seeking more solitude.
• Company Values: Find a coliving space aligned with your personal values, whether sustainability, wellness, entrepreneurship, etc.

Tips for Maximising the Coliving Experience

To fully enjoy your coliving experience, consider the following tips:

• Attend community events and outings to meet fellow residents.
• Utilise shared spaces like the kitchen and coworking areas.
• Be open to coordinating a community activity based on your interests.
• Engage with residents from diverse backgrounds.
• Participate in house decisions and provide feedback.
• Strike a balance between private relaxation time and shared social time.
• Leverage networking and collaboration opportunities.
• Share your culture and cuisine with other residents.
• Stay connected through community messaging boards.
• Don't hesitate to voice ideas for improvements.

Approaching coliving with an open, contributory mindset enhances the potential for meaningful relationships and a fulfilling communal living experience.

Why choose Spain for coliving?

Some of Spain’s biggest appeals include year round sunshine, breathtaking landscapes, delectable cuisine, and a vibrant cultural tapestry.

Following the introduction of the new Digital Nomad Visa, numerous remote workers are now drawn to the country for its mild winters, while others embrace the allure of scorching summers. An increasing number of foreigners are opting for long-term stays, captivated by Spain's enduring charms.

Spain boasts a rich tapestry of cultural diversity and varied topography, ensuring that each region offers a distinct and captivating experience. From the lush, verdant landscapes of the north to the Moorish-influenced charm of the south, the vibrant hues of Catalonia, and the biodiverse wonders of the Canary Islands, Spain's geographical diversity is truly enchanting.

The country's well-connected and affordable transportation network makes it easy to navigate both within cities and across the nation, serving as a convenient launching pad for exploring the rest of Europe.

Opting for coliving in Spain proves to be a budget-friendly choice, with an overall low cost of living. This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, including dining out, entertainment, and grocery expenses. Spain's emphasis on work-life balance further enhances the quality of life, whether you're forming connections within the coliving community or building friendships with locals. Given Spain's popularity as a destination, you'll have the opportunity to interact with people from around the globe while exploring some of the most breathtaking locations in Europe.

If coliving sounds like it’s for you, take a look at some of the businesses that can help you live the experience.

Sun and Co: https://sun-and-co.com/
Kalart: https://www.kalart.org/#FINDAROOM
Urban Campus: https://urbancampus.com/coliving-spaces/
My Co Living: https://www.mycoliving.es/
Vivarium: https://www.vivariumcoliving.com/