After nearly two decades of living and working remotely, I’ve come to understand that coliving and coworking are far more than just practical solutions—they are transformative experiences that shape how we live, create, and connect. Each community, each shared meal, each late-night brainstorming session adds layers to our personal and professional growth. Beyond the incredible spaces I dream of visiting, there are specific coliving and coworking experiences that inspire me deeply—rooted in my journey, my family life, and my evolving vision for the future.
These experiences are not just places on a map; they are milestones on my path toward building a life that feels authentic, balanced, and full of meaning.
1. Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs in a Portuguese Coliving
A group of people on Baleal beach, Portugal 2020
There’s a magnetic pull in the idea of joining an Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs program in Portugal. Being close enough to my base in Northwestern Spain means I can return home if needed or break the stay into manageable stretches, which is a huge advantage for balancing family and work.
My life changed profoundly when I first lived in Lisbon back in 2009. That period marked a turning point: I dropped out of university, embraced a lifestyle deeply connected to travel and the outdoors, and learned to live in harmony with my body, mind, and soul. This alignment brought me happiness and freedom I hadn’t known before. It was the beginning of a journey toward a more intentional existence.
Now, with a long-standing dream of opening my own coliving space (with coworking), this kind of experience feels like the natural next step, much like how my motorhome adventures unfolded. I envisioned that life for so long that it felt almost inevitable. The same goes for this dream. While I haven’t yet found the perfect building or location, I haven’t stopped searching. When the time feels right, I’ll pour all my accumulated knowledge and experience into it—from leading groups and coordinating camps to digital marketing, website creation, languages, and my remote working journey.
Having lived the highs and lows of this lifestyle—including the solitude and isolation that can come with it—I feel ready to give back by helping create a truly special community where others can thrive.
2. Family-Friendly Coliving
Burgos, Spain 2024
Since becoming a mom, my perspective on coliving has shifted profoundly. Spaces that are child-friendly, promote alternative education, or nurture a tribe-like atmosphere are instantly appealing. I understand why many colivings are adults-only, and I respect that choice; however, I also look with loving eyes at those brave enough to welcome families with young children.
It’s difficult to explain if you haven’t experienced parenthood, but for those of us walking this path, finding a community that supports both our creative and parental sides is a game-changer. Family-friendly colivings offer not just convenience but a sense of belonging and support that can be rare on the road. They create environments where parents can work and create while their children play and learn, surrounded by a supportive network.
This kind of community feels like a lifeline—a place where the joys and challenges of parenting are shared and understood.
3. A Full Winter Season in the Mountains
I used to do things like this in my twenties – French Alps, 2010.
While the coast has been my home for most of my life, the mountains—especially snow-capped Alpine peaks—hold a special place in my heart. Some of my happiest memories come from my 20s, when I led snowboarding and skiing trips for college students across various ski resorts in the Alps.
There’s something almost magical about the sensation of being “above it all,” leaving daily worries behind, breathing in crisp mountain air, and feeling the exhilaration of powder days. The mountains offer a unique kind of peace and clarity, a reminder of nature’s vastness and our small but meaningful place within it.
I dream of spending an entire winter season in a mountain coliving—immersed in that environment, sharing stories and meals with fellow adventurers, and reconnecting with that part of myself that thrives in cold, quiet beauty. It’s about more than skiing; it’s about community, reflection, and renewal.
4. Shorter Stints in Many Different Colivings
Caru Cu Bere – Bucharest, Romania
Life is short, and the world is full of vibrant communities. I’ve noticed that most community-driven colivings have a minimum stay of two weeks to one month, which I believe is ideal. It takes time to truly feel the atmosphere, build relationships, and settle into the rhythm of a place.
My goal is to spend two to four weeks in as many different colivings as life allows—at least once a year. This practice is essential for my mental health, creativity, and personal growth. Each community offers a new perspective, new friendships, and new inspiration.
By embracing shorter stints, I can keep my experiences fresh and varied, continually learning and evolving while maintaining a sense of rootedness through the communities I build along the way.
Sahara, Morocco
Inspired by amazing people like Alejandra (volunteer community host at Anceu during my stay there) and others I’ve met on this journey, I would love to volunteer as a community host during some of my stays. Contributing a few hours a week to support the space, organize events, and welcome newcomers is not only a way to reduce costs for both the coliving and me, but also an incredible opportunity to gain insight into community dynamics.
Being a host means engaging deeply with the community’s heartbeat—facilitating connections, smoothing daily life, and helping shape the culture from within. This hands-on experience would enrich my understanding of what makes a coliving thrive and prepare me for future ventures.
6. Opening My Own Coliving (Someday!)
The right vibes
As mentioned before, this is the big dream—the one I hold close but don’t want to jinx by sharing too much just yet. I have so many visions for a space that blends creativity, community, and sustainability, a place that welcomes artists, entrepreneurs, families, and makers alike.
For now, this dream is on pause, waiting for the right moment when I have more time and resources to dedicate. But every experience I gather, every community I join, and every lesson I learn brings me closer to making it a reality.
I believe that when the time is right, all the pieces will come together—and I’ll be ready to create a home where others can find the same joy and connection I’ve been fortunate to experience.
True happiness during a pop-up coliving experience in Morocco in 2017. We found snow on our way to the desert!
Coliving isn’t just about where you stay—it’s about the kind of life you want to build, the people you want to meet, and the dreams you want to chase. It’s about finding harmony with yourself and others, creating spaces where creativity flows freely, and nurturing communities that support and inspire.
Here’s to more adventures, new connections, and the ongoing search for the perfect community—wherever that may be.
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