Coliving has come a long way since its inception as a concept. In 2015, coliving was still a relatively lonely place, with only a handful of operators worldwide. Fast-forward to today, and the coliving industry has exploded, growing into a dynamic, community-driven solution to modern living. Now, over 1000 destination coliving spaces exist globally, catering to the increasing demand from remote workers, freelancers, and digital nomads seeking more than just a place to stay—they seek community.

Coliving can be segmented into three main categories:

• Residential Coliving: Long-term stays for urban professionals. (Habyt, OSLO Coliving, etc.)
• Destination Coliving: Short-term, experience-driven, remote settings. (Rooral Coliving, Chateau Coliving, NomadGao Coliving, etc.)
• Hybrid Coliving A mix of both, offering flexibility. (Yon Coliving, Olive Coliving, etc)

Regardless of the model, each type emphasizes the importance of community-first living. The common thread connecting all these variations is the shared experience of the residents. Whether in a bustling city or a remote nature retreat, the strength of coliving comes from the relationships formed within these spaces.

Action Point: If you’re an operator, identify which segment your coliving space fits into. Clearly define the purpose of your space, whether it’s community-focused in urban settings or experience-driven in rural retreats.

If you want to learn more about building destination coliving, we have recently launched the Artof.Co Incubator Program. It is a 12-month milestone based program helping destination coliving founders successfully conceptualize and build sustainable coliving businesses.

What is Destination Coliving? Host-led or community-driven.

Destination coliving differs from other models because it’s not just about accommodation; it’s an experience. These spaces are intentional communities designed for individuals who want to live and work in unique, often remote locations for a few weeks or even months.

They cater to a growing number of remote workers, freelancers, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs who are drawn by the lifestyle and opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals.

A defining feature of destination coliving is the host-led experience, where a dedicated team ensures that residents feel welcomed and integrated into the community. From organizing group activities to offering support for personal and professional development, the host plays a crucial role in fostering a thriving environment and ensuring that residents feel part of something larger.

Action Point: As a destination coliving operator, invest in creating a host-driven experience. Ensure that your host is well-trained in community-building, offering activities that foster a strong sense of belonging among residents.

Key Factors contributing to the Rise of Destination Coliving

Several key factors contribute to the increasing popularity of destination coliving spaces:

• Lifestyle Appeal: As remote work becomes more common, the dream of working from anywhere is more attainable. The allure of waking up in a beautiful, unique location while maintaining work responsibilities is drawing in more professionals.
• Affordability and Flexibility: With coliving spaces offering an all-in-one pricing model, residents get access to co-working spaces, gyms, community events, and amenities that would otherwise cost much more if paid for individually. This affordability is a significant draw for both short-term and long-term stays.
• Community Needs: Research reveals that loneliness is a major issue for digital nomads. coliving spaces address this by creating communities where residents can connect, share, and form meaningful relationships.
• Shared Economy Models: Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly moving away from traditional ownership models, opting for shared spaces. coliving taps into this trend by offering a balance of private space and communal living, making it especially appealing to younger generations.
• Post-Pandemic Boom: The pandemic accelerated the shift toward remote work, with coliving spaces adapting to this growing market. More people now view coliving as a viable long-term solution, especially with its community-oriented lifestyle.
• Government Support: Digital nomad visas and other initiatives have made destination coliving even more accessible, allowing professionals to live and work in foreign countries with ease. Check what happened in Lisbon; recently Kenya also opened its digital nomad visa.

How Rural Coliving is Shaping the Industry

The appeal of rural coliving spaces is on the rise. As more people look to escape congested urban environments, nature-centric coliving offers a retreat where residents can balance work with tranquility. These spaces provide residents with an opportunity to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying a supportive community and modern amenities.

Rural coliving not only offers a better quality of life but also brings economic benefits to local communities. By attracting remote workers and freelancers, coliving spaces contribute to local tourism and support rural economies.

Rural spaces often provide residents with access to activities like hiking, gardening, and wellness retreats, which enhance the overall experience.

Action Point: If you’re running a rural coliving space, promote the unique benefits of your location, such as natural beauty and tranquility. Engage with local communities to create synergies that benefit both your residents and the local economy.

🌐 For inspiration on thriving coliving spaces in picturesque settings, check out Top Coliving Spaces in Lisbon, Portugal. A perfect example of a city embracing rural and remote coliving!

Lessons from Experienced coliving Operators: Building for Longevity

Experienced operators stress that success in the coliving industry hinges on building a strong sense of community. Read "How can you build great coliivng communities?"

Starting a coliving venture can be an overwhelming experience, particularly if done solo. Many operators, find themselves juggling multiple roles, from community management to marketing to property upkeep.

From managing properties to coordinating services, operators face many logistical hurdles. Integrating various services like co-working, accommodation, and local tourism under one umbrella can be complex but is key to a cohesive resident experience.

The lesson? Don’t do it alone. Building a dedicated team allows operators to focus on the resident experience, creating a better environment for long-term success. Moreover, coliving is about hospitality—ensuring residents feel welcomed and have access to services like co-working spaces, events, and community activities.

Action Point: Build a strong team from the start, with roles clearly defined to manage community, operations, and marketing. Focus on integrating your services to ensure that residents feel they are receiving a seamless, all-inclusive experience.

The Future of Destination coliving

The future of coliving, especially destination-based, looks promising. As the demand for flexible, community-driven living spaces grows, coliving will continue to expand and evolve. Professionals around the world are seeking ways to blend work and lifestyle, and coliving offers a perfect solution. Whether in remote rural areas or urban retreats, destination coliving spaces provide unique experiences that allow residents to work productively while forming meaningful connections.

Operators must continue to innovate and adapt to these growing demands, ensuring they remain at the forefront of this rapidly expanding industry. The rise of digital nomad visas and growing interest in remote work is only the beginning. As governments and businesses recognize the potential of coliving, the industry is set to see even more rapid growth and innovation.

Stay ahead of trends by continuously innovating and adapting to the evolving needs of remote workers and digital nomads. Look for ways to offer more value, whether through new amenities, expanded services, or partnerships with local communities.

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🤔 Want to stay ahead in the evolving world of coliving? Bookmark these insightful reads!

🔗 Preparing for Growth and Future Trends in Coliving – Stay ahead by understanding emerging trends and how to adapt for long-term success.

🔗 Community Building Approaches – Explore strategies that strengthen resident engagement and foster meaningful connections within your coliving space.

🔗 Coliving or Co-living: What to Use? – Delve into the nuances of coliving terminology and how it impacts branding and industry perception.