Coliving is a relatively new and evolving concept, which is why a quick Google search often leads to a confusing mix of definitions, everything from affordable housing to hippy communes. In this post, I’ll focus on a specific type: Nomad Coliving, a lifestyle designed for digital nomads and remote workers. If you’ve ever heard these types raving about coliving and wondered what all the fuss is about, then you’re in the right place.
For simplicity, whenever I use the term “coliving” in this article, I’m referring specifically to “nomad coliving”.
“So… What is it?”
If I had to sum it up in one (very long) sentence:
Coliving is a community where like-minded, location-independent individuals, such as digital nomads or remote students, come together to share a space designed for productivity, collaboration and connection, fostering relationships that enrich both personal and professional lives.
Who is it for?
Nomads… obviously. Traditionally, this term referred to different cultures of people who migrate across landscapes due to seasons, threats or other needs. Today, it’s been more or less hijacked by influencers and hipsters who roam the globe, not to escape winter or wolves but to chase waves and Wi-Fi. They call themselves #DigitalNomads. Making fun of them helps me forget I’m one too.
Nomads are location-independent people with the freedom to work, study, or pursue their goals from anywhere in the world. They choose to embrace this flexibility by travelling from place to place, living a “nomadic” lifestyle.
What are the benefits?
As a #digitalnomad, I know firsthand how tough it can be to balance work and play on the road. Do you really want to be stuck in a hostel lobby working while your new friends chase waterfalls or turn down that cutie inviting you to the beach? For many, digital nomad trips often end up looking suspiciously similar to vacations.
So how do Coliving Spaces help?
Productivity boost:
Coliving spaces are designed to help you focus. Surrounded by other hardworking individuals, you’ll likely find yourself more productive than you were at home. Do you really want to be the only one in the room slacking off and watching YouTube or scrolling Instagram? A little social shame can work wonders for productivity.
Built-in Social Life:
With organised events like group hikes, dinners, or game nights, coliving offers instant community. Whether it’s a spontaneous hike, a heated debate over Catan, or a cheeky glass of wine in the hot tub, the social scene creates an environment where lifelong friends and memories are made.
Networking Opportunities:
Many colivers find collaborators, mentors, or even business partners sitting at the desk next to them. Coliving isn’t just a place to live and work, it’s a space to thrive, both professionally and socially.
What does a Coliving Space look like?
Coliving Spaces are intentionally designed to cater to the needs of digital nomads and remote workers, offering a balance between productivity and community. While every space is different, you’ll typically find communal areas like lounges and kitchens, dedicated coworking spaces, and casual spots for relaxed work. Imagine cosy lounges for relaxed conversations, ergonomic desks in a bright coworking space, and a kitchen alive with the hum of shared meals. Some spaces even boast perks like hot tubs, outdoor fireplaces, or lakeside views (cough, The Balance Base, cough).
A key feature of these spaces is the community manager, who organises social events both inside and outside the space. Whether it’s group dinners, local excursions, or casual game nights, these activities give you a chance to unwind and connect with others after a productive day.
What is a community manager?
One of the most important things in a coliving space is the community manager (not to toot my own horn too much). This is often the founder or someone passionate about the coliving lifestyle. Their primary job is to build and support a thriving and engaged community.
While a community manager typically oversees day-to-day operations and logistics, their most important role is fostering connections among guests. They interact with residents, organise events and create a welcoming social environment where everyone feels engaged. The energy and passion that a great community manager brings to the space often elevates coliving from just another form of accommodation to a truly memorable experience.
What’s a typical day in the life of a Coliver?
There’s no such thing as a "typical" day in a coliving space. Every space is unique, and more importantly, the people you share it with shape the experience. That said, here’s an example of what a day might look like.
Meet Sara, a 29-year-old digital nomad who’s spending this month at, you guessed it, The Balance Base in Wānaka, New Zealand.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 07:00 | Wakes up |
| 07:00-07:30 | Meditation session on the beach |
| 07:30-08:00 | Breakfast and first (of many) coffees of the day |
| 08:00-12:00 | Focused work in the dedicated coworking space |
| 12:00-13:00 | Lunch in town with a couple of fellow colivers, followed by a quick dip in the lake |
| 13:00-17:00 | Another coffee (probably the fourth by now) and back to work |
| 17:00-17:30 | A run around the lake to unwind |
| 17:30-19:00 | Fellow coliver Giovanni is cooking his famous pasta tonight, so Sara teaches the newbies how to play Catan |
| 19:00-19:30 | Community dinner time |
| 19:30-20:30 | A glass of wine (or three) in the hot tub |
| 20:30-21:30 | A heated debate about aliens and the Fermi paradox |
| 21:30 | Bedtime |
While Sara enjoys meditation and lake dips, another coliver might sleep in or hit the ski slopes with their new friends. Each day offers a personal choice of balance between productivity, community, and adventure.
How to Choose the Right Coliving Space?
As the term “coliving” has gained popularity, countless places now use it in their marketing. If you're looking for a space like I’ve been describing, targeted at remote workers and designed to promote productivity, be careful to choose a genuine coliving space where the founder’s passion shows—not just a youth hostel that threw a couple of desks in a room and slapped “coliving” on its branding (looking at you, Selina).
Here are a few good signs to look for:
- Minimum stays of a week or more: This helps build a sense of community.
- A real emphasis on community: Look for spaces that won’t shut up about it.
- Dedicated workspaces: Spaces specifically designed for productivity are an essential.
- A great community manager: This person makes or breaks the experience, so find one whose approach you connect with.
The best way to ensure a good fit? Reach out to the community manager directly. A quick conversation can give you a feel for the space, its vibe, and whether the community aligns with what you're looking for. Also, you should make sure you personally like them—you’ll likely be spending a lot of time around them after all.
If you’re not sure where to start, there are some great resources to help you. I recommend MapMelon as a good place to begin. They personally interview and approve all the coliving spaces on their platform, and their blog is a great resource.
That all sounds like a lot of hassle though right?
If you’re ready to find your perfect balance of work and play in a lakefront coliving space nestled in the stunning mountains of New Zealand, where adventure, wellness and community come together, then look no further than The Balance Base.
What’s the point of a blog post without a bit of shameless self-promotion, right? Did I mention we have a hot tub, boat and, of course, an incredibly handsome and charming community manager?