The world is your office. For more and more remote workers and digital nomads, this is not a dream, but a reality. Whether you are a freelancer, run your own business or are employed by a company that supports flexible working, the opportunities to work location-independently are endless. But where do you stay? Hotels and Airbnb’s are an option, but there is a concept that fits the needs of the modern remote worker much better: a coliving.
What is a coliving?
Coliving is a relatively new phenomenon that perfectly addresses the need for flexibility, sense of community and productivity of digital nomads who combine travel and work. It combines accommodation with a workplace and a community of like-minded people. In a coliving, you stay in a shared house with other remote workers. You’ll find digital nomads from all over the world, so you also get to know people from other cultures right away. This can be a villa or hotel, or even an entire apartment complex.
You have your own bedroom, but usually share common areas such as a kitchen, living room and often a coworking space. In your own room, you’ll always have a desk, allowing you to concentrate on your work or do a quiet video meeting. Often you also have your own bathroom. There are also colivings where you have your own studio, with all the amenities to yourself. Then you do pay a little more. Of course, the wifi is also always good in these accommodations, considering it is geared toward people who work online.
What makes the coliving concept so attractive is that everything is designed to make your remote work experience as smooth as possible. Fast Internet, nice workstations and an inspiring environment are standard. Sometimes there are even ergonomic workstations, with a good office chair, height-adjustable desk and a 2nd screen you can rent or borrow.
Getting to know like-minded remote workers
In addition, coliving is not only about working, but also about connecting with like-minded digital nomads. Activities such as joint dinners, masterminds, sports activities and excursions are often organized. This makes it an ideal way to meet new people and build a global network.
What I personally really like is that everyone has a similar rhythm. We work during the day, then there is time for relaxation. Whether together or alone. There is always the option to meet other people. Usually they are people between 25 and 45, which I find very pleasant (as a 36-year-old myself). You won’t find 20-year-olds partying and causing sleepless nights or making a lot of noise during the day.
My experience as a digital nomad at Outsite Marrakech
One nice coliving experience I had was at Outsite Marrakech. Outsite is a global network of coliving accommodations designed specifically for remote workers. With locations in the U.S., Europe and Latin America, among others, they offer a reliable and inspiring place to stay and work for digital nomads. Marrakech had been on my bucket list for a while and I was curious to see if this vibrant city would be suitable for a remote work experience.
Outsite Marrakech is located in the medina (downtown), yet it is a quiet place. The accommodation itself is a beautiful traditional Moroccan house with modern facilities, a riad is what it’s called. My room was spacious, bright and equipped with a large desk and good chair – ideal for productive work. The common areas, including a beautiful courtyard garden and a rooftop terrace overlooking the city, provided a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere.
As always happens, I also met some very nice people at this coliving. That digital nomad community everywhere is so inspiring. The other residents were a mix of entrepreneurs, freelancers and remote workers from different countries. During the day we worked concentrated in the coworking space or on the rooftop terrace under the umbrella, and in the evening we went out to eat together at delicious Moroccan restaurants nearby.
Why choose a coliving?
If you work and travel remotely, finding suitable accommodation can sometimes be a challenge. Especially when good wifi is crucial to your work. A coliving offers the perfect solution for this. Here are a few advantages:
- Meet remote workers: You enter directly into a community of digital nomads, which means you don’t have to look for people to socialize with first.
- Work-friendly environment: No worries about bad wifi or noisy cafes – everything is set up for productivity.
- Flexibility: You can choose how long you stay. Many colivings offer stays from a few days to several months.
- Organized activities: From yoga sessions to networking events, there is always something to do. Often you will also go on fun activities and excursions with your fellow residents.
- New connections and inspiration: You meet other ambitious people who, like you, work location-independently. Plenty of other professionals to spare about your business or exchange knowledge.
What does an accommodation such as a coliving cost?
My experience so far is that it is around €1000 per month. Usually that is also the minimum term that is used. A shorter period is also possible, or you can consult about the possibilities. Of course your destination has a huge influence on the price and also the period in which you travel. I have been to several coliving in Spain so far, in Tenerife, Portugal and Morocco. Other popular destinations for colivings are Colombia, Mexico, Greece and Bali. But nowadays you can find this type of accommodation in every country, including from Outsite.
Is a coliving something for you?
Coliving is ideal for people who like to travel, but at the same time need a work-friendly environment and social interaction. Whether you are an experienced digital nomad or want to work remotely from abroad for the first time, a coliving is ideal. Have you become curious? Then Outsite is a great place to start. With locations around the world, a great community and a flawless booking process with all kinds of tips, they really make remote working and traveling a joy.
Marrakech positively surprised me as a remote work destination. The mix of the extraordinary culture, affordable lifestyle and inspiring people made it an unforgettable experience. So, if you are looking for a new place to work with a little adventure and nice weather definitely consider staying in this coliving!
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