Herewith another new workation adventure from one of our followers: Danique. Danique is a former colleague of Alieke’s at Frankwatching. In fact, when Alieke appeared with her first workation article in the AD, Danique immediately applied to Frankwatching. With success! It immediately created a bond, both in their thirties, in the marketing profession, travel-loving, single and eager for adventure. Having traveled quite a bit we both think colivings are the best places for solo travelers, in this blog you can read what it is and where Danique went in Spain. When the C period began, I initially enjoyed the convenience of working from home. No travel time, no office noise, just peace and focus on my work. But after a while, I wanted more than just the walls of my apartment. I wanted to get out, I wanted to be among people, I wanted to be stimulated. On Friday afternoons, I started working in cafes and restaurants in my area. No, not in service. Just as a marketer, at a table, with my laptop and a latte. How nice this was! During a city trip to Valencia, I got the idea to take my small-scale way of remote working to the next step. And so last year I went on a five-month workstation to Viva España!
The search for the perfect workation stay
I started in Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria. Before settling into the cozy apartment I found through Airbnb, I stayed in a hostel for a few nights. That seemed like the perfect way to get to know people for the rest of my stay. The first few days were great! It was the weekend and I headed out to explore the island with the other travelers. But on Monday, it became clear that I was the only one who was a different type of traveler: not a vacationer like the rest, but a digital nomad.
So when the rest went to the beach, I stayed alone in the hostel to work. That was quite difficult for a while, I will honestly confess.
I liked the peace and quiet of my own apartment. Unbelievable that I was really here, unbelievable that I was really doing this! For the people I had met in the hostel, the vacation was over and so I had to come up with a new plan to get to know people. Through Facebook I got in touch with French Anais who also worked in Las Palmas and we met the same day after work hours. From then on, we went out together regularly. We visited the weekend markets with local delicacies, made trips to the smaller villages, slaved away at pub quizzes for digital nomads and enjoyed salsa parties until the early hours. No shortage of activities in Las Palmas! During my stay at the hostel and in my own apartment, I was totally alive. The new stimuli I craved so much in Holland were more than enough here. I was forced out of my comfort zone again and again, and it’s true what they say: that’s where the magic happens! I felt more creative, energetic and confident by the day. In my search for my next place to stay, I stumbled upon the concept of coliving. Who would have thought that would become the greatest discovery of my workation adventure?
The biggest advantages of staying in colivings
A coliving is like a hostel for adults. At least, that’s how I always describe it. It’s a place where you can rent a room and share that place with other people who also choose to combine traveling and working. But it goes beyond that! In fact, a coliving aims to build a community. Since colivings are mainly aimed at location-independent freelancers and digital nomads, they often offer good working facilities. Fast wifi, rental of separate computer screens, separate work and meeting rooms. But what really made this the perfect accommodation for me?
- I met many new people in an easy way, from all corners of the world. Everyone had their own story and purpose, but the need for freedom and passion for travel was the same for everyone. I always found the atmosphere in colivings to be very open, and despite being far from home, it created a sense of belonging. I even gained very valuable friendships from it!
- The people I lived with contributed not only to my personal growth, but also to my professional growth. For example, we exchanged knowledge and ideas about starting your own business, building a website, setting up campaigns and SEO-proofing your texts. Or even more fun: some residents worked together on a project!
- Unlike my experience in the hostel, most of the residents in the coliving had the same daily rhythm as me. During the day we focused on the work that needed to be done, and after work we enjoyed relaxing and having fun together. This ensured that I never felt like I was missing anything. Thus, the perfect balance between work and leisure.
- There were more than enough activities organized after working hours and on weekends, so I never had to be bored. From a visit to a banana plantation to a brisk hike through the mountains. From canoeing at sea to a wine tasting in the coliving’s cellar. No stress, I was definitely not expected to participate in everything. Sometimes I also decided to spend an afternoon chilling in the hammock with my book or I went out on my own.
- Because I stayed in a coliving for a month each time, I was able to really connect with the place and the locals. I got an inside look at daily life, customs and traditions. The cashier at the supermarket taught me my first new Spanish words: bolsa (purse) and con tarjeta (with debit card). And most importantly, I knew how to find the best restaurants and parties!
Three coliving you really should visit
Have I piqued your interest? If so, I can recommend these three colivings from my own experience.
- Cactus Coliving is located in the south of Tenerife, in the small and quiet village of Valle de San Lorenzo. The old family home, which was once a gofio mill, is so big you can get lost in it. Watch the sunrise from the rooftop terrace, join the daily yoga session or join the barraquito workshop. Owner Maria and her dog Bartolo are happy to show you the hidden places of “her island. Want something a little more eventful? Then take the loaner car or bus towards the beach!
- Like Cactus Coliving, Nine Coliving is located in Tenerife, but in the northern town of La Orotava. It is a beautiful and large property built in 1852, overlooking the sea and the volcano El Teide! It is a 10-minute drive to the beach and there are several surf spots nearby. Fun fact: owner Anne is Dutch!
- Sun and Co is located in Javea, an hour’s drive from Valencia. The house and garden are a bit smaller, but the location is perfect! Right in the middle of the historic old town with lots of fun and good restaurants. Walk to the beach in about thirty minutes or take the bike and enjoy the route through the orange fields.
After my search through various places to stay, I can say with 100% certainty that colivings are my absolute preference. The experience of living and working together with like-minded people has enriched my life in every way!
