Earlier this year, while experiencing co-living for the first time at Sun and Co. - Coliving Coworking Community in Jávea, Costa Blanca, Spain, I grew curious about how others experience this lifestyle. To explore different perspectives, I launched a questionnaire with five unique scenarios and began collecting responses. This post is the first in a series where I’ll share those stories. If any of this resonates with you, feel free to reach out — or even better, share your own experience. The questionnaire will remain open for entries here.
When you first hear about co-living, you might think of shared apartments or student dorms. But for hosts like Carolin Richter, the idea goes far beyond shared spaces — it’s about creating a sense of community while balancing the individuality of each resident.
Carolin took part in our Host’s Journey series to share her experience of shaping and managing co-living spaces. Her story reveals the behind-the-scenes challenges, small wins, and the values that make communal living feel like home.
“I was first introduced to the world of coliving in 2021 when I stayed in a coliving space in Las Palmas. Later, I joined a pop-up coliving also in Gran Canaria, and both experiences turned out to be incredibly formative. I met so many inspiring digital nomads from different walks of life, and I stayed connected with many of them through social media. Their stories and ways of working sparked something in me. One day, I came across a job posting from Sun and Co., and it immediately gave me a strong gut feeling— it just felt right. I realized that coliving had already impacted my life in such a meaningful way, and the idea of not just living in a coliving space, but actually contributing to it as a community manager, felt like a natural next step. I decided to shift my career and follow that calling. What could be better than helping to create the kind of environment that once inspired me?”
“Absolutely — my own experiences as a coliving guest have had a huge influence on how I approach community management today. Having been on the other side, I understand how important it is to feel welcomed, seen, and included, especially when you’re arriving in a new place alone. I remember the little things that made a big difference: a warm welcome, spontaneous shared dinners, and the feeling of belonging to a temporary ‘home.’ These memories shape how I support residents now. I try to create spaces and moments that make connection easy — whether it’s through thoughtfully planned events or just being present for casual chats in the kitchen. I also pay close attention to individual needs and group dynamics, because I know that great coliving is built on empathy, flexibility, and genuine care. My goal is always to help others have the kind of positive, inspiring experience that first drew me into the world of coliving.”
“One unexpected thing I’ve learned from hosting people from all over the world is how often a shared mindset brings them together, regardless of their backgrounds, cultures, or professions. I used to think that differences would stand out the most — but instead, it’s the similarities in values, curiosity, and openness that consistently shine through. People who choose coliving often share a spirit of exploration, personal growth, and connection. This common mindset creates a strong foundation for community, even among strangers. Hosting has taught me that when you create space for people to be themselves, amazing things can happen — conversations flow easily, collaborations spark naturally, and everyone contributes to a sense of home in their own unique way.”
“Balancing structure with organic community growth is one of the most rewarding parts of my role. I see structure as a gentle framework — something that offers consistency, clarity, and a sense of rhythm for residents, especially those arriving for the first time. Regular events like family dinners, skill shares, or masterminds create opportunities for people to connect without pressure. At the same time, I’m very intentional about leaving space for spontaneity. Some of the best moments in coliving happen unplanned — like a last-minute hike, a deep conversation over coffee, or someone leading an impromptu workshop. I try to stay tuned in to the energy of the group and support those moments when they arise, rather than over-scheduling. It’s really about listening to the community, adjusting when needed, and trusting that people will shape the space in meaningful ways when given the room to do so.”
“One initiative that’s really helped make our coliving space feel more like home is the weekly rhythm we’ve created. Every Monday, we hold a community meeting where residents can co-create the week ahead, share their ideas, and take an active role in shaping the experience. It sets a welcoming tone and helps everyone feel involved from day one. We also use Slack as our main communication tool, which keeps things organized and makes it easy for residents to connect, share updates, or plan spontaneous get-togethers. Another great initiative — developed by the team — has been offering some Spanish lessons. It not only helps guests feel more at home in the local culture, but also brings people together in a fun and engaging way. All of these elements — carefully thought out and implemented by my team — help turn our space into more than just a place to stay. It becomes a true home where people feel connected, supported, and inspired.”
Reading through Carolin’s journey, I was struck by how much intentionality and heart goes into hosting. Her answers highlight three key insights:
For me, Carolin’s story is a reminder that co-living is never just about the physical space. It’s about the intentional effort to make people feel welcome, seen, and part of something bigger. That’s the real foundation of community.
👉 This article is part of our “Host’s Journey” series, spotlighting the people behind today’s most inspiring co-living spaces.
📩 Connect with me on LinkedIn or send a message.
With Love from Vancouver,
Annett
Founder, EmailBoutique.io
