This panel led the participants down an explorational journey of remote & nomad coliving while redefining conventional concepts surrounding home and work life and opening a whole new array of possibilities for digital nomadism.

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What was covered in this session?

• The speakers elaborated upon the allure surrounding remote and nomad coliving, further probing into the positive impact of such spaces on the modern working professional’s life.
• The panel also shed fresh light on the unique experiences and challenges faced by those embracing a nomadic lifestyle, as conversations dove into evolving trends and growing popularity of remote coliving communities around the world.
• The attendees learnt more about the inner workings of  innovative workspaces and collaborative environments that cater to the needs of remote workers and nomads. It was an invaluable look into what it takes to create spaces that nurture productivity, creativity, and a sense of community.

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Impact-Driven Coliving and Community Development

In the world of coliving, the impact-driven approach is not just about creating accommodation spaces but contributing positively to local communities and regions. Julianne Becker, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Coconat, exemplifies this by illustrating their commitment to community growth and local development. Coconat's comprehensive offerings, including workstation coliving, coworking spaces, and makerspace facilities, contribute to skill-sharing, cultural exchange, and community engagement. By hosting over 40,000 overnights since 2017, Coconat has been more than just a place to stay; it's a catalyst for positive change in the region. 

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Grassroots marketing strategies, shared by Becker, have been instrumental in building and sustaining these communities. Coconat's focus on social media, word-of-mouth, and organic growth has not only attracted like-minded individuals but has also encouraged guests to become active participants in the community. By promoting a sense of shared ownership and engagement, they foster a genuine feeling of belonging among their guests. In this way, impact-driven coliving embodies a two-way street, benefiting both guests and the local community.

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Expanding Coliving Horizons and Investment Strategies

The evolution of coliving has led to a shift in focus from just urban hubs to a more diverse range of destinations. Stijn Beauprez, CTO & Co-Founder of Outsite, offers valuable insights into this expansion strategy. Outsite's 50 properties across 88 countries, mainly in the US, Mexico, and Portugal, are a testament to this. By catering to lifestyle cities and remote locations, Outsite adapts to the preferences of digital nomads. They prioritise locations that offer tranquillity in nature while also meeting the demands of a broader audience.

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Beauprez highlights the importance of diversifying investment strategies. Outsite's approach involves both local and international partnerships. They meticulously select new locations based on customer demand, ensuring a balanced risk and opportunity for their investors. As the coliving sector continues to grow, understanding these investment strategies will be crucial for anyone entering the market. This shift toward more diverse destinations and balanced investment strategies is key to the continued success and sustainability of the coliving sector.

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Building Communities and Dynamic Pricing in Coliving Spaces

Community-building is not just a buzzword but a cornerstone of successful coliving spaces. As Stijn Beauprez emphasises, it goes beyond providing lodging; it's about creating an environment for like-minded individuals to connect, share experiences, and build lasting relationships. Beauprez's insights into Outsite's use of tools like WhatsApp groups exemplify how coliving operators encourage community engagement. These platforms enable guests to connect, plan activities, and even organise their events, fostering camaraderie and shared experiences that are central to the coliving experience.

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When it comes to dynamic pricing, coliving spaces face unique challenges. Beauprez acknowledges this by underlining the need for cautious pricing changes to preserve the closely-knit communities. However, operators are exploring strategies to adapt to seasonal demand while maintaining profitability. Striking the right balance between pricing flexibility and community cohesion is a challenge that requires ongoing innovation. Beauprez's insights shed light on the evolving dynamics of dynamic pricing in the coliving industry.

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Transforming a Remote Location into a Coliving Space

Matthias Zeitler, Leader at Coliving Semkovo, shared his journey of transforming a remote location into a vibrant coliving space. What began as a small co-working space in Bansko grew over the years into one of the leading digital nomad destinations. Coliving Semkovo emerged from the idea of bringing people together not just for work but also to live in a rural, 1000 square metre building. Located approximately 17 kilometres from the nearest town with only about 3,000 residents, it truly stands as a remote coliving destination. This project represents a village of its own, featuring a restaurant, a shop, a pool, communal spaces, and individual apartments. Notably, Coliving Semkovo operates as a cooperative where people buy apartments in the building, renting them out to coliving guests, fostering a unique sense of community ownership.

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Activating Remote Destinations Through Grassroots Marketing and Community Building

Matthias Zeitler foregrounded the importance of activating the community when transforming remote destinations. His experience in Coworking Bansko highlighted the power of word-of-mouth marketing and personal connections. Hosting events and developing strong community ties created an organic buzz, drawing more people into these spaces. Additionally, he discussed giving ownership to people in the target group, a concept that enables those already engaged with the coliving community to attract more guests, thereby fostering community-led marketing. These community aspects are key for the marketing strategy of coliving and coworking spaces.

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Season-Led Demand and the Future of Rural Coliving

As for season-led demand, Matthias Zeitler suggests focusing marketing efforts on the offseason. While ski season attracts visitors to Bansko during the winter, there are periods in spring and fall that require more targeted promotion. Interestingly, some individuals prefer the offseason precisely for its lower occupancy, allowing them to concentrate and work more effectively in a quieter environment.

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Leah Ziliak, the Coliving Consultant, shed light on the future of rural coliving. She anticipates that more rural spaces will emerge, especially with governments promoting digital nomad visas. These regions can attract nomadic communities by offering unique coliving experiences. Hybrid hospitality, which combines the benefits of coliving and coworking with the amenities of a hotel, is a growing trend, drawing more people into these spaces. Rural areas that may not have been on the nomadic radar will become appealing destinations with the right community-building initiatives. Additionally, events like festivals serve as effective entry points to entice people into these areas and retain them for extended stays.

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Understanding the diverse nature of nomads, Leah Ziliak differentiates between new nomads who move quickly, "slowmads" who stay for extended periods, and part-time nomads who have a home base. The variety also extends to entrepreneurs and nine-to-five remote workers, with different preferences for coworking spaces and accommodation. Families are an emerging demographic, presenting a demand for family-friendly coliving spaces where both parents and children can enjoy the community aspect while balancing their unique needs. As coliving evolves, providing tailored experiences for these diverse nomadic profiles will become essential for success in this industry.


Reflecting on the success of the first 2 editions, Coliving Conference 2025 is now in full swing. The 2-day conference is set to bring another year of industry-leading discussions, featuring expert insights, emerging trends, and innovative ideas shaping the future of shared living. Secure your spot today and be part of the conversation.