REC.ON Spain

Let me start with some basics:
* Beautiful surroundings, nice for hiking. Valez Rubio is a lovely town, small but lively enough. And a bonus: if you come in March, you'll see fields of blossoming almond trees all around the area.
* The coliving is a beautiful place; good camp spots for vans, very nice and very clean (cleanest I have seen on my trip) facilities, with a hot shower and lovely ambiance.
* Wi-Fi is really good; you could easily work there as many guests do. You can also set up your work spot in the gallery if you want to.
* There are seats and hammocks everywhere, there is a treehouse, almost every night a campfire, and the breakfast (that is included in the price) is really tasteful with good coffee.

So let's move on to the thing that makes this place from good to great, what brings that extra level, that unforgettable experience, and the reason many people (including me) will come back: The people.

The team has a vision, a dream that they live and share. Also, they have a talent: they know how to connect people, how to include people without force and without giving you the feeling you have to participate.

It is a place where artists can freely express themselves, and at the same time, if you do not consider yourself an artist, you do not have to do anything.. and you might even surprise yourself by experimenting.

Also, you can be or work in the garden, nap in the rocking chair, jump in the cold tub, or help get the hot tub going, which everyone can enjoy at the end of the day.

And you will feel included no matter how involved and engaged you are. Just be mindful of the following: you might stay longer than you planned.

The only place you can truly escape the pressures of the city

The mix of travelling by bike and a beautiful but remote Ecovillage in the middle of the mountains might not seem like an easy fit, but they went out of their way to make it work for us.

They would bring us to the village, provide amazing fresh food (and coffee!!!) and within a week they even gave us 2 mountain bikes to use to get to and from the town!

The place that they have built with the reformed Andalucian farmhouses, the fireplace, the communal outside kitchen and terrace transforms people.

You can interact with the people the same way as you interact with them; if you feel like it you can spend the whole day together and work on amazing projects, and if you don’t, you are totally free to retreat and have a ‘you-day.’

As an artist, I really found myself here; the interesting characters coming and going, the slow rhythm of the Andalucian countryside, and the natural food from the garden released me in a meditative way from the pressures that I had built up in my mind.

Over the years, we have lived in many places, but this was the first one that felt hard to say goodbye to. We are already thinking of our next time to go here, and if you are looking to let go of your stress, so should you.

This place can be a home to basically anyone;

- Van livers
- Digital nomads
- Writers
- Artists
- Travellers by bike

Muchos gracias, and hasta la proxima!

Snow-capped mountains and blossoming almond trees – here you can have it all at once! A lot has been written about this place and I am happy to confirm: it's all true :) I've seen a few projects and community spots over the years and this might just be my favorite so far. The team has a beautiful way of making everyone feel welcome and free to just be the way they are. They seem to know everything about the area, are happy to take you into their world and share & show you everything. And if you're an introvert 'hermit crab' like me; you can have your space and time as much as you want and still be part of the project. There are so many little spots and spaces to settle and enjoy the amazing landscape, listen to the birds, or chat with a fellow co-worker/creator. I loved the attention to detail that's in everything and the way you can admire the amount of work and love that's gone into this place in combination with creativity and artworks all over the place. Very inspiring and relaxing to be there – thank you, Dziękuję bardzo! hasta la próxima vez

Anonymized and corrected review text:

A loving, intentional environment has been created that makes it possible to step out of the rat race and reconnect with what actually matters.
I’m an artist from the United States preparing applications for a master’s degree, and this residency was the perfect place to focus, reflect, and truly deepen my work. The studio is stunning, with beautiful natural light, an easel, and a projector; everything you need to fully sink into a creative practice. The hosts are incredibly generous with their knowledge, especially when it comes to local materials and the history of the land, which makes working here feel grounded and alive.
What makes this place especially rich is the mix of people it attracts: artists, travelers, and digital nomads from all over. The conversations, shared meals, recommendations, and bits of hard-won wisdom feel like the opening pages of a novel: a gathering of distinct characters, each with their own accents, music, histories, vocabulary, and flavors to share.
Life here moves at a human pace: breakfast and coffee together every morning, visiting the chickens and dogs who live on the land, exploring the stunning mountain trails, grilling chorizo and fish, clinking glasses of local red wine, and laughing around fires as the sun goes down. It’s a place of care, beauty, and presence, and I’m profoundly grateful to have spent time here.

Since 2020 we have been coming here, sometimes several times per year. It always feels like coming back to our Spanish home. The team continues to be incredible, genuinely warm and passionate about what they do, but also how their guests experience the coliving. From the evening fires; to the wonderful hot tub; to coffee and chats in the morning. Keep up the amazing work you are doing here. It is a credit to all the hard work you have put in.

Such a beautiful place to unwind.

Rustic rural life with fantastic amenities. The wood-fired hot tub and the nights sat drinking wine and eating BBQ by the fire will remain memories forever.

We had the best 2 days with wonderful coliving hosts and a mix of really lovely interesting travelers happy to share their stories with us. Breakfast with the tribe was truly good for the soul stuff with delicious baking and some yummy bread from the tribe 😋 😊 honestly never experienced this level of kindness and willingness to share precious time with guests anywhere else on our travels. Location is stunning... we hiked up the mountains behind the camp and it's breathtaking. Facilities were comfortable, beautifully clean, and willingly shared. For a brilliant experience with like-minded conscious travelers, this is perfect. Thank you, we loved it and we will be back one day ❤️

I’m a filmmaker from Germany and just spent an inspiring week at a coliving, an art residency and ecovillage tucked into the Sierra Mara–Los Vélez mountains—quiet by day for deep focus, and breathtakingly dark skies for stargazing by night. The community cultivates a warm, international atmosphere that makes it easy to connect with like-minded creatives while still having the space to develop a project on your own schedule. If you’re looking for an affordable, tranquil place to write, edit, or plan production while meeting thoughtful people, this residency is a gem.

Setting and vibe
The residency sits in a tiny village of just a handful of houses surrounded by hiking trails and wide open landscapes—ideal for recharging, or long creative walks. Days are slow and quiet for focused work, while evenings often turn into relaxed community moments under a remarkably clear night sky far from light pollution. It’s the kind of environment that resets your pace and lets ideas breathe without distraction.

Community
The coliving was founded by individuals who bring a thoughtful, art-and-ecology ethos to everything from the studios to the shared meals, making the space feel both professional and welcoming. The mix of artists, writers, and digital nomads creates organic feedback loops and spontaneous collaborations without any pressure to perform. You feel supported but never micromanaged—a rare balance for residencies.

Workspaces and amenities
Between the gallery/coworking areas, outdoor creative spots, and calm coliving rooms, there’s a great variety of places to write, edit, or storyboard. Practicalities are covered—kitchen access, Wi-Fi, and quiet spaces—so you can keep a consistent workflow and still step out for a hike when you need perspective. Pricing is transparent and fair for long stays, which makes it a smart option if you’re budgeting for a focused creative block.

Coliving is a space great for travelers and artists seeking seclusion in a unique setting. They are very hospitable. They share with residents their love for Spain and vast knowledge about the culture. Residents are able to learn about upcycling, the mission of their work, and see its impact. The Boliami town is one of many to experience. A resident will feel welcomed by the locals, inspired by the natural scenery, and have designated time to create.

I had an AMAZING time staying at this coliving for one month. The staff are kind, friendly, and supportive, who made my stay a delightful experience. This is a great experience for artists, digital nomads, travelers, and anyone looking for a getaway that’s both secluded and guided by a pleasant community. The living spaces, garden, treehouse, outdoor areas, and the entire project overall are beautifully handmade with plenty of opportunity to reflect and make new memories. I recommend this coliving to anyone reading this!!!