Nine Coliving — Local services in La Orotava

I really struggled with what stars to give for this review, as the owner and community managers at nine delivered on everything they promised.

However, a lot of the time, I felt I didn't really fit in at nine and have to admit to feeling relieved when my 3-week stay came to an end.

While there were real highlights (Eurovision on the rooftop, the impromptu lunchtime dancing session suggested, baraquito in the square and the brilliant community day), other times I struggled with just not feeling part of a community.

In terms of what nine promises to deliver: big variety of events, daily yoga, stunning setting, delicious healthy breakfasts, a clean, well organised space with lots of activity and variety - all 100%.

If it were just on what nine provides, I would give 5 stars.

In terms of my actual enjoyment of the experience, for most of the time, I'd probably give a 2.5 or 3 out of 5.

Having now stayed in numerous co-living spaces, one thing that co-live owners and hosts can attempt to influence, but in reality never control, are group dynamics.

While no one was remotely horrible to me, I found a strange dynamic.

One night you'd have a fantastic deep conversation with a fellow co-liver, the next day they'd walk past you in the hall and barely acknowledge you.

There were lots of other 'micro' incidents. For example, being kindly offered a lift to the beach by 3 co-livers and spending the day there with them, but then not being included in the conversation.

Maybe it was to do with the fact that quite a few of the co-livers had been there a while and done other co-livings and/or stays at nine together. Maybe not.

Perhaps it was me(!), although I did involve myself in a lot of events and made the effort to mingle and talk to everyone.

Out of all of the co-living experiences, I've done (which have now been many in the past few months), I've felt part of the community pretty much from the get go. Sadly not at nine.

The reason I'm writing this review is, after much reflection, to give balance and honesty.

Perhaps others that go to nine feel the way I do, but because Ann and the community managers are lovely and do all they can, they give five star reviews, or don't review at all.

I don't believe there's any constructive feedback I can give to nine to improve the experience from what they're already doing.

It's purely to do with the dynamics you encounter at the time.

Just wanted to present a balanced view.

On more mundane matters: I had a very spacious en suite room, although it was a bit damp. The wifi worked very well in the office. It didn't work well in my bedroom, but Ann sorted that. The location was the absolutely beautiful town of La Oratava, which I loved. It was often shrouded in cloud, so if you want non-stop beating down sun, South Tenerife would probably be a better fit. The daily breakfasts were healthy and plentiful. I liked nine's commitment to...

Nine was my first experience of co-living and I absolutely adored it. I originally came for 5 weeks in Nov-18 but extended until the end of Mar-19 staying for almost 18 weeks! If that doesn't show you how amazing this place is, let me explain the things that I think make Nine special :)

*Community: As a new Digital Nomad, I was concerned I was going to feel lonely while travelling. The day I arrived at Nine I was immediately reassured. This place attracts amazing people, and with all the group hikes, meals, BBQs and yoga co-ordinated by Anne, I was never short of company.

*Location: Nine is located right in the middle of La Oratava's old town. The view of the historic buildings from the rooftop is amazing and the town has an authentic feel as there are very few tourists. There is a supermarket and Cross-fit 5 minutes walk away. What else do you even need? On top of this, being located in the North of Tenerife, there were so many hikes and activities nearby to do. I really think North Tenerife is an un-tapped travel destination worth discovering.

*Workspace: There is a unique energy to the workspace at Nine that lends itself well to productivity and making money :) I can safely assure you that this is regardless of who is there since I stayed for 4 months and through many groups and the energy always remained. I think it is the combination of comfy, well-equipped desks combined with lots of natural light, through the large windows that create such a healthy work environment.

*House & Rooms: My bedroom felt immediately homey, with everything I could need while living there for over 4 months! As I mentioned earlier the community is everything, but the house is so big that it is never a challenge to find your own space outside of your bedroom. There is a huge rooftop that is perfect for sunshine working, a beautiful garden ideal for creative drawing and on a rainy day you can curl up on the sofa in the livingroom with your laptop and a cup of tea. Perfection.

*Hosts: Above everything else my favourite thing about Nine are the hosts, Anne and Lara (the dog). Anne goes above and beyond for all of her guests, and is the reason the people here begin to feel like family. Lara is the most delightful, easy-going yet energetic dog I have met and she seems to naturally adapt to every different guest. It's incredible. I will miss them so much, but know that I will definitely be back to visit again soon!

Thanks again for such an amazing experience.

I cannot recommend this...

I spent two weeks at Nine, and if I had my time again, I would have stay for a month+. Nine is a co-live, yes - but it's a home, and it's a family, it's an experience of culture and connection and passion wrapped up in one. The space was highly recommended to me, so yes my expectations were high and my expectations were exceeded.

In my opinion, Nine gets to the core of what co-living is about. Which is experiencing a life that different from your own, I see this happening in three ways - it comes from experiencing culture, evolving as an individual in a new environment, and community engagement. Nine, facilitated experiences in all these areas.

I was touched by the warmth of the staff, the openness and (literal) open arms on my arrival. I felt so at home and so comfortable, this was not because I am adaptable, it is because every aspect of community and care has been considered.

Anne the owner, has been incredibly intentional with the space itself but also the energy that the space offers. The feeling of Nine is warmth. The staff, all of them, embody what Nine is about, they all make an effort to get to you know. They all ask questions, and they all bring their own unique aspects and are the perfect blend of professional/supportive/friendly.

As a young female travelling on my own, it's really important for me to feel safe and supported where ever I go, and I felt very held in this environment. The staff even helped me figure out how to pay a fine (that I couldn't read in Spanish), in places like this, it's so often the small moments of care, that speak wonders.

Nine are pioneers in the Co-living world, if you haven't already, it's one to add to the bucket list.

Things that will stay with me: I adored the family dinners, these were a highlight of my time (as were the lunches and days out!). My room was magic, I was in the Mimi room, its colourful and spacious and close to the kitchen so was perfect for early morning teas! I cannot explain how special the work space is, I was SOO productive, despite also being so social, because I felt so inspired to work and write by the beautiful windows. I'm a sucker for organisation so I loved the systems of Nine, the individual boxes in the kitchen, how payments are none, the very informative slack channel ect.

All I can say is I am forever grateful for this experience and I hope the world gets to experience the...