Why We Have a Call With Everyone Who Wants to Join (And What We're Actually Looking For)

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We get this question a lot: "Wait, I have to do a call before joining?"

Yes. A quick one.

And before you think this is some formal interview with trick questions and a panel of judges – it's really not. We're probably drinking coffee in our pyjamas. There's no script. It's just a conversation.

The call isn't about us judging you. It's about making sure we're right for each other.

Because here's what nobody tells you about colivings: finding the right one matters. A lot. And a 15-minute chat can save you from spending a month somewhere that's completely wrong for your vibe.

So yeah. We chat with everyone. And here's what we're actually looking for 🍝

Why We Started Doing This

In the beginning, we didn't have calls. Someone filled out the form, they paid, they showed up. Simple.

But we kept noticing something: the best months weren't about the location or the weather or the house. They were about the people.

When everyone was aligned – when the whole group was there for the same reasons – magic happened. Friendships that lasted years. Inside jokes that still come up in group chats. People crying at goodbye dinners because they didn't want it to end.

And we realized: that doesn't happen by accident. It happens because somehow, the right people found each other.

So we started being more intentional about it. Not exclusive. Not picky in a snobby way. Just... thoughtful. A quick call to understand who you are and what you're looking for, so we can make sure Casa Basilico is actually going to be what you need.

Turns out, that small step made everything better.

What We're Actually Looking For

Let's be real about this. We're not looking for a specific job title or income level or Instagram follower count. We don't care if you're a developer or a designer or a freelance dog photographer.

We're looking for a vibe. And it's hard to put into words, but we'll try.

People who've been out in the world a bit. Not necessarily digital nomads with 47 countries stamped in their passport. Just someone who's traveled, shared spaces with strangers, knows what it's like to adapt. You don't need to be an expert – just open to the adventure.

People who like sharing. The kitchen, the table, the conversation. We cook together every night. We eat together. We spend a lot of time in common spaces. If that sounds fun to you, you'll love it here.

People who care about the group. This sounds corporate and gross, but what we mean is: people who give a shit. Who notice when someone's quiet and pull them into the conversation. Who help clean up without being asked. Who add energy instead of just consuming it.

Flexible, go-with-the-flow types. Plans change. The car breaks down. Someone suggests a 5am hot air balloon ride. If your response to unexpected things is "sure, let's see what happens" – you'll thrive here. We're not big on rigid schedules. Spontaneity is kind of our thing 😏

People who actually want to connect. Not network. Connect. We're not interested in collecting LinkedIn profiles or business cards. We want people who'll have a glass of wine and talk about their childhood, their fears, their weird theories about the universe. Real conversations, not elevator pitches.

Who Tends to Love It Here

Over 200+ guests, we've noticed some patterns. The people who have the absolute best time tend to be:

Experienced nomads who've tried other colivings. They've seen the generic ones – the scheduled activities, the forced icebreakers, the "family dinners" that feel like corporate team-building. They come to us because they've heard we're different. And then they keep coming back.

People in some kind of transition. Post-breakup, career change, just quit their job, need a reset. Something about leaving your normal life and landing in a kitchen full of strangers cooking pasta... it shakes things loose. In a good way.

Foodies. Obviously. If you light up at the idea of making fresh pasta from scratch, learning Italian recipes, eating way too much cheese – you're our people.

People who are a little scared but doing it anyway. Honestly? These are some of our favorites. The ones who almost didn't book because they were nervous. Who showed up not knowing anyone and wondering if they'd fit in. And then became the heart of the group by the end.

What the Call Actually Looks Like

People get nervous about this. They really shouldn't.

It's literally just a video chat with Juls and/or Fabio. 15-20 minutes. We're not in suits. There's no panel of judges. We're probably sitting somewhere chaotic with a coffee.

Here's what happens:

We tell you about us. The story of how Casa Basilico started. What a typical day looks like. What the upcoming chapter involves – the location, the house, what's included. We want you to actually understand what you're signing up for.

We ask about you. Not interrogation-style. Just... tell us your story. Have you traveled before? What are you looking for? What does a good month look like for you? What questions do you have?

We answer everything. The WiFi situation, the room options, the food, the vibe, the other guests who've already booked. Whatever's on your mind. No stupid questions.

We feel each other out. This sounds weird but it's real. By the end of the call, you'll have a gut sense of whether this feels right. And so will we. It's mutual.

That's it. No trick questions. No weird tests. Just a conversation to make sure we're excited about each other.

What Happens After

If we're both feeling it, we send you an email with room options and payment details. You pick your room, pay, and you're in. We add you to the WhatsApp group where you can start meeting other guests before you even arrive.

The WhatsApp group is actually one of our favorite parts. By the time people land at the destination, they've already been chatting for weeks. The awkward "nice to meet you" phase is basically skipped. You show up and it already feels like seeing friends.

"But What If I'm Not Interesting Enough?"

We hear this sometimes. People who are nervous they won't be "enough." Who think they're too boring or too quiet or not adventurous enough.

Here's the thing: we're not looking for the most interesting person in the room.

We're looking for people who are genuine. Who show up as themselves. Who are open to connection even if it scares them a little.

Some of our best guests arrived shy as hell. Terrified. Didn't know anyone. Barely spoke for the first few days.

By the end of the month? They were the heart of the group. Dancing at 2am, cooking for everyone, crying at the goodbye dinner because they didn't want to leave.

Edgaras showed up to his first chapter sitting in the corner, barely talking. Four chapters later, he was DJ'ing our boat party in Brazil 🎧

We don't need you to be the life of the party on day one. We just need you to be open to becoming part of something.

The Real Reason We Do This

Here's the truth: the call is mostly for you.

It would be easier to skip it. Just take bookings, fill the rooms, move on.

But then you might show up expecting something we're not. Or we might not be able to answer questions that would've helped you prepare. Or you'd arrive as a total stranger instead of someone we've already met and are excited to see.

The 15 minutes we spend on a call makes the whole month better. For you and for everyone.

When you show up, you walk into a room full of people who all had that same conversation with us. Who all chose this for similar reasons. Who are going to become your friends.

That's worth the extra step.

Still Nervous?

If you've read this whole thing and you're still thinking "I don't know if I'd fit in" – that's actually a good sign.

The people who worry about fitting in are usually the ones who care about community. Who don't want to show up and be a burden. Who want to contribute something.

Those are exactly the people we want.

So if you're curious but scared – book the call anyway. Worst case, we have a nice chat and you decide it's not the right time. Best case, you're in the WhatsApp group next week meeting your future travel buddies.

There will never be a perfect moment. You'll never feel 100% ready.

But if something about this sounds like your kind of chaos... come with us 🌿

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