About Smiling House
A story worth smiling about.
N°01 — Who we are
Smiling House Luxury began in the mountains of Switzerland, where founders Ira and Moriya Rockman built a vacation rental business with exceptional hospitality at its very heart.
N°02 — The alliance
From property managers to a global network.
Their success as property managers led them to a larger ambition: an entire network of luxury private properties, built specifically to connect affluent travelers with unforgettable vacation rental experiences.
Today, Smiling House stands alone as the platform that has redefined luxury in the vacation rental industry. Our alliance spans hundreds of global hosts and homeowners, each supported year-round by a dedicated Smiling House team.
N°03 — Holiday rentals
Free to enjoy the experience, not the logistics.
For owners of luxury accommodation, Smiling House manages the entire process — property maintenance, booking, guest welcome, and professional cleaning — so both host and guest are free to enjoy the experience, not the logistics.
N°04 — Bespoke experiences
Luxury accommodation deserves luxury experiences.
Our clientele seeks the authentic: excursions, cycling treks, cultural tours, sailing cruises, and journeys shaped entirely around a guest's chosen destination. The Smiling House team designs each experience around individual taste and travel style.
N°05 — Real estate
Opening the door to the finest properties.
For those seeking to own property in the world's most desirable locations, Smiling House's portfolio — built on years of experience in luxury vacation rentals — opens the door to some of the finest properties available today, across a range of sought-after destinations.
“Each treated with the same care and attention, wherever in the world they call home.”
— The Smiling House promise
Updated September 2026
N°08 — The people
Who runs Smiling House
Moriya Rockman
Co-founder
Built Smiling House with Ira from a small collection of Gstaad chalets; the company's voice in the short-term-rental trade press.
LinkedInIra Rockman
Co-founder
Leads the host and homeowner alliance behind the collection; his life in hospitality began in the Gstaad valley.
N°09 — Milestones
The story so far
- 2015
Smiling House is founded in Gstaad
Ira and Moriya Rockman begin with a small collection of alpine chalets in the Saanenland.
- 2019
First national coverage in Switzerland
SRF, Blick and Tages-Anzeiger report on the Gstaad chalets.
SRF, 10vor10 (2019) - 2020
Pioneer Award at the Shortyz
Moriya Rockman receives the industry's Pioneer Award in London.
Shortyz 2020 — Pioneer Award - 2021
BookingPal and THIRDHOME partnerships
Distribution and members-club partnerships take the collection to new channels.
BookingPal, THIRDHOME (2021) - 2022
Best Holiday Site Operator, Shortyz 2022
Smiling House Luxury wins at the first in-person Shortyz since 2020.
Shortyz 2022 winners - 2022
Triangle Luxury launches
A $700m luxury rental marketplace joins the group.
ShortTermRentalz, July 2022 - 2024
Swisstainable partnership with Swiss Tourism
Smiling House joins the national sustainability programme.
ShortTermRentalz, March 2024 - 2025
Villa Tracker and Guesty announce a collaboration
The group's B2B platform connects to Guesty's property managers.
Holiday Cottage Handbook, May 2025 - 2026
Disruptor Innovator Award, Shortyz 2026
Moriya Rockman is honoured in London; Hostaway integration follows in July.
Shortyz 2026 winners
N°10 — Recognition
Awards and shortlists
- 2026
- 2026
- 2022
- 2021
- 2020
N°08 — Questions
Frequently asked questions
Where is Smiling House based?
Smiling House is a Swiss luxury villa and chalet rental company based in Gstaad, founded by Ira and Moriya Rockman. While our roots are firmly in Gstaad and the Bernese Oberland, our collection of homes reaches travellers across 80 countries worldwide.
What does Smiling House offer?
We offer four connected services: fully managed luxury holiday rentals, concierge services (private chefs, transfers, ski instructors), a real-estate division for buyers, and Villa Tracker, our B2B platform for travel professionals. Each is delivered with the same warm, personal attention.
How large is the Smiling House portfolio?
Our curated network now spans more than 20,000 properties across 80 countries and 500+ destinations, from alpine chalets and island villas to city penthouses and historic castles. Every home is chosen for its character, comfort and quality.
Is Smiling House trustworthy?
Yes. Smiling House is I-PRAC certified, an independent safeguard against rental fraud, and upholds a clear Diversity and Inclusion pledge. Combined with our hands-on team and personally selected homes, it means genuine accountability behind every stay.
N°06 — Our values
A welcoming, inclusive environment for every guest, property owner, and employee.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. We provide fair and equitable service to all, and we are committed to building a diverse workforce with equal opportunity for employment and advancement.
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