One Year of Villa Issima: From a Dream to Award-Winning Luxury Hospitality on Lake Como

One year ago, my wife Veronique and I took a leap of faith that changed our lives. After spending over 20 years at Microsoft, I stepped away from the corporate world to pursue a shared dream: creating Villa Issima, a luxury villa on Lake Como designed around innovative architecture, thoughtful service, and a genuinely warm guest experience.

Our vision was simple but ambitious — to offer luxury accommodation on Lake Como with bespoke services at an accessible price, without compromising on design, comfort, or authenticity. We wanted guests to feel they were staying in a beautifully curated private home, not a traditional hotel.

From Renovation to Reality: Building Villa Issima

Villa Issima is the result of a 2.5-year renovation project, restoring and reimagining a historic Lake Como villa. Every detail — from the architecture and interiors to the guest experience — was intentionally designed to create something unique within the Lake Como luxury rental market.

This journey would not have been possible without partnering with exceptional local craftsmen, designers, and hospitality experts who shared our passion for quality and detail. Together, we transformed a vision into a home that reflects modern luxury while honoring its Italian heritage.

Our First Season: 160+ Bookings, 80 Five-Star Reviews

In our very first season, Villa Issima welcomed over 160 guest bookings and received more than 80 five-star reviews, a milestone that exceeded our expectations. Guests consistently mention our attention to detail, panoramic lake views, thoughtful amenities, and personalized service — many sharing that their stay felt less like a rental and more like visiting friends.

What has been most meaningful to us is the human connection. We’ve met guests from all over the world, many of whom left Villa Issima not just as satisfied visitors, but as friends.

Challenges, Growth, and Building a Luxury Hospitality Brand

Launching a luxury hospitality brand from scratch comes with challenges. Building awareness, driving direct bookings, and consistently delivering exceptional service requires resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from every piece of guest feedback.

Each challenge strengthened our belief that authentic hospitality, transparency, and genuine care are the foundations of long-term success.

Our Top 5 Learnings from the First Year of Villa Issima

1. If you have a passion and want to build something with someone you love — go for it

   Creating Villa Issima together has been the most rewarding experience of our lives.

2. Hard work always shows

   In luxury hospitality, effort is visible in every guest touchpoint.

3. Attention to detail defines the guest experience

   Small details elevate a stay from great to unforgettable.

4. Guests value great service and meaningful connection

   Most guests are a joy and deeply appreciate being cared for.

5. Strong partners are essential

   Trusted partners help turn vision into reality.

   
   

What’s Next: Expanding the Villa Issima Portfolio

As we celebrate our first year, we are also excited to share what’s next. In January 2026, we will be opening Villa Issima Hillside House in Cape Town, South Africa — the third property in the Villa Issima portfolio.

This new luxury villa will bring the same design-led philosophy, attention to detail, and personalized service to one of the world’s most spectacular destinations. We are truly excited to welcome guests to this next chapter of the Villa Issima story.

A Thank You to Our Guests

To everyone who has stayed with us, supported us, and shared your experiences — thank you. Villa Issima is more than a luxury villa on Lake Como; it’s a growing collection of homes built on passion, connection, and thoughtful hospitality.

We look forward to welcoming you again.

— Bradley & Veronique Hopkinson