Meet the Team
Nigel Hack
Founder & CEO
Born and raised in England, Nigel first came to live in Spain in 1992, having finished his studies at the Universities of Nottingham and Cambridge. In 1997, he left his post as a history teacher in a prestigious British school returning to renew his enduring affair with Madrid.
It wasn’t until 1999 however that the “& Beyond” was added when he set up the company. Nigel has always adopted a “work hard, play hard” approach to life and has totally embraced the Spanish lifestyle. He relishes family life in a country where children are well-received everywhere. There are few areas of Spain and Portugal that Nigel has not visited, and in a constant quest to offer clients private access to unique places, people and experiences, he travels as much as raising two children permit him to!
Over the last few years, Nigel has also travelled in Asia, Africa, Central and South America and always practices what he preaches… by using local experts and seeking out great local insider experiences.
He ardently believes travel is all about PEOPLE… what really counts are the people you encounter, and the genuine experiences you share with them. He is a huge sports fan and plays golf and tennis as much as time permits.
Oscar Soler
Director
Originally from Barcelona, Oscar moved to the island of Menorca as a teenager but left the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean in his late teens to further his life experiences, education and language skills in Germany, the UK, New Zealand and France. After moving to Madrid, Oscar met Madrid & Beyond founder, Nigel Hack, and so began their long professional relationship.
Oscar has profound knowledge of Spain and Portugal and always manages to add something special to every itinerary. His experience and professionalism ensure successful trips whether for a couple, family, group of friends or the private jet charters for our partners in the US. He is relentless in making sure everything goes just right, time and time again going the extra mile for his clients. Anyone who works alongside Oscar is learning from the best in the business and it’s no surprise that many of them now hold senior positions in the company.
Beyond travel, Oscar is deeply passionate about cinema and the visual arts. Inspired by the power of storytelling, he enjoys channeling his creativity into everything he does. He has also led several video projects for Madrid & Beyond, combining his eye for detail with his love for film. Above all, he is the proud father of two wonderful young ladies.
Lara Grilo
Portugal Manager
Lara was born and raised in Cascais, near Lisbon, where she still lives with her family and two cats. From an early age, her love for travel and sharing the beauty of her country shaped her path, leading her to earn a degree in Tourism in 1999.
She spent years working with both Portuguese and international agencies in the outbound and corporate sectors before discovering her true passion in 2010: welcoming travelers to Portugal. Since then, she’s been fully dedicated to crafting authentic and enriching experiences.
Lara delights in exploring Portugal and Spain, always on the lookout for new gems – whether it’s a unique local experience or a tucked-away secret corner of Lisbon. Even today, she still finds joy in being a traveler in her own country, a perspective that fuels her creativity and care in every itinerary.
A passionate traveler, Lara is also a vegetarian and yoga enthusiast who cherishes slow mornings by the sea – often while dreaming of her next adventure.
Elena Fuentes
Sales Team Leader
Born and raised in San Sebastián, Elena has been passionate about travel for as long as she can remember. That deep-rooted curiosity about the world led her to pursue Tourism Studies in her hometown, which became the starting point for a journey that continues to evolve. During her studies, she spent a year in Austria and a couple of summers in the U.S., improving her English and immersing herself in different cultures.
In 2015, Elena moved to Madrid to complete an MBA – a move that was meant to be temporary, but the city’s vibrant energy, cultural richness, and endless opportunities for discovery quickly made it feel like home.
Travel remains a central part of Elena’s life. Every year, she sets aside time to explore – whether uncovering hidden corners of Spain, hopping across Europe, or venturing farther afield to keep expanding her worldview. Outside of work and travel, Elena is passionate about staying active and inspired. You’ll often find her on the yoga mat (her happy place), enjoying a good workout, or discovering new restaurants to indulge her love of great food and exceptional wine. For Elena, life is all about movement, discovery, and savoring every experience to the fullest.
Samantha Sarrió
Senior Travel Designer
Born on the beautiful island of Mallorca, Samantha moved to Alicante as a child, where she later studied Tourism Management. At 21, with her degree in hand, her curiosity led her abroad. She spent several formative years in France, completing a Master’s in International Tourism and Economy at La Sorbonne, followed by adventures working in Australia, Colombia, and Slovakia. Along the way, she explored destinations like Mexico, Thailand, Indonesia, Dubai, and much of Europe – each place enriching her perspective.
At 29, Samantha returned to Spain – this time to Madrid – to start a new chapter with her husband and growing family. She joined Madrid & Beyond in 2019 and immediately felt at home, inspired by the team’s warmth, passion, and deep knowledge of Spain. Since then, she’s felt grateful to be part of such a talented and genuinely caring group of professionals.
Now based in Madrid with her husband and three children, Samantha still loves to travel – especially with her family. Summers are often spent exploring Andalucía, having visited nearly all the white towns. Traveling with kids has also given her unique insight into what families truly value on a journey.
Detail-oriented and passionate, Samantha approaches every trip she designs with one clear goal: to exceed expectations.
Hazel Latoza
Senior Travel Designer
A true global citizen, she has called Spain home since 2010, when she moved to Spain with her Madrileño husband. Avid travelers, they’re now on their third Kombi campervan, spending countless hours on the road exploring every corner of the Iberian Peninsula with their young son. One of the first things that captivated her about Spain was how proudly locals share their regional specialties – a reminder that gastronomy is at the heart of Spanish culture. That, along with the country’s rich history and natural beauty, continues to inspire her travels. Her favorite family escape is Cantabria, where pristine surf beaches, the sound of cowbells, and sweeping views of the Picos de Europa come together in perfect harmony.
She first joined the Madrid & Beyond family in 2012 as a trip planner and spent four years with the company before relocating to Los Angeles. After three years in the U.S. and a brief visit back to her roots in Australia, she returned to Madrid in 2019 and rejoined the team as a Senior Travel Designer. With her background as a C-level executive assistant, a passion for travel, and an intuitive, empathetic approach, she is dedicated to crafting thoughtfully tailored journeys that reflect each traveler’s unique interests and style.
Benjamin Shacklock
Senior Travel Designer
After getting lost on a road trip through Spain, Benjamin decided to turn a detour into a new life. Originally from England, he has since travelled extensively across Spain and Portugal, driven by a passion for discovering places rarely mentioned online and meeting people with fascinating stories and uniquely Iberian lifestyles.
He delights in exploring the hidden corners of the peninsula – from the lush mountains of Asturias to the remote beauty of Extremadura and Portugal’s Alentejo region. For Benjamin, the true magic of Iberia lies off the beaten path: far from the crowds, where remarkable historical sites, extraordinary properties, and unforgettable moments await.
Though he often dreams of the Mediterranean – especially Valencia – his former home, Benjamin now lives in Madrid, a perfect launchpad for frequent adventures in all directions. Whether hiking in the great outdoors, enjoying phenomenal food, or peeling back the layers of Spain’s rich heritage, he continues to embrace every opportunity to go deeper into the soul of the Iberian Peninsula.
In late 2025 he looks forward to tying the know with his long-term girlfriend!
Gretchen O’Leary
Travel Designer
Originally from a small town in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State, Gretchen first discovered Spain in 2007 on a family trip planned by a small but savvy travel agency called… Madrid & Beyond! She still remembers exploring ancient castles in Trujillo and Cáceres, savoring paella on a beach in Nerja, and being awed by the Alhambra.
Her connection to Spain deepened during a semester abroad in Madrid in 2015 while studying at St. Lawrence University – an experience that inspired her to move back permanently in 2018. She’s called Madrid home ever since, with her family visiting each year to uncover new corners of the country together.
While living in Spain, Gretchen has embraced every opportunity to explore – from walking the Portuguese Camino and mountain biking in Madeira to running a half marathon in Ibiza, rafting in the Pyrenees, and seeing Taylor Swift live in both Lisbon and Madrid. For her, adventure is always on the itinerary.
Her love for Spain and Portugal continues to grow, especially when it involves discovering hidden gems, great wine, and a perfectly aged local cheese.
Marta De La Cruz
Travel Designer
Born and raised in Madrid, Marta has always been a dreamer with an insatiable curiosity for the world. Her passion for travel ignited when she spent a year in the United States, an experience that not only sharpened her English but also opened the door to a lifelong love of discovery.
Following her heart, Marta moved to London, where she spent a decade working in the world of luxury hospitality – including several cherished years at the iconic Claridge’s. There, she fell in love with the art of crafting meaningful journeys and creating unforgettable moments for others.
She believes deeply in the transformative power of travel. For Marta, the magic lies in slow road trips, small villages, and the simple, human connections that leave a lasting impression – where time seems to pause, and one feels part of something timeless. With warmth, care, and a touch of magic, Marta brings that same spirit to every itinerary she creates, designing experiences that are not only memorable, but deeply personal.
Filipa Figueiredo
Travel Designer
Filipa was born in Lisbon but spent her childhood immersed in the rolling vineyards and peaceful charm of Arruda dos Vinhos, a picturesque village just on the outskirts of the city. This blend of urban heritage and rural simplicity shaped her perspective from an early age. Being close to Lisbon provided easy access to its rich history and vibrant cultural scene, while the country life instilled in her a deep appreciation for nature and a strong sense of local identity.
Her love for art and history began as a child, with visits to museums and centuries-old churches across Europe. This fascination grew over time, leading her to study History of Art at university. Today, this passion continues to shape the places she is drawn to and how she experiences the world, always seeking out beauty, context, and the stories that give each place its soul.
As a Travel Designer, Filipa specializes in creating immersive, tailor-made experiences across Portugal and Spain, with a particular love for the serene Douro Valley and the wild beauty of the Azores. Whether it’s a riverfront wine estate or a volcanic island escape, she thrives on crafting journeys that are both authentic and unforgettable. When not designing dream getaways, Filipa enjoys the slower pace of countryside life, with her dog, Pinga, by her side.
Introducing some of our Extended Family….
A few faces who will be familiar to M&B Travelers… those providing insider access for M&B Travelers mostly on an exclusive basis.
The son of a former deputy prime minister, a food journalist, a chef, gypsy flamenco insiders, a fado musician, a former model and fashion expert, a national radio presenter and authority on all things taurine, a world blind wine tasting champion… just to give you an idea of the remarkable individuals who can put the smile on your faces when you come to Spain and Portugal…
What Makes Us Different
Creativity
Merit & Authenticity
Redifining Luxury
Make It Happen attitude
The Whole Team Travels
Our Approach To Each Trip
The WOW Effect
Ungoogleable Cultural Connections
Privacy & Exclusivity
Suppliers Summit
Recently, we proudly hosted our first-ever “Suppliers Summit” in Madrid at the prestigious Hotel Rosewood Villa Magna. Bringing together 70 of our top guides and insider experts from across Spain, Portugal, and the islands, we dedicated an entire day to workshops, presentations, and collaborative sessions. The goal? To ensure seamless communication and deliver a truly first-class experience for our travelers.
The summit was an outstanding success, and the glowing testimonials we’ve received since confirm that both our core team and extended network of guides, drivers, and local experts are consistently going above and beyond to make every journey extraordinary.
Leaving a
lasting legacy
We strive to give back to local communities all across Iberia, focusing on local crafts people, artisans and those in traditional industries struggling in the modern world eg local fishing communities.
In 2025 we hope to announce the birth of a Foundation that formalizes our current practices and enables us and our travelers to leave a lasting and telling legacy.
We are aware that the travel industry gets a bad rep for sustainability and are not naïve enough to consider ourselves all green eco warriors. That said, we do our very best at all times to reduce the carbon footprint of our travelers as much as policy.
We are 100% paperless and work alongside all our partners to eliminate all wasteful practices and encourage renewable energies wherever possible.