Dan O’Beirne — Founder of Magical Private Travel
A quote: “You May Delay, But Time Will Not, and Lost Time is Never Found Again.” – Benjamin Franklin
Dan is a member of a leading American travel consortium, Travel Leaders Network and Magical has been listed by PBS TV travel show host Rick Steves in his Spain travel guides and assisted Game of Thrones with location planning in Spain. Contact Dan
After a corporate job in USA, Dan’s Spanish language skills led him to Miami, Machu Picchu in Peru, Chile’s volcanoes, and Argentine wine estates. Later he explored the Great Wall of China, South Korea and WWII battlefields and foods of France and Italy. But in Iberia, his language skills opened more doors with friendly locals. This led to savoring the best foods and wines, many of the 60+ UNESCO sites. The vibrant ambiance of Spain and Portugal captured his heart as did his future wife who is a native of southern Spain. Dan’s amigos in Iberia and Morocco include artisans, artists, winemakers, government officials, Basque chefs, historians, doctors, entrepreneurs, flamenco guitarists, and more including the owners of a medieval castle.
In Portugal, Dan enjoys Lisbon’s historic 7 hills, Sintra’s one-of-a-kind architecture, Porto’s old world charm, the rustic Alentejo, the dazzling Duero Valley and Algarve. In majestic Morocco, he suggests not missing the exotic mix of historic architecture in Fez, Casablanca, Rabat and Marrakech. Also, Morocco’s charms include the unique the splendor of the Atlas Mountains, the sunsets over the Sahara desert and amazing hospitality in the luxury hotels of Morocco.
Rachel Harris – Senior Luxury Travel Expert & Partner Magical Private Travel
A quote: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So sail away from safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover.” – Mark Twain
Rachel’s our behind-the-scenes organizational machine. Her worldview combines working hard + enjoying life with family and friends whenever possible. She grew up in a family of “foodies” so traveling for her was often in search of a perfect meal. Many years ago, Rachel studied abroad in Spain and her host family were great cooks. It was during this time that she learned to cook a remarkable paella after many attempts and a few burned pans. Rachel’s Spanish friends showed her the huge difference between ”tourist trap Spain” vs. the top local places of savvy Spaniards. After working in a law firm she changed gears and entered the world of luxury travel and has never looked back. Rachel loves being outdoors and active with her daughters and dogs, reading, and painting when time allows. Contact Rachel.
Sofia Mendes – Southern European Luxury & Cultural Travel Expert
A quote: “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine
Sophia was born and raised in Portugal and was fortunate to travel with her parents frequently as a child visiting most of the Western European capitals. After university in Portugal, Sofia worked in England teaching Portugues and also further developed her English. She enjoys using technology to better organize our travel planning and also disconnecting to enjoy time with family. She travels frequently across Portugal, Italy, Spain, and France. She recently spent a week in Sicily and loves the Mediterranean lifestyle, wine and cheese tastings, country walks and classical music to name a few things. Sofia also loves curating hotels and enjoys putting her special stylish touches on everything. Finally she is helping her grandparents learn basic English to enjoy traveling around Europe more : Contact Sofia
Inés Torres – Spain & Morocco Luxury & Active Travel Expert
A quote: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller
Scandinavia, Japan, Argentina, Ireland, Morocco, and California are a few of the places this former English and Spanish teacher and world traveler has enjoyed. Inés enjoys modern and classic art, many types of music, hiking, running, cycling, and her grandmother’s exquisite Valencia-style paella. When not traveling she loves to hang out with her large family in Spain or with international friends. She spent a year in Dublin and another in California and speaks Spanish, Catalan, English, decent French and a bit of Arabic. Inés assists with travel planning and R & D. Hot air ballooning, sailing, surfing, mountain biking, e-biking and hiking are activities helps to coordinate for us. Contact Inés.
