Meet Your Professional Travel Team
Meet the people who take a comprehensive approach to your well-being, bring your journey to life, dedicated to crafting experiences that inspire and connect you to new places and people around the world. From visionaries to travel experts, our team works together to shape journeys that resonate and leave a lasting impression.
Marcelo Guimarães
Owner / Founder
Marcelo, a Brazilian native, moved to the US to study science and engineering. After a 20-year career, he followed his heart and entered the world of travel. His many passions include music and Math and he loves spending time with his beautiful wife and daughter.
STAY: Hotels that translate “luxury” into “authenticity”.
EAT: Perfect hotel breakfasts, Brazilian & Portuguese cuisine, grandma-cooked food.
EXPLORE: Residential neighborhoods abroad, restaurants with no menus in English.
Helen Barlow
General Manager
With over 20 years of travel industry experience, Helen ensures SilverOpus operations run seamlessly and efficiently. A native of England, she’s passionate about travel, reading, soccer, and exploring new restaurants with her family—Simon, Emily, and Jack.
STAY: By the ocean with easy beach access, exceptional service, and amazing food.
EAT: Fresh, locally caught seafood.
EXPLORE: Small local restaurants, charming bookstores, and inspiring art galleries.
Elle Taylor
Nordic Experience Specialist
Elle is a travel expert with a passion for immersive adventures and unforgettable experiences. She fell in love with traveling while studying abroad in Norway in 2010, and has since explored destinations worldwide from China to Switzerland to Peru.
STAY: Independent hotels with authentic breakfasts—my weakness!
EAT: Trying local ice creams like Peach & Basil Gelato or Norway’s Royal Triple Licorice bars are a must.
EXPLORE: Water calls to me—kayaking, sunrise beach walks, or even relaxing in a sauna (followed by a cold-plunge).
Rachel Merrill
Senior Program Designer
An experienced travel professional, Rachel specializes in crafting immersive global itineraries. She combines industry expertise with personal passion to deliver meaningful, authentic travel experiences to all SilverOpus clients. After spending 15 years in the California sunshine, she currently resides in Michigan with her family exploring
its many hidden gems.
STAY: Boutique hotel with complimentary bikes, personalized service and a killer view.
EAT: Flaky croissant or cinnamon bun.
EXPLORE: The local farmer’s market, food hall and beer garden in any city.
Victoria Mathisen
Logistics Specialist
Vicky is a detail-oriented problem solver who oversees tour logistics, client care and supplier coordination ensuring seamless group tour experiences. She enjoys spending time in the outdoors with her family and skijoring with her husky, Bella, during Minnesota's winters.
STAY: Remote cabin with an unforgettable view and a few luxuries.
EAT: Anything I don't have to cook sounds lovely!
EXPLORE: Mountain trails with rewarding sights along the way.
Aja Jackson
Logistics Specialist
With nearly 20 years in the travel industry, Aja is skilled in logistics, client care, and supplier coordination, creating memorable experiences with ease. A proud New Jersey native and mom to her energetic son Jax, she loves reading, traveling, shopping, trying new cuisines, and exploring art exhibitions.
STAY: Understated luxury, chic modern aesthetic, with a great spa and amazing views.
EAT: I'm a foodie so I love it all! Fresh seafood, lamb chops, decadent desserts, and good wine, cocktails and coffee are a must!
EXPLORE: Taking in museums, local art and shopping until I drop is always on my agenda.
Pedro de Arbelaiz
Systems Support Specialist
Pedro, a Buenos Aires native with expertise in luxury and sports travel, ensures accurate quotes and exceptional supplier representation. Outside work, he enjoys nature with his family, drumming, boxing, surfing, and reading, always embodying his favorite word: “Perfect!”
STAY: Anywhere with a window overlooking the sea, mountains or lake.
EAT: Anything I can't get at home.
EXPLORE: Castles, palaces and historical constructions.
Find Your Direction with Our Traveler’s Compass
Discover the heart and soul of SilverOpus through our Traveler’s Compass. Dive into the stories of those who journey with us, meet the passionate people behind the scenes, explore our rich history and guiding philosophy, find inspiration in our blog, and explore the curated hotels that make every stay unforgettable.