On the Ground

A Quarterly Snapshot for Advisors

A Quarterly Snapshot for Advisors

A Quarterly Snapshot for Advisors

september 2026

Spain | portugal | morocco

Spain | portugal | morocco

Welcome to our latest on-the-ground update from Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Inside you'll find what has caught our attention this quarter: new openings, fresh additions to our portfolio, experiences we are shaping in real time, and a few dates that are already influencing availability. Scroll through, explore, and save what sparks ideas for your clients.

What We've Been Up To

This quarter took the team across the Atlantic and back.

Danny hosted a wine tasting in New York alongside our partners at Travel Leaders, giving advisors a first look at what we're building in Spain's wine regions. A few snippets from the evening are up on our Instagram if you want to see how it went.

We also stopped by Fora's Amagansett farm stand pop-up. It's always good to see familiar faces on the road.

Back in Europe, Figen spent time in Madrid developing new experiences for the portfolio.

This quarter, we also launched our Checked Out series: short hotel reviews filmed on the ground by team members wherever they happen to be staying. Three episodes are live on Instagram. Head there to watch.

This quarter took the team across the Atlantic and back.

Danny hosted a wine tasting in New York alongside our partners at Travel Leaders, giving advisors a first look at what we're building in Spain's wine regions. A few snippets from the evening are up on our Instagram if you want to see how it went.

We also stopped by Fora's Amagansett farm stand pop-up. It's always good to see familiar faces on the road.

Back in Europe, Figen spent time in Madrid developing new experiences for the portfolio.

This quarter, we also launched our Checked Out series: short hotel reviews filmed on the ground by team members wherever they happen to be staying. Three episodes are live on Instagram. Head there to watch.

What We've Been Up To

keep an eye out

Happenings

Holiday Season

December availability in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco fills faster than most people expect. If your clients are thinking about a festive trip, now is the right time to start planning.

Sketching Spain 2027

An art journaling retreat through Catalunya and the Costa Brava, hosted by artist Taria Dawson. Spaces are limited and open now.

Eclipse 2027

The path of totality crosses southern Spain and northern Morocco, with some of the longest totality windows anywhere in the world. For clients who want to be in the right place, planning starts now.

New & Noteworthy Hotel Openings

New & Noteworthy Hotel Openings

Barcelona, Spain

Bless Barcelona

A 5-star opening on Passeig de Gràcia from the Bless Collection, with a rooftop, pool, and the brand's signature approach to design and gastronomy in the heart of the city.

Barcelona, Spain

Bless Barcelona

A 5-star opening on Passeig de Gràcia from the Bless Collection, with a rooftop, pool, and the brand's signature approach to design and gastronomy in the heart of the city.

Samaniego, Rioja Alavesa, Spain

Palacio de Samaniego

A 9-room boutique hotel in a restored 18th-century palace in the medieval village of Samaniego, with a signature French-Basque restaurant, gardens, and a strong wine focus in the heart of Rioja.

Samaniego, Rioja Alavesa, Spain

Palacio de Samaniego

A 9-room boutique hotel in a restored 18th-century palace in the medieval village of Samaniego, with a signature French-Basque restaurant, gardens, and a strong wine focus in the heart of Rioja.

Comporta, Portugal

Independente Comporta

40 rooms each with a private patio, 12 of which connect to create family suites, plus 24 villas with private pools ranging from studios to five-bedroom houses. Built for families and groups who want space without sacrificing design.

Comporta, Portugal

Independente Comporta

40 rooms each with a private patio, 12 of which connect to create family suites, plus 24 villas with private pools ranging from studios to five-bedroom houses. Built for families and groups who want space without sacrificing design.

Lisbon, Portugal

Six Senses Lisbon

The Six Senses brand arrives in Lisbon later this year, bringing its signature wellness focus to one of Europe's most compelling city destinations.

Lisbon, Portugal

Six Senses Lisbon

The Six Senses brand arrives in Lisbon later this year, bringing its signature wellness focus to one of Europe's most compelling city destinations.

Lisbon, Portugal

JNCQUOI House

A boutique luxury opening in Lisbon from the JNCQUOI brand, known for its design-forward approach and strong food and beverage identity. Opening September 2026.

Lisbon, Portugal

JNCQUOI House

A boutique luxury opening in Lisbon from the JNCQUOI brand, known for its design-forward approach and strong food and beverage identity. Opening September 2026.

Sitges, Spain

Casa METT Sitges

A relaxed 5-star opened July 2026 in one of Catalonia's most characterful coastal towns, 35 minutes from Barcelona. Unhurried by design, with a strong food offering and easy access to the beach.

Sitges, Spain

Casa METT Sitges

A relaxed 5-star opened July 2026 in one of Catalonia's most characterful coastal towns, 35 minutes from Barcelona. Unhurried by design, with a strong food offering and easy access to the beach.

Hotel images are taken from each property’s official website for reference and attribution.

keep an eye out

Happenings

Holiday Season

December availability in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco fills faster than most people expect. If your clients are thinking about a festive trip, now is the right time to start planning.

Sketching Spain 2027

An art journaling retreat through Catalunya and the Costa Brava, hosted by artist Taria Dawson. Spaces are limited and open now.

Eclipse 2027

The path of totality crosses southern Spain and northern Morocco, with some of the longest totality windows anywhere in the world. For clients who want to be in the right place, planning starts now.

Designed for Shared Travel

Larache, Morocco

La Fiermontina Ocean

On the wild Atlantic coast an hour south of Tangier, pool suites and a family villa set among sand dunes, with a private beach club, hammam, and activities from surf to horseback riding. A compelling Morocco option well beyond the Marrakesh circuit.

Marbella, Spain

Don Carlos Leisure Resort & Spa

Newly renovated and set in 14 acres of tropical gardens on the Costa del Sol, with two beach clubs (one adults-only, one family), an exceptional kids club, and generous suite and villa options for larger groups.

Ronda, Spain

Finca La Morera

A 6-room private finca in the hills outside Ronda, available by the room or exclusively for groups. Ideal for families or multigenerational groups who want privacy, space, and a genuinely Andalusian setting away from the usual resort circuit.

Ericeira, Portugal

Blanco Bungalow

A farmhouse-style property close to the Atlantic coast, surrounded by nature and a short drive from Ericeira's beaches. Kid-friendly, unhurried, and well-suited to families who want something quieter than a conventional hotel stay.

Newly Curated Experiences

We are constantly refining our experiences portfolio, adding only what feels unique, adaptable, and true to the place it comes from. Each new experience is shaped around real trip flow, so it works just as well for couples as it does for families and multigenerational travel. We prioritize local rhythm over spectacle, choosing experiences that respect communities, seasonality, and the people who live there. The result is a collection that stays fresh, relevant, and deeply rooted.

Words that stay with us

  • Guides of his caliber are rare

    Ching | September 2026

    Our guide, Sean, was truly exceptional. Sean is a trained historian who is remarkably articulate and deeply engaging. What truly set him apart was his personal attentiveness: he made the effort to learn and repeat our names right away and thoughtfully checked in on one of our seniors to ensure his back was comfortable. Guides of his caliber are rare, and he is a fantastic asset to your team!

  • Guides of his caliber are rare

    Ching | September 2026

    Our guide, Sean, was truly exceptional. Sean is a trained historian who is remarkably articulate and deeply engaging. What truly set him apart was his personal attentiveness: he made the effort to learn and repeat our names right away and thoughtfully checked in on one of our seniors to ensure his back was comfortable. Guides of his caliber are rare, and he is a fantastic asset to your team!

  • When an artist is your guide

    Henry | September 2026

    Stepping away from the traditional cathedrals and palaces today for something truly vibrant! Huge thanks to our incredible Madrid-born guide and artist, Maria. Experiencing contemporary art through her eyes, and finishing in her colorful studio, made our trip so wonderfully unique.

  • Wonderful experience with the Adler & Marlow team! Wonderful experience!

    Briana | August 2026

    A huge thank you to the entire Adler Marlow team. Geoff, you were truly a rock star throughout this entire trip. I appreciated having him and the team on the ground and knowing they were in such good hands. And a huge thank you to Pedro as well for stepping in and helping with all of the final details. I loved working with you and hope we have many more trips together!

Stay of the Month

Cava & Hotel Mastinell

Vilafranca del Penedès, Spain

Experience to Plan Around

A guided cellar visit that moves from the working vineyard into the caves below, tracking the full cava production process from vine to riddling rack, finishing with a tasting of Mastinell's own wines and cavas. Hands-on, unhurried, and rooted in the land that surrounds the hotel.

Why it works

The building itself is the first thing that surprises: designed to emulate the sinuous form of cava bottles on a riddling rack, with just 13 rooms set among the vines outside Vilafranca del Penedès, 50 minutes from Barcelona. The restaurant, En Rima, works strictly with local, seasonal produce and pairs everything with Penedès wines. A pool, cellar, and a strong sustainability ethos round it out. A personal favourite Danny has returned to twice, and one that consistently delivers on both design and experience.

online events

Online Events

These sessions are a focused way to explore a region with us, built for advisors who want sharper context and real trip-building insight. New dates are announced as they’re confirmed, and past sessions remain available to watch anytime.

Virtual FAM: Portugal, Off the Edge

November 17, 2026

Virtual FAM: Into the Vineyard

Past Event

Virtual FAM: Portugal, Off the Edge

November 17, 2026

Virtual FAM: Into the Vineyard

Past Event

employee spotlight

Ana Manessiez

Senior Travel Coordinator & Master of All the Moving Parts

Nationality

Portuguese (Lisbon-born and raised)

Current location

Arraiolos, Alentejo, Portugal

years in adler marlow

4 years

current destination crush

Kenya, and all of Africa

Best Travel Habit

I overorganize all my travel documentation to avoid any travel friction - yeah... I'm "that one" on the friend travel group :), although I LOVE going solo.

Your favorite part of the job

- On a work level: The adrenaline of precision logistics behind the scenes, connecting all the dots for an amazing day trip.

- On a personal level: The complete freedom over my work environment.

Where to Find Us

upcoming shows

Join us at DUCO in Marbella, October 19-23, and ILTM Cannes, November 30 - December 3.

DUCO Marbella

October 19–23

ILTM Cannes

November 30 – December 3

keep an eye out

Happenings

Certain dates compress availability fast, and these three are already doing it. The difference is simple: when we plan early, we can protect the right hotels, the right pacing, and the kind of access that makes the trip feel effortless.

June

Gaudí celebrates it's 100-year anniversary of his passing.

Holiday Season

December availability in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco fills faster than most people expect. If your clients are thinking about a festive trip, now is the right time to start planning.

August

Solar eclipse has a premium viewing in the Balearic Islands

Sketching Spain 2027

An art journaling retreat through Catalunya and the Costa Brava, hosted by artist Taria Dawson. Spaces are limited and open now.

Eclipse 2027

The path of totality crosses southern Spain and northern Morocco, with some of the longest totality windows anywhere in the world. For clients who want to be in the right place, planning starts now.

September

Formula 1 will be happening in Madrid.

Ready when you are

Share a vision, a wish, or a feeling and we’ll help shape it into a journey.