Travel Day · Newark → Denver → Albuquerque
Thu, Apr 23 · 🛫 7:52 AM EWR · 🛬 1:03 PM ABQ · Welcome Dinner 6 PM
Long travel day with an early start — leave Whippany around 5:00–5:15 AM to clear EWR security comfortably. Two legs via Denver, short 1h 16m connection. Ground transport to Tamaya handled by Destination Southwest from ABQ baggage claim. Welcome reception at Oxbow Pool Area at 6 PM.
Travel
Ground transport
Group event
Dress code
Open in Maps · Hyatt Regency Tamaya
1300 Tuyuna Trail, Santa Ana Pueblo, NM
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Day 1 Notes
Departure · Early AM
1
Depart Whippany for EWR
~5:00–5:15 AM
Early morning departure. Confirm rideshare / parking the night before — no margin for a last-minute scramble.
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Route: Whippany to EWR is ~30 minutes in light traffic via Route 10 and I-78 East. Thursday morning rush adds ~15–20 minutes, so budget the full hour.
Night before: Confirm airport transport (Uber/Lyft, P4 parking, or drop-off). Pack business casual for Monday's meeting and the layering needed for Santa Fe evenings (see below).
Packing flags: Jacket for Thursday and Monday dinners. Button-downs and slacks for Friday/Sunday Dine Arounds. Sturdy closed-toe shoes for Saturday Jeep tour. Light layers — Santa Fe and Tamaya both cool off sharply at night in April.
Verdict: Set two alarms. Pre-check in on the United app the night before to avoid any morning surprises.
2
UA 2336 · EWR → DEN
7:52 AM – 10:24 AM · 4h 32m
Boeing 757-200, United Economy (Q). Seats 39B and 39A.
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Seats: 39B (Terry) and 39A (Joanna) — window and middle in the rear cabin.
Aircraft: Boeing 757-200. Longer single-aisle, typically has in-seat power and United's onboard streaming for personal devices.
Arrival in DEN: 10:24 AM local. Denver is one hour behind Newark (Mountain Time). You land and your watch goes back.
Verdict: The longer leg of the two. Grab breakfast or coffee at EWR before boarding — the first leg is usually when energy matters most.
3
Denver Connection
10:24 AM – 11:40 AM · 1h 16m
Tight connection. DEN is big — move straight to your gate, grab a snack only if you have a cushion.
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Reality check: 1h 16m sounds fine but DEN has three concourses (A, B, C) connected by underground train. Check gates on the United app the moment you land.
If delayed: The next UA flight to ABQ is typically a few hours out. If the inbound is running late, the gate agent can sometimes rebook proactively — flag it early rather than racing.
Verdict: Don't sit down. Walk to the next gate first, then decide if you have time for food.
4
UA 1402 · DEN → ABQ
11:40 AM – 1:03 PM · 1h 23m
Boeing 737-800, United Economy (Q). Seats 27C and 27B.
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Seats: 27C (Terry) and 27B (Joanna) — aisle and middle.
Arrival: 1:03 PM local at ABQ. Mountain Time — same zone as Denver, no change. Watch for Sandia Mountain views on approach if weather cooperates.
Verdict: Short hop. Save the window seat for Joanna if she wants the mesa views coming in.
Arrival · ABQ
5
Destination Southwest Transport to Tamaya
~1:15 PM pickup
Head down escalator to baggage claim and look for the sign with Laerdal logo. ~30 minutes to resort.
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Where to go: Once off the plane, take the escalator down to baggage claim. Look for a Destination Southwest greeter holding a sign with the Laerdal logo.
Shared ride note: Transport may be shared with a coworker depending on arrival timing. Check the Outlook invite on Terry's calendar for specifics on your assigned pickup and any ride-share pairing.
The drive: ABQ to Tamaya is about 30 minutes north, leaving the city and heading into the Santa Ana Pueblo reservation. The resort sits on 550 acres between the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande.
On arrival: Check-in at the main lobby. Confirmation #s 55383903-1 and 55383903-2. Rooms include private balconies or patios with mountain or courtyard views.
Verdict: Easiest part of the day. Relax, hydrate (altitude is ~5,000 ft at Tamaya — you'll feel it), and take a few minutes on your room's balcony before the reception.
Afternoon · Free Time at Tamaya
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Decompress Before Dinner
~2:00–5:30 PM · dinner 6 PM
Short window after travel. Stay close to the resort — low-effort options to shake off the day.
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Ground yourself on property: Walk the cottonwood trails along the Rio Grande bosque, or take a bench by one of the beehive fireplaces in the main lobby. The resort's 550 acres include walking paths with Sandia Mountain views.
Pool time: Three outdoor pools including the Oxbow (where tonight's welcome reception is held). A short dip is a reasonable way to reset after the flights.
Rio Grande Lounge: Craft cocktails and shareable bites with mountain views. Good low-commitment option if you want a drink before the reception but don't want to over-commit to a full sit-down.
Cultural Center & Museum (on site): The resort has an on-site cultural museum highlighting Santa Ana Pueblo history and pottery traditions. 30–45 minutes is enough for a first visit; you can return Monday afternoon for a longer look.
Altitude note: Tamaya sits around 5,000 ft. Drink water, skip the heavy workout today, and pace yourself on any reception wine.
Getting ready: Budget 30–45 minutes to change. Oxbow Pool Area is a short walk from the main building; shoes matter less than layering.
Verdict: Don't over-plan this window. A walk, a shower, and a few minutes on your balcony is plenty.
🍽 Welcome Reception · 6 PM
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Welcome Reception & Dinner · Oxbow Pool Area
6:00 PM
Outdoor poolside welcome dinner hosted by Laerdal leadership. Kickoff of President's Club week.
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Dress code — Resort Elegant: Elevated but not stiff. Jacket optional, no tie required.
Terry: Jacket optional, collared shirt, slacks, no tie. Loafers or nice leather shoes.
Joanna: Sundress, midi dress, or dressy blouse with a skirt or nice pants. Dressy sandals or wedges.
Layering — important: Tamaya is at ~5,000 ft and the desert cools sharply after sunset. Temperatures can drop into the 50s by 8–9 PM in late April. A light jacket, wrap, or shawl for Joanna is genuinely useful, not just optional.
The hosts: Neil & Deborah Weber, Rosie Patterson & David Beaty, Clint & Elizabeth Pridgen. First chance to connect in person with the broader group of 2026 honorees.
The group: 12 President's Club honoree couples plus hosts. Good night to introduce yourselves to folks you haven't met; the rest of the week will naturally pair you off into smaller dine-around groups.
Verdict: Pace the wine — you've been traveling since 5 AM Eastern, which is 3 AM Mountain. The altitude will amplify everything you drink.
Santa Fe · Group Excursion + Dine Around
Fri, Apr 24 · 🚌 Depart lobby 12:50 PM · Return for 6 PM Dine Arounds
Full morning free at Tamaya, then group transport to Santa Fe at 12:50 PM. You have two options once in Santa Fe: join the guided walking tour (Loretto Chapel, San Miguel Mission, Georgia O'Keeffe Museum) or explore the Plaza and Canyon Road on your own. Plan to be back at Tamaya by ~5:30 PM to change for 6 PM Dine Arounds. Transportation to and from the dine-around restaurants is arranged by Laerdal.
⚠️ Altitude alert: Santa Fe sits at ~7,200 ft — about 2,000 ft higher than Tamaya. Expect shortness of breath on hills, dry mouth, and a lower alcohol tolerance. Hydrate aggressively throughout the day.
Group event
Culture
Free time
Spa · Joanna
Transport handled
Dress code
Open in Maps · Santa Fe Plaza
63 Lincoln Ave, Santa Fe, NM · historic center
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Day 2 Notes
Morning · Free at Tamaya
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Morning at Tamaya
~8:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Relaxed morning before the Santa Fe group departure. Breakfast on property plus light activity options.
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Breakfast — Santa Ana Café: On-site restaurant serving New Mexican breakfast dishes (blue corn pancakes, breakfast burritos with red or green chile). Open daily, good quality, reliable.
Morning walk: Property trails run along the Rio Grande bosque — quiet, flat, 30–60 minutes depending on how far you go. Good before a day that involves walking and altitude.
Pool or hot tub: Three outdoor pools. The main pool is open early; morning is the quietest time.
Cultural Museum: On-site, small but thoughtful. 30–45 minutes. Good context before any of the Pueblo-related excursions later in the week.
Room service option: If you'd rather go slow, 24-hour room service is available. Balcony breakfast is legitimately pleasant here — mountain views, Pueblo-style architecture.
Verdict: Don't overdo the morning — you've got a full afternoon in Santa Fe at 7,200 ft plus dinner to come. Slow and hydrated wins the day.
💆 Joanna · Tamaya Mist Spa
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Signature Massage · 80 Minutes
10:00 AM · arrive 9:30 AM
Joanna's booking at Tamaya Mist Spa. Service provider: No preference. Plan to be finished well before the 12:50 PM Santa Fe departure.
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Arrive early: Spa policy is to arrive 30 minutes early — late arrivals receive shortened treatments. Joanna should plan to be at the spa by 9:30 AM.
Timing: 80-minute massage plus arrival buffer and post-treatment relaxation — back in the room by roughly 11:45 AM. Plenty of margin for the 12:50 PM Santa Fe lobby call.
Amenities included: Locker and robe during the visit. Access to the jetted tub, dry sauna, eucalyptus steam room, and relaxation room before or after the service.
Cancellation: 24 hours in advance to avoid charges. If anything needs to change, call 505-771-6134 early.
Location: Tamaya Mist Spa, on property. Ask the concierge for directions if needed.
Verdict: A legitimately good way to ease into the first full day before the Santa Fe afternoon. Low-stress, no logistics to juggle.
Afternoon · Santa Fe Excursion
1
Transport to Santa Fe
12:50 PM lobby · ~1h 15m drive
Meet in the Tamaya lobby. Group bus handles both legs — no driving required.
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The drive: Tamaya to downtown Santa Fe is about 60 miles north on I-25. Watch for the Sangre de Cristo Mountains coming into view on the right as you approach the city.
What to bring: Light jacket or layer (Santa Fe runs 10–15°F cooler than Tamaya in April evenings), sunglasses, water bottle, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen. Cash in small bills if you plan to tip a street musician or buy from Plaza vendors.
Confirm before you go: The bus drop-off point in Santa Fe (usually near the Plaza) and the pickup location and time for return. Missing the bus back is a bad outcome.
Verdict: Don't be the last one to the lobby. Group buses don't wait.
2
OPTION A · Group Walking Tour
~2:15–4:45 PM
Guided tour with admission to Loretto Chapel, San Miguel Mission, and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. Three of the city's most-visited landmarks.
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Loretto Chapel: Small Gothic Revival chapel famous for its "Miraculous Staircase" — a spiral wooden staircase with no central support whose builder reportedly disappeared without collecting payment. The chapel is tiny and the crowds can be tight, but the staircase is genuinely unusual.
San Miguel Mission: Often cited as the oldest church structure in the continental U.S., with sections dating to the early 1600s. Modest in scale, thick adobe walls, simple interior. Quick visit but deeply historic.
Georgia O'Keeffe Museum: The anchor of the tour. Comprehensive collection of O'Keeffe's paintings plus rotating exhibits on her life in Abiquiú. Allow at least 45–60 minutes to do it justice — the collection is better than most expect.
Pace: Guided, so you move with the group. Less flexibility, more context. Best if you prefer having things chosen for you and appreciate a well-informed guide.
Pros: Hits three key sites efficiently, admission handled, someone else does the routing. Strong choice if this is your first time in Santa Fe.
Cons: Less time to browse galleries or Plaza shops. No Canyon Road. You're on the group's schedule.
Verdict: The efficient choice. If you've never been to Santa Fe before, the walking tour gives you the three must-see sites without having to think. The O'Keeffe Museum alone justifies it.
3
OPTION B · Explore on Your Own
~2:15–4:45 PM
Self-directed afternoon. More flexibility, less hand-holding. Best if you've been to Santa Fe before or want to wander galleries and coffee stops at your own pace.
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Santa Fe Plaza (start here): The 400-year-old center of the city. Adobe buildings on all sides, Native American artisans selling silver and turquoise jewelry under the Palace of the Governors portal (authenticated by the Palace itself — it's a legitimate, juried program). Great for people-watching and the obligatory orientation.
Canyon Road (the art walk): ~¾ mile east of the Plaza. Over 100 galleries, sculpture gardens, historic adobe homes along a narrow winding lane. Not everything is gallery art — there's also handcrafted jewelry, pottery, and Southwestern folk art. Plan 90 minutes minimum to do it right.
Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi: Just off the Plaza, this Romanesque-style cathedral (started in 1869 by Archbishop Lamy, the figure from Willa Cather's "Death Comes for the Archbishop") is a striking contrast to the adobe Pueblo Revival architecture everywhere else. Free to enter.
New Mexico Museum of Art: On the Plaza, a smaller and less crowded alternative to the O'Keeffe Museum. Focuses on Southwestern and regional artists.
Coffee / afternoon drink stops: The Teahouse on Canyon Road (excellent tree-shaded patio, extensive tea menu). Café des Artistes on Canyon Road (tiny French café with a Parisian micro-bar — perfect for a glass of wine). Kakawa Chocolate House (historic chocolate drinks, quirky and memorable).
Lunch / late-lunch options on the Plaza: Plaza Café (Santa Fe's oldest restaurant, blue corn enchiladas); La Plazuela at La Fonda (inside the historic hotel, reliable New Mexican); Coyote Cafe Rooftop Cantina (casual rooftop, famous margaritas); The Shed (tucked in an alley off the Plaza, known for red chile enchiladas — often a wait).
Shopping worth your time: Palace of the Governors artisan portal (silver and turquoise); Keshi, The Zuni Connection (Zuni fetish carvings and jewelry); Packards on the Plaza (Native American art and jewelry, been there since 1926).
Verdict: Pick this if you want to linger over a margarita on a rooftop at 2:30 PM or spend 90 minutes on Canyon Road. Skip it if you want efficiency.
4
Return Transport to Tamaya
~4:45 PM · back by ~6:00 PM
Confirm the exact pickup location and time before you scatter. Tight window to change for 6 PM Dine Arounds.
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Timing reality: If pickup is ~4:45 PM and the drive is 75 minutes, you're back at Tamaya around 6:00 PM. Dine Arounds start at 6 PM.
Strategy: Dress strategically for the afternoon so you can pivot fast — change shoes and freshen up rather than a full outfit swap. If the Dine Around restaurants are formal, allow an extra 15 minutes.
Verdict: This is the tightest pivot of the week. Pre-plan your outfit before you leave the room in the morning.
🍽 Dine Around · 6 PM
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Dine Around · Restaurant TBD
~6:00 PM
Three groups to three different restaurants. Assignments sent via Outlook calendar invite. Transportation both directions arranged by Laerdal.
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Dress code — Smart Casual: Notch below Thursday's welcome dinner. Restaurant-appropriate but not formal.
Terry: Button-down shirt and slacks. No jacket required.
Joanna: Blouse with slacks, a casual dress, or a nice top with dark or clean jeans. Flats or low heels.
Layering: If the Dine Around is in Santa Fe (7,200 ft), evening temps can drop into the 40s. If it's in the Albuquerque/Bernalillo area, still cool after sunset — bring a light jacket or wrap regardless.
Confirm before leaving room: Check Outlook invite for your assigned restaurant, group, and bus pickup time. The three groups leave at separate times.
Social dynamics: Smaller group size than the welcome reception — better for real conversation with the couples you've been table-distanced from so far.
Verdict: Lower-stakes night on dress and setting, higher-stakes on connection. This is where friendships form.
Jeep Safari + Prairie Star Dinner
Sat, Apr 25 · 🚙 Jeep 9 AM · 🍴 Prairie Star 7:30 PM · No group dinner
Group Jeep Safari through Southwestern mesas in the morning (8:50 AM lobby, ~5 hour tour). Rest of the day is yours. Joanna reserved Prairie Star at 7:30 PM — the fine-dining restaurant across the road at Santa Ana Golf Club. Waiver for the Jeep tour to be printed and brought (do not pre-sign; sign on site in front of jeep staff).
Group event
Waiver required
Free time
Reservation
Spa · Joanna
Outdoor
Open in Maps · Prairie Star Restaurant
288 Prairie Star Rd · 5-min drive from Tamaya
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Day 3 Notes
Morning · Jeep Safari
1
Pre-Jeep Prep
~7:30–8:40 AM
Breakfast, waivers in hand, and kitted out for a dusty outdoor morning.
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Breakfast early: Santa Ana Café opens early. Eat a real breakfast — 5 hours in a Jeep with limited food access ahead.
Bring the waivers: Both printed copies plus two pens. Do NOT pre-sign. Staff will witness signatures on-site.
What to wear: Closed-toe shoes (hiking or athletic). Layers — cool at 9 AM, warming through the morning. Sunglasses, hat with a strap or brim that stays on, sunscreen.
What to bring: Water bottle, phone, any cash for tips, a bandana or buff for dust. If Joanna tends to get motion sick on bumpy roads, bring Dramamine.
Leave at the room: Anything you don't want covered in fine Southwestern dust.
Verdict: Treat this like a short hike, not a resort excursion. Overdress slightly — you can peel layers; you can't add them.
2
Lobby Meet · Jeep Tour
8:50 AM lobby · 9:00 AM departure
Meet in the Tamaya lobby. Waivers signed on-site. ~5 hour guided Jeep safari through the surrounding mesa and pueblo lands.
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What to expect: Open-air or soft-top Jeeps into the backcountry surrounding Tamaya. Routes typically wind through Santa Ana Pueblo lands, desert washes, mesa overlooks, and old Spanish land grant areas. Not paved. Expect bumpy, dusty, and scenic.
Duration: ~5 hours, back to Tamaya around 2 PM. Usually includes stops for photos and context from the guide about geology, Pueblo history, and local wildlife (watch for jackrabbits, coyote, possibly pronghorn).
Tip the guide: Bring $20–40 cash per couple for the guide, more if the service is excellent.
Photo ops: Sandia Mountain views, mesa overlooks, and (if lucky) petroglyph sites. Phone camera is fine; a polarizing filter helps in harsh desert light if you have one.
Verdict: The most physical activity of the week. Enjoy it — but pace water and sun exposure, because you're also committed to Prairie Star at 7:30.
Afternoon · Recovery at Tamaya
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Post-Jeep Free Time
~2:00–6:30 PM · leave for dinner ~7:10 PM
Longest unstructured block of the trip. You'll likely be dusty, sun-tired, and ready to slow down.
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First thing: Shower and change. You'll have a fine layer of Southwestern dust in your hair and teeth.
Joanna's timing: Blow-dry at 3 PM (see next card). Quick rinse between the Jeep return and the spa arrival — 15 minutes.
Quick lunch: You'll miss the standard lunch window. Rio Grande Lounge does bar food and shareable bites until late afternoon. Santa Ana Café also works. Room service is the zero-effort option.
Terry's options while Joanna's at the spa: Pool, hot tub, 45-minute nap, Cultural Museum on property (30–45 minutes), or property walk along the Rio Grande bosque (beautiful in late afternoon light).
Nap: Honestly, a 45-minute nap before Prairie Star is a strategic move. Altitude plus sun plus bouncing Jeep = surprisingly draining.
Getting ready for Prairie Star: Joanna will return from her blow-dry around 3:50 PM, well before dinner. Allow 45 minutes for Terry to shower and dress. Leave room by 7:10 PM for the 7:30 reservation (5-minute drive across the road).
Verdict: Joanna gets a spa-forward afternoon, Terry gets a nap or a pool float. Both end up at Prairie Star refreshed.
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Joanna · Shampoo and Blow-Dry
3:00 PM · arrive 2:30 PM · done ~3:50 PM
50-minute appointment at Tamaya Mist Spa salon. Timed perfectly to get dinner-ready for Prairie Star.
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Timing reality: Jeep tour returns ~2:00 PM. Appointment arrival window is 2:30 PM (30 minutes early per spa policy). That's 30 minutes to rinse off Jeep dust and get over to the spa. Tight but doable.
Quick rinse first: Don't skip a quick shower between the Jeep and the blow-dry — the stylist will work better with clean hair, and it protects the service time.
Service: 50 minutes. Back in the room by roughly 3:50 PM. Plenty of time to dress for Prairie Star at 7:30.
Location: Tamaya Mist Spa (salon services are part of the full-service spa). Service provider: no preference.
Verdict: Smart scheduling — this is exactly the kind of appointment that makes a post-adventure dinner feel effortless.
🍽 Dinner · 7:30 PM
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Prairie Star Restaurant & Wine Bar
7:30 PM · reservation held
Contemporary New American in a restored 100-year-old adobe ranch house. One of the top dining experiences in New Mexico. Reservation courtesy of Joanna.
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Dress code — Smart Casual to Resort Elegant: Slightly dressier than Friday's Dine Around.
Terry: Button-down and slacks. Jacket optional — most guests will be in that range or one notch down.
Joanna: A nice dress, dressy separates, or an elegant blouse with slacks. Heels or dressy flats. A wrap or light jacket for the walk in and out (the patio and parking area cool down fast after sunset).
The setting: Adobe ranch house built over 100 years ago, with 18-inch thick adobe walls, viga-and-latilla ceilings, and kiva-style beehive fireplaces. Several dining rooms plus a patio with sweeping views across Santa Ana Golf Club to the Sandia Mountains.
Sunset strategy: Late April sunset in this area is around 7:40 PM. Ask for a window-side table or patio seat when you arrive — the "Sandía" (Spanish for watermelon) mountains get their name from the pink-red alpenglow at sunset, and Prairie Star has one of the best views of it anywhere in New Mexico.
The cuisine: Contemporary New American with New Mexican accents under Executive Chef Myles Lucero (Isleta Pueblo). Menu changes seasonally. Locally sourced ingredients including blue corn grown and processed on Santa Ana Pueblo land.
What to look for: Tamaya cornmeal-crusted calamari, New Mexico green chile cornbread, and whatever seasonal entrée features local elk, bison, or trout. The Wine Bar has a 32-handle Cruvinet — rare and premium wines available by the glass.
Getting there: Prairie Star is at Santa Ana Golf Club, about a 5-minute drive from Tamaya. Ask the concierge about the complimentary shuttle; otherwise grab a taxi or drive.
Context: Prairie Star is the sister restaurant to Corn Maiden at Tamaya, both Pueblo-owned and points of pride for the Santa Ana community. Well-regarded by locals, not just a tourist play.
Verdict: Probably the most memorable meal of the trip. The combination of the adobe setting, the sunset views, and the level of cooking is hard to beat anywhere in the state.
Acoma Pueblo · Sky City
Sun, Apr 26 · 🚌 Depart 12:50 PM · Dine Arounds 6 PM
Afternoon group excursion to Acoma Pueblo "Sky City" — one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the U.S. Meet in lobby 12:50 PM, arrive Acoma 2:30 PM, depart back 4:00 PM. Dine Arounds again at 6 PM with transportation handled. Mornings free.
Group event
Culture
Free time
Spa · Joanna
Transport handled
Dress code
Open in Maps · Sky City Cultural Center
Acoma Pueblo · tour starts at visitor center
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Day 4 Notes
Morning · Free at Tamaya
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Slow Morning Before Acoma
~8:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Joanna has a pedicure at 10 AM (see below). Terry has the morning open. Pace for the afternoon Pueblo tour.
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Breakfast: Santa Ana Café for New Mexican breakfast, or room service on the balcony. Eat early so Joanna is ready for her 9:30 AM spa arrival.
Terry's morning: While Joanna is at the spa, good options include the bosque walk along the Rio Grande (Sunday mornings are quiet), a pool session, the Cultural Museum on property, or simply a slow coffee on the balcony.
Regroup before Acoma: Joanna back in the room around 11:15 AM. Time for a light lunch at Rio Grande Lounge or Santa Ana Café before the 12:50 PM lobby call.
Verdict: Save energy. Acoma is at 7,000 ft and the tour involves walking on uneven mesa-top terrain for over an hour.
💅
Joanna · Signature Pedicure
10:00 AM · arrive 9:30 AM · done ~11:15 AM
60-minute appointment at Tamaya Mist Spa. Well-timed before the Acoma departure.
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Arrive early: 30 minutes early per spa policy. Joanna should be at the spa by 9:30 AM.
Timing: 60-minute service plus arrival and post-service buffer — back in the room by roughly 11:15 AM. Comfortable margin for the 12:50 PM lobby call for Acoma.
Shoes for Acoma: Wear open-toed shoes to the spa, and bring closed-toe walking shoes for the afternoon. The Acoma mesa terrain is uneven — closed-toes are smart despite the fresh pedicure.
Service provider: No preference.
Verdict: Relaxed morning rhythm. Just mind the shoe swap before heading to the Acoma bus.
Afternoon · Acoma Sky City
1
Transport to Acoma
12:50 PM lobby · arrive 2:30 PM
Group bus from Tamaya lobby. ~1h 40m drive west on I-40.
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The drive: West on I-40, about 60 miles from Albuquerque. The landscape shifts from river valley to high desert mesa country. Watch for Enchanted Mesa — a tall standalone sandstone butte — as you approach; it's Acoma's original pre-Spanish homesite.
What to bring: Water, sturdy closed-toe shoes (the mesa-top path is uneven), sun hat and sunscreen, light jacket in case of wind, cash in small bills for artisans and tip for your tribal guide. Camera or phone for photos.
Photo rules: A photo permit is typically required and sold at the visitor center. No photos inside the San Esteban del Rey Mission church or of the cemetery walls. Always ask before photographing residents or artisans.
Verdict: The long drive out is part of the experience. Watch the landscape change.
2
Sky City Guided Tour
~2:30–4:00 PM
Walking tour of the 367-foot mesa-top pueblo. Led by Acoma tribal members. Continuously inhabited since ~1150 AD.
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What it is: Acoma Pueblo, atop a 367-foot sandstone mesa, is widely cited as the oldest continuously inhabited community in the United States. The tour is the only way to visit outside of specific feast days.
The format: Bus from the visitor center to the mesa top, then a ~1h 15m guided walking tour (~¾ mile) led by a tribal member. Covers the village plaza, traditional adobe homes (some from the 1600s), and the San Esteban del Rey Mission Church.
San Esteban del Rey Mission: Built in the early 1600s, one of the most historically significant Spanish mission churches in the Americas. Guides often connect it to the broader history of Spanish colonization, the 1599 Acoma Massacre, and the 1680 Pueblo Revolt — heavy material, worth listening carefully.
Artisans on the mesa: Local potters and jewelry makers sell directly to visitors during the tour. Acoma is world-renowned for thin-walled pottery with intricate black-and-white geometric designs. Cash preferred (some accept cards). Buying directly supports the artist and their family.
Descent options: At tour's end, three options — (1) ride the bus back down; (2) walk the road; (3) climb down the ancient hand-carved stone stairs and toe-holds. The stairs are steep and require both hands free. Bus is recommended for most; stairs are memorable if you're able and willing.
Etiquette: This is a living community, not a museum. Don't point with your hand (use elbow or chin). Don't climb on buildings. Stay on marked paths. Silence phones.
Altitude & terrain: 7,000+ ft. Uneven stone paths. The tour is manageable for most adults but not for anyone with significant mobility limitations.
Haak'u Museum: At the visitor center base. Permanent exhibits on Acoma history, plus rotating displays of pottery and artifacts. Worth 15–20 minutes if time allows before the return bus.
Verdict: The most substantive cultural experience of the week. The story of Acoma — endurance, resistance, continuity over a millennium — is not light material, and the best tours honor that weight rather than softening it.
3
Depart Acoma back to Albuquerque
4:00 PM · arrive ~5:40 PM
Group bus back. Arrive Tamaya in time to change for 6 PM Dine Arounds.
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Timing: Tight turnaround. Plan outfits before leaving the room in the morning so you can change in 20 minutes.
Verdict: Mirror Friday's pivot — fast shoe-and-shirt swap, not a full redress.
🍽 Dine Around · 6 PM
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Dine Around · Restaurant TBD
~6:00 PM
Three groups to three restaurants. Assignments sent via Outlook invite. Transport handled both directions.
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Dress code — Smart Casual: Same as Friday's Dine Around.
Terry: Button-down shirt and slacks. No jacket needed.
Joanna: Blouse with slacks, casual dress, or nice top with dark jeans. Flats or low heels.
Layering: Light jacket or wrap for the outdoor portions of the evening. Albuquerque/Bernalillo area cools off after sunset.
Confirm: Outlook invite for restaurant, group, and pickup time. Groups leave at different times.
Group dynamics: Likely a different group than Friday — another chance to connect with couples you haven't spent as much time with.
Verdict: Ease into it — you've had a heavy-context afternoon at Acoma. Let the conversation stay lighter if it wants to.
Business Meeting + Closing Dinner
Mon, Apr 27 · 🏢 Meeting 9–11 AM · 🍴 Cottonwoods Pavilion 6 PM
Laerdal team business meeting in the Turquoise Room (2nd level) 9–11 AM, business casual. Afternoon is unstructured — the one real block of free time on property. 5:50 PM lobby pickup for Cottonwoods Pavilion closing reception and dinner. Transport back at 8:30 PM.
Laerdal only
Group event
Free time
Spa · Joanna
Dress code
Transport handled
Open in Maps · Hyatt Regency Tamaya
On-property meeting & Cottonwoods Pavilion dinner
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Day 5 Notes
Morning · Business Meeting
1
Laerdal Business Meeting
9:00–11:00 AM · Turquoise Room, 2nd level
Laerdal team members only. Business casual. Joanna has the morning free.
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Dress code — Business Casual: Collared shirt (polo or button-down) with slacks or chinos. Loafers or clean leather shoes. No jacket required, no jeans.
Location: Turquoise Room on the 2nd level of the main building. If you haven't been up there, give yourself 5–10 minutes to find it before 9 AM.
What to bring: Whatever Laerdal has asked you to bring specifically. Otherwise: notebook, pen, phone, water.
Joanna's morning: She has a Signature Facial booked at 10:30 AM at Tamaya Mist Spa (see card below) — perfectly timed while Terry is in the meeting.
Verdict: Standard 2-hour team meeting. Be punctual, be present, and keep the energy up for the afternoon and evening ahead.
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Joanna · Signature Facial
10:30 AM · arrive 10:00 AM · done ~11:40 AM
50-minute appointment at Tamaya Mist Spa. Timed to overlap with Terry's business meeting.
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Arrive early: 30 minutes early per spa policy. Joanna should be at the spa by 10:00 AM.
Timing: 50-minute service plus buffer — back in the room by roughly 11:40 AM, around when Terry's meeting wraps at 11:00 AM. Rejoin for lunch.
Perfect for tonight: Facial the same day as the closing cocktail dinner means fresh, glowing skin for the photos and recognition moments at Cottonwoods Pavilion.
Service provider: No preference.
Verdict: Smart scheduling — overlaps Terry's meeting exactly, sets Joanna up for the biggest dinner of the week.
Afternoon · Free at Tamaya
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Full Afternoon on Property
~11:15 AM – 5:30 PM · leave for dinner 5:50 PM
The only genuinely unstructured block of the week. ~6 hours on or near Tamaya. Use it to slow down before the closing dinner.
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Tamaya Mist Spa — book ahead: This is the best afternoon window of the week for a spa treatment. Call 505-771-6134 to book before Monday. President's Club groups tend to fill same-day availability fast. Signature treatments use regional ingredients (blue corn, red chile). Day pass is $50 if you just want the jetted tub, sauna, and steam room.
The Stables at Tamaya — horseback ride: The resort has on-site stables offering guided trail rides on rescue horses through the mesas surrounding the property. Typically 60–90 minutes. Worth asking the concierge about Monday afternoon availability if this interests either of you.
Twin Warriors Golf Club: On-property championship course. If Terry wants to play 9 or 18 holes and the meeting wraps at 11 AM, there's time. Ask the concierge about tee time availability Monday afternoon.
Lunch options on property: Santa Ana Café (all-day, New Mexican). Corn Maiden (fine dining — usually dinner-only but worth asking if lunch is available). Rio Grande Lounge (shareable bites and cocktails with mountain views — arguably the best afternoon spot). Room service for lowest-effort.
Lunch near property: Santa Ana Star Casino (~2 miles) has several restaurants if you want a change of scenery. Downtown Bernalillo is ~3 miles and has Abuelita's (classic New Mexican, strong green chile) and a few casual spots.
Cultural experiences on property: Ask the concierge about the Pueblo pottery-making experience (hands-on with a Pueblo artisan — bookable, check availability) and the horno bread-baking demonstration (Pueblo oven-baked bread).
Coronado Historic Site: ~10 minutes away in Bernalillo. Ruins of a pre-contact Puebloan village (Kuaua) with restored kiva murals. Small, quiet, cultural context. Self-guided, 60–90 minutes. A more reflective alternative to a spa or pool afternoon.
Pool / hot tub / bosque walk: Low-commitment options. The bosque trail in mid-afternoon light is beautiful.
Getting ready: Start dressing around 5:00 PM. Cottonwoods Pavilion is the dressiest evening of the week. 5:50 PM lobby pickup.
Verdict: If you book one thing this week that isn't already scheduled, make it a couples' spa treatment Monday afternoon. It's the natural decompression before the closing dinner and the early Tuesday departure.
🍽 Closing Reception & Dinner · 6 PM
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Closing Dinner · Cottonwoods Pavilion
5:50 PM lobby · 6:00 PM dinner · 8:30 PM return
The signature closing event of President's Club week. Outdoor pavilion setting. Transport provided.
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Dress code — Cocktail Attire (jacket recommended, no tie): The dressiest evening of the trip. This is the recognition dinner — the room will be dressed up.
Terry: Jacket recommended (no tie required), dress shirt, slacks, nice leather shoes. A sport coat or blazer is the right register — not a full suit, but clearly an "evening" look.
Joanna: Cocktail dress, a dressy jumpsuit, or elegant separates (nice top with dressy pants or skirt). Heels or dressy flats. A nicer wrap or shawl for the walk to and from the pavilion.
Layering — this one matters: Cottonwoods Pavilion is an outdoor venue. Late April evenings at Tamaya run into the low 50s (or colder) after sunset. Joanna will genuinely want that wrap. Terry's jacket also serves a function here.
Transport: Lobby pickup at 5:50 PM. Return transport back to the main building at 8:30 PM. No driving or navigating required.
What to expect: Cocktails and reception (6 PM), seated dinner, likely remarks from leadership recognizing the President's Club honorees, possibly photos. This is the "moment" of the trip.
Be present: You and Joanna are the honorees, not bystanders. Take the recognition, thank hosts personally, and take the group photos even if you're not a photo person.
Verdict: The most important dinner of the week. Dress one notch dressier than feels necessary, pace the drinks, and be fully present.
Departure · Tamaya → ABQ → Newark
Tue, Apr 28 · 🚐 Lobby 5:30 AM · 🛬 EWR 4:55 PM
Early start. 5:30 AM lobby pickup by Destination Southwest to ABQ. Two legs home via Houston. Pack the night before — no morning margin for forgotten items.
Travel
Ground transport
Open in Maps · Albuquerque Sunport (ABQ)
2200 Sunport Blvd SE · United departures
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Day 6 Notes
Pre-Dawn · Departure
1
Lobby Pickup · Destination Southwest
5:30 AM
Ground transport to ABQ. Checkout either the night before (express) or quickly at the front desk on the way out.
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Checkout strategy: Use express checkout Monday night so you only need to drop keys at the desk Tuesday morning. Most charges will appear on the folio under your Hyatt account.
Incidentals: Settle spa, Prairie Star (if charged to room), and any minibar or room service charges at Monday checkout. Easier than reviewing at 5:15 AM.
Morning routine: Alarm at 4:30 AM. Shower optional (you can sleep on the plane). Breakfast options at that hour are minimal — grab coffee and something portable from the lobby if available, otherwise eat at ABQ.
Verdict: Treat the morning as pure mechanics. No decisions before coffee.
2
UA 1691 · ABQ → IAH (Houston)
8:00 AM – 11:08 AM · 2h 8m
Boeing 737 MAX 8. United Economy (L). Seats 30C and 30B.
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Seats: 30C (Terry) and 30B (Joanna) — aisle and middle.
Time zones: Houston is on Central Time — one hour ahead of ABQ. You lose an hour in the air.
Breakfast plan: If you didn't eat at Tamaya, ABQ's airport (known locally as the "Sunport") has decent grab-and-go, and the onboard snack is… an onboard snack.
Verdict: Easy morning flight. Sleep or read.
3
Houston Connection
11:08 AM – 12:10 PM · 1h 2m
Very tight connection. Move directly to the next gate.
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Reality check: 1h 2m at IAH is tight. United operates out of Terminals C, D, and E — check gate assignments on the app the moment you land.
If delayed: If the ABQ leg arrives late, talk to a gate agent fast about rebooking. This is the connection most likely to break the day.
Verdict: No lingering. Move.
4
UA 2018 · IAH → EWR
12:10 PM – 4:55 PM · 3h 45m
Boeing 757-200. United Economy (L). Seats 35C and 35B.
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Seats: 35C (Terry) and 35B (Joanna) — aisle and middle.
Time zones: Newark is on Eastern — one hour ahead of Houston. You lose another hour in the air.
EWR arrival: 4:55 PM local. Tuesday afternoon traffic on Route 10 and I-78 westbound can be heavy — budget 45–60 minutes home depending on the exact hour you land.
Verdict: Home before 6:30 PM local with reasonable luck. Order in, decompress, unpack tomorrow.