Adventure. Luxury. Authenticity.
These are just a few words that describe our latest President’s Circle of Excellence trip to Santa Fe. This picturesque destination blends high-end comfort with unforgettable experiences, making it a stand-out choice for incentive travel that truly rewards your top performers.
Why Santa Fe is Perfect for Incentives
Santa Fe is an exciting mixture of art, culture, and natural beauty unlike anywhere else. For travel incentives and destination meetings, it delivers exactly what today’s top performers crave: meaningful experiences, exceptional cuisine, and inspiring landscapes. Add world-class accommodations and genuine Southwestern hospitality, and you’ve got a destination that ticks all the boxes for an impactful corporate travel incentive. But what really sets Santa Fe apart is its ability to balance high-energy adventure with moments of true relaxation, which is exactly what we discovered during our five-day program.
The Accommodations: Four Seasons Rancho Encantado
It’s not possible to separate luxury from the Four Seasons. It’s in their DNA. And the Four Seasons Rancho Encantado in Santa Fe, New Mexico is no different. From the moment you arrive on their property in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, you are greeted with extraordinary service and care. The resort’s casitas offer privacy and comfort, with many featuring kiva fireplaces and private patios overlooking the stunning desert landscape. Our group was particularly impressed by the private check-in experience. There were no lines, no waiting, just seamless arrival with personalized welcome baskets and luxurious blankets waiting in each room.
The Experience: A Day-by-Day Journey
Executive Pre-Stay Adventure
The program began with an exclusive two-day pre-stay for our client’s executive team. This VIP experience included a guided walking tour through downtown Santa Fe’s historic plaza and art galleries, followed by an intimate dinner at El Farol, one of Santa Fe’s most beloved restaurants. But the highlight? An early morning visit to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, where our executives enjoyed breakfast in the exclusive Gondola Club while hundreds of colorful hot air balloons lifted off against the crisp October sky.
Day One: Setting the Tone
Our full group arrived in Santa Fe at a beautiful time of year: early October. The days were warm and the evenings cool, a perfect balance for just about any activity. The welcome reception on the Monte Vista Terrace set the stage beautifully. As the sun cast golden light across the mountains, our attendees were greeted by a donkey and a beverage and received handcrafted Zuni fetishes as welcome gifts, immediately connecting them to the region’s rich cultural heritage. The evening concluded with a late-night gathering on the Aspen Terrace, where fire pits and New Mexico stargazing created the perfect atmosphere for reconnecting.
Day Two: All Aboard for Adventure
After breakfast, we embarked on a truly unique experience: a journey on the Sky Railway. This scenic train ride through the high desert gave our group a perspective on New Mexico’s landscape that few visitors ever see. Each car had a selection of food, beverages, and music, while the open-air cars were equipped with tour guides who shared their immense knowledge of the land. The leisurely pace allowed for meaningful conversations and team bonding, while the stunning vistas provided countless photo opportunities.
The afternoon offered leisure time for spa treatments, shopping in town, or simply relaxing by the pool. That evening’s poolside dinner reception featured a menu celebrating New Mexico’s culinary traditions, such as enchiladas and shishito peppers. The informal setting encouraged mingling and storytelling that continued well into the late-night gathering.
Day Three: Recognition and Celebration
The final full day balanced individual recognition with group celebration. Our PCOE Elite Performers—the top of the top—were honored with an exclusive, private bourbon tasting experience and reception in the Chef’s Garden, an intimate setting that made the recognition feel truly special.
As the sun began to set, the entire group gathered in town on the Sunset Terrace for cocktails before the main event: the PCOE Awards Dinner. The recognition ceremony was both moving and motivating, with leaders sharing heartfelt appreciation for each honoree’s contributions. The evening concluded with a dessert after-party that kept the celebration going under the stars.
What Our Attendees Loved Most
- The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta: “The Balloon Fiesta was incredible a bucket list item I didn’t even know I would have!” -M.C.
- Four Seasons Service: “The Four Seasons Rancho Encantado was a top shelf experience!” -R.P.
- Group Experiences: “The best event was the train ride. That was beautiful. Three separate cars, with different seating, music, and food was wonderful.” -M.H.
- Intentional Gifting: “The gift baskets at the end of each day were such a warm and generous touch. We love the blanket and the framed photo of the two of us.” -J.H.
Santa Fe by the Numbers
- Best Time to Visit: September-October for ideal weather and special events like the Balloon Fiesta
- Ideal Group Size: Any size, large or small, will love Santa Fe!
- Flight Time: Direct flights into Albuquerque from major hubs (2 hours from LA, 2.5 hours from Chicago)
- Elevation: 7,000 feet (allow time for acclimation)
- Unique Factor: A foremost U.S. destination that combines luxury resorts, Native American culture, world-class art, and high desert adventure.
Santa Fe proved to be an incentive destination that delivers on every level, from the extraordinary sight of hot air balloons in the morning sky to the guest recognition final dinner. If you’re looking to create an experience that motivates your team, strengthens relationships, and provides memories that last long after the trip ends, Santa Fe should be at the top of your list.
Contact us today to start planning your custom President’s Circle program!