Did the new film Oppenheimer rouse your interest in the nefarious world of international espionage? You can go straight to the real-life setting for covert actions this November (Nov. 10–12), when La Fonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe hosts a specially themed “Spies, Lies and Nukes” weekend. The hotel actually served as the retreat location for Manhattan Project scientists, who stayed at La Fonda on the Plaza to take a break from the stress of their work. During the weekend, the property’s La Fiesta Lounge will make a tasty nod to those days by serving up a special Atomic Martini.

Atomic Martini © La Fonda on the Plaza

Presented by former Covert CIA Ops officer Valerie Plame, the weekend event brings in an impressive group of speakers including former senior CIA Ops officer Jim C. Lawler, former senior CIA Intelligence officer Jonna Mendez, former senior CIA Clandestine Service officer Douglas London and former CIA deputy director Michael J. Morell.

They and others will speak on topics such as “Inside Putin’s Head,” “China: The Empire Strikes Back,” “CIA in the Movies,” “The End of the Global Nuclear Order” and “Soul Catcher: The Metaphysics of Recruiting a Spy.” Attendees will learn how social media is used in espionage, hear about secret spy operations and find out about black market nuclear scams.

© La Fonda on the Plaza

Tickets are available online at $1,300 per person through Nov. 2 and at $1,500 per person Nov. 3–10. Ticket purchase includes breakfasts, lunches, a V.I.P. reception and all programs and activities. Hotel accommodations are available separately, with special rates for the weekend available if booked by Oct. 3. Call the hotel or visit the event website for booking details.