The Rass Mandal Residence: A Unique Oasis for Families, Reunions & Getaways

STR Permit #: 26-6009

Firstly, there is a video of Rass Mandal included in the photo gallery. I encourage you to watch it (with sound) as it is worth more than the description below.
Rass Mandal is the most unique adobe vacation residence in Santa Fe. It is situated on a mountain range of pine forests with spectacular views. Entering brings you to another time and presents a serene and inspiring atmosphere for all. The house and grounds of more than 20 acres offer abundant locations for quiet time. There are numerous hiking & mountain bike trails immediately accessible, some of which take you directly to the center of Santa Fe.

Ski Santa Fe is 30 minutes from the center of Santa Fe, just add ten minutes to that to get there from Rass Mandal.

Rass Mandal was featured on HGTV's House Hunter's on Vacation with the initial airing on June 22nd 2012 and on Thrillist in March 2019.

Upon entering the home you encounter a large domed circular living room (Mandala Room) complete with a gas-fired fireplace, eastern antique furniture and beautiful views looking out to a pool. This space is ideal for group sessions, gatherings and entertainment. Off to the left of the living room is the dining room and kitchen area. The dining table has room to accommodate 12 and is a great area for entertaining and formal meals. The kitchen is open plan and has a Moroccan style wood-burning fireplace and a very comfortable breakfast nook ideal for bird watching. Behind the kitchen is a King size bedroom and a bathroom, secluded from the rest of the house with its own private entrance.

To the right of the living room are guest quarters, each room offers views overlooking the grounds and the entire Santa Fe valley. The master bedroom is complete with a large meditation/work area, beautiful bathroom and sunken Jacuzzi with views. Additionally, there is a 2nd story observation deck that provides expansive views over all of Santa Fe, the Jemez Mountains and beyond. Although the house is not air conditioned, there are ceiling fans in every bedroom. However, given the cool evenings AC it is not actually necessary.

Heading outside, there is a large private pool, jacuzzi style 5 person hot tub, plunge pool and sauna. The pool (40,000 gallons) is heated from May 15th to September 15th and generally the pool water temperature will be maintained at approximately 78 - 85 F throughout the heated season. Depending on weather, this may be extended by one - two weeks on either side. We have invested in renewable Solar Technology for heating the home and the pool thus keeping our environmental footprint to a minimum. As the pool is heated with solar, it is continually heated however with the cool nights the range mentioned is what should be expected. The hot tub is kept at 104 F all year-round. All this is surrounded by a deck and patio ideal for outdoor dining and relaxation. There is also a gas-fired Fire Pit for enjoyment during the cool evenings. Burn restrictions imposed by Santa Fe County may sometimes restrict its use.

Additionally, there is a small cabin on the property about 150 feet from the main home that is included in the rental. The cabin has a queen bed and a bathroom (with a shower) plus a TV. There is a small fee for the number of guests exceeding ten.

I must reiterate that Rass Mandal accommodates a maximum of 12 people given the above bedroom configuration and we do not permit any more than that number without prior agreement from me (Richard). This limit also applies to 'guests' even visiting for just the day and not residing at Rass Mandal. Should you be planning on inviting a few guests to visit, please discuss it with me before you book Rass Mandal.

Rass Mandal provides a truly unique experience in Santa Fe. It's incredible architecture, shapes, and spaces transport one to ancient India yet with all the modern conveniences in an amazingly beautiful location high in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountains above the city with spectacular views. While only minutes to the historic Plaza, all the downtown cultural amenities and many fine restaurants, Rass Mandal is a quiet and peaceful retreat not to be missed.

Rass Mandal Summary:
Location: 201 Double Arrow Rd, Santa Fe, NM — in the Sangre de Cristo foothills, about a 10–12-minute drive from Santa Fe Plaza.
Size & Capacity: The property is on 20 private acres.
Bedrooms / Bathrooms: 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms.
Guest Limit: Maximum of 12 people.
Design & Architecture: Triple adobe walls, stained glass, carved mahogany, and a large domed circular room (called the “Mandala Room”) with a gas fireplace.
Common Areas:
Living / Mandala Room: Very atmospheric, ideal for group sessions.
Dining Room: Table seats 12.
Kitchen: Open-plan, with a Moroccan-style wood-burning fireplace and a hut-like breakfast nook.
Observation Deck: 2nd story with views over Santa Fe and surrounding mountains.
Yoga Pavilion: 1,200 sq ft screened pavilion, yoga mats provided.
Outdoor & Wellness Features
Pool: Big (40,000 gallons), solar heated from ~May 15 to September 15.
Hot Tub: Maintained at ~104°F year-round.
Sauna: On property.
Fire Pit: Gas fire pit for use in cooler evenings (subject to county burn restrictions).
Hiking / Biking: Trails start right from the property; very easy access to nature.
Wildlife: Possible to see deer, songbirds, coyotes, etc.
Amenities & Comfort
Meditation / Workspace: There’s a meditation area and a work / writing space in the master bedroom.
Internet & Entertainment: Wi-Fi, satellite TV, Netflix / Prime / Hulu available.
EV Charger: Available on request.
Pet Policy: One small dog (under ~9 kg) allowed with prior approval.
Check-in / Checkout: Check-in is after 4:00 PM; check-out by 10:00 AM.
Guest Manual: There’s a full guest manual you can download, which includes guides for hiking, local referrals (massage, catering, yoga, etc.).
Architecture / History
The design is very eclectic — a fusion of Southwestern (adobe) architecture with Indian / Asian influences.
The original design came from Nyssia Wali Landsberg, with a lineage tied to Indian royalty (a descendant of the daughter of Emperor Akbar).
Construction materials include triple-thick adobe walls, carved mahogany, and stained crystal glass.

Name “Rass Mandal”
“Rass Mandal” (also written Raas Mandal or Rasa Mandala) refers to a sacred circular formation connected with Lord Krishna’s Raas Leela — the divine dance with Radha and the Gopis.
Meaning:
Rass/Raas = the divine dance of Krishna
Mandal = circle or sacred geometric space
Spiritual Significance
Represents the cosmic dance of creation, love, and unity.
Symbolizes the idea that the divine is at the center of all life.
Often used in temple art, paintings, and devotional rituals.
Here are the two main contexts in which the term is used:
1. In Hindu Spiritual Tradition
A Rass Mandal (or Raas Mandal) refers to the circular formation in which Krishna performed the Raas Leela with Radha and the Gopis.
Key points:
Represents divine cosmic dance symbolizing love, unity, and devotion.
The circular formation signifies the eternity and wholeness of the spiritual universe.
Temples, paintings, and festivals often depict the Raas Mandal as a sacred geometric pattern.
Associated especially with Vrindavan and Braj.
2. As a Place / Structure (e.g., Rass Mandal Retreat, Rishikesh)
In modern usage, “Rass Mandal” can also refer to:
A circular structure or open-air platform designed for meditation, yoga, and spiritual retreats.
Named after the traditional concept to evoke peace and spirituality.
One well-known example is Rass Mandal in Rishikesh, a retreat built on a hilltop offering panoramic Himalayan views.