Carmel Newsletters – Page 2 – Carmel Coastal Retreat

Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed.”
Luke 1:46-48

Greetings from Carmel

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a blessed Christmas time as we meditate on the meaning of our Saviour’s birth. The Messiah, who is GOD Himself, gave up His nature to take on our likeness (Phil 2: 6-7); to be “GOD with us”; IMMANUEL. May our response to this amazing truth be the same as Mary’s – “I am the Lord’s servant, my soul praises you Lord, my spirit rejoices in You.”

This has been an incredible year of transition, and fruition at Carmel, and we are so grateful for your ongoing support and prayers through it all.

If you are traveling over this period, we pray for safe travels for you and your loved ones.

If you are in George over the school holidays, we welcome you to come by as a day visitor to partake in the many activities available for the whole family or to simply take rest in our gardens and quiet spaces, while admiring the majestic Victoria Bay views. To find out more and book your day visit, please contact us on 044-889-0019.

We are also very excited to have launched The Table Restaurant and Shop, in partnership with Ethnos. At The Table, we envision a space where people can gather around a table to share ideas while enjoying delicious food and coffee – a place where family, community, hospitality and grace is celebrated. The Shop is also filled with delicious treats, ice cream, coffee and drinks and curios for you. Please pop in while you are enjoying the activities, gardens and swimming pool.

GOD bless and keep you and may the new year be filled with the blessings of our Heavenly Father.

Suzanne Mackay
The Carmel Trustees

Greetings from Operations

Over the past couple months, the Carmel and Ethnos teams have been hard at work in preparing the grounds for the season ahead. Our goal is to reach, serve and impact the local George community and the larger Body of Christ.

Together we have been able to commence various projects in working towards this common goal. We have been sharing the progress of these developments on our social channels (Facebook / Instagram) and I want to extend our heartfelt thanks for the many words of encouragement and support being sent from far and wide. You can view last month’s newsletter and the updates on these projects by clicking here.

We are very excited and blessed to be able to introduce to you the opening of The TableRestaurant and Shop. We pray that The Table will be of immense blessings to all who visit Carmel, a place for fellowship and community, while enjoying delicious food and coffee. You can download the dining menu by clicking here.

The Ethnos Skills Development Centre is still on the go and will resume in the new year. The centre will serve the local George community in providing skills in woodwork, maintenance, and building, to equip people to obtain work in these areas.

There is still much work to be done on these current projects and new projects planned for the new year. Please can you keep us in your prayers, for God’s hand to be over the teams at work, in building the grounds for the ministry of God to be glorified for all who visit Carmel.

The team and I look forward to welcoming you to Carmel soon.

God bless,

Wouter Cloete
General Manager

Experience Carmel for the day

The School Holidays are a special time at Carmel, for all to come together for rest and a good amount of holiday fun.

If you are in the George area over the school holidays, we are running daily activities for kids of all ages and adults too… and for rest and restoration, our garden walks, many quiet spaces and chapel are perfect to gain the rest you may need (spiritual, emotional and physical).

For enquiries around the daily activities and to book your day visit, please keep an eye on our Facebook page or call reception on 044 889 0019. The day visitor fees are R50/adult and R40/child (under 12 years).

To experience the December school holidays at Carmel, watch our December holiday highlights video below.

2024 Fresh Start Getaway Specials

Sometimes we need a holiday from the holidays. A time to rest and restore for the new year ahead.

Take advantage of our Fresh Start Getaway Specials from the 7th–31st January 2024. We have specials for Camping and B&B accommodation.

Contact reception on 044-889-0019 or email us at bookings@carmelmail.co.za to book your Fresh Start Getaway experience.

Break away from the bustle of life to experience Carmel for your next group retreat, conference or day-event.

Come together for a time of restoration, networking and refocus for the year ahead. Make your group visit an experience to remember through our range of accommodation, dining and meeting venues, while enjoying our breath-taking Victoria Bay views, beautiful gardens and quiet spaces too.

Carmel Prayer Room

We pray that God may continue to fill our guests with renewed hope, enthusiasm and restoration. We pray that Carmel will continue to be fruitful place, bringing the much needed restoration our guests are seeking and that God’s blessings may be poured over them. May God’s presence be at Carmel as it is in heaven.

We would love for you to partner with us in prayer for Carmel. Please continue to hold the staff of Carmel and the Carmel Community in prayer.

Carmel's ongoing legacy

The shared testimonies over the many years of Carmel’s history inspire confidence. God continues to be at work and use Carmel for His ministry. So many leave rested, encouraged, and restored, by the love of Jesus. The ripple effects of Carmel continue into eternity. All praise be to God!

In being able to continue the work of Carmel for future generations to come, we are seeking our valued guests and friends of Carmel for donations or bequests, in leaving a legacy into Carmel’s future. There are many specific projects we have on our hearts to implement the mission of Carmel, and many ways in which to become involved.

If being a part of Carmel’s legacy is on your heart, we would love to share our vision and projects with you in more detail and how you can be a part of Carmel’s bright future.

“But now the Lord says: Be strong, all you people still left in the land. And now get to work, for I am with you, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. My Spirit remains among you, just as I promised when you came out of Egypt. So do not be afraid.”
Haggai‬ ‭2:4‭b-‬5‬ NLT‬‬

Greetings from Carmel

In finding the words for the message brewing in my mind, I turned to the books of Joshua and Haggai. Books and passages The Lord strongly impressed on my heart for the season Carmel currently is journeying through.

Donald Miller, in his book, “A Thousand Years in a Million Miles,” concludes that all of us are part of a beautiful big story. Life itself is, therefore, a story, and we have a role to play with the power to shape our corner in the bigger drama. In this story, we, on occasion, find almost insurmountable challenges, times of despair, heartache, confusion, opposition, and sometimes darkness. We also discover opportunity, mountaintop experiences, faith, love, hope, and light.

Sarah Clarkson, in “Book Girl,” comes to a similar understanding. She writes: “To know yourself as an agent in the story of the world, one able to bring light and goodness amid suffering, is a profoundly empowering knowledge…” She later continues and recognises that Scripture is also our story, the one in whose decisive battles we are caught. The narrative drew us into the conflict of Light and Darkness, requiring us to decide which part we would play.

We see the same invitation to Joshua and later to Zerubbabel. To get involved. It was an invitation to be obedient but repeated encouragements accompanied it to be strong and courageous and not to be afraid, concluding with a massive promise. “I WILL BE WITH YOU.”

Carmel and Ethnos are embarking on an exciting new season. We dream and build with the assurance that He is with us.

In this month’s newsletter, we share some exciting new projects we are embarking on in preparing the ground for the season ahead. In December, we look forward to welcoming back decade long friends and many new guests to experience December holidays at Carmel. If you are looking for a holiday from the holiday, take advantage of our Fresh Start Getaway Special from 7-31 January 2024.

May GOD bless and keep you.

Coen Scholtz
The Carmel Trustees

2024 Fresh Start Getaway Specials

Contact reception on 044-889-0019 or email us at bookings@carmelmail.co.za to book your Fresh Start Getaway experience.

Greetings from Operations

Last month, we spoke of our developing partnership with Ethnos. Through God’s leadership, we have been utilising each other’s strengths in preparing the ground to reach, serve and impact the local George community and the larger Body of Christ.

Together we have been able to commence various projects in working towards this common goal.

Our first exciting project on the go is the development of an Ethnos Skills Development Centre. What used to be our large maintenance shed, has been broken down for the development of this centre. The centre will serve the local George community in providing skills in woodwork, maintenance, and building, to equip people to obtain work in these areas.

Our teams have also been at work in rebuilding the outside dining room deck to extend the dining area outside and add an outside roof too. Within the dining space, there are also plans underway to provide guests a full-time restaurant, coffee shop and bakery. We look forward to sharing more news as our plans develop.

Last for this month, Bethwell and the team have built our own greenhouse, and our first vegetables are already growing. Soon your daily meals will include our own sustainable, locally grown produce.

All these projects will allow us to serve the larger community in welcoming guests to Carmel in the presence of God. Please can you join us in prayer over this exciting season ahead. For God’s hand to be over the teams at work, in preparing the grounds for the ministry of God to be gloried for all who visit Carmel.

The team and I look forward to welcoming you to Carmel soon.

Wouter Cloete
General Manager

Come together for family time, rest and fun

14 December 2023 – 16 January 2024

The School Holidays are a special time at Carmel, for all to come together for rest and a good amount of holiday fun.

There are just a few B&B and Camping spots still available and availability over the Christmas long weekend (22-26 December).

The Carmel team will be running daily activities for kids of all ages and adults too… and for rest and restoration, our garden walks, many quiet spaces and chapel are perfect to gain the rest you may need (spiritual, emotional and physical).

To experience the December school holidays at Carmel, watch our December holiday highlights video below.

Whether you are staying over or a day visitor, we look forward to you joining us over the school holidays. For enquiries around accommodation and day visitors, please email bookings@carmelmail.co.za or call reception on 044 889 0019.

Break away from the bustle of life to experience Carmel for your next group retreat, conference or day-event.

Carmel Prayer Room

We would love for you to partner with us in prayer for Carmel. Please continue to hold the staff of Carmel and the Carmel Community in prayer.

Carmel's ongoing legacy

If being a part of Carmel’s legacy is on your heart, we would love to share our vision and projects with you in more detail and how you can be a part of Carmel’s bright future.

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
Ephesians: 4-6

Greetings from Carmel

It is such a privilege to be a part of the body of Christ – to be the body through which GOD continues His work here on earth! Each part has been given a specific gift and role to play but only has meaning when working together with the rest of the body, under Christ’s leading, Who is the head. It is evident when the different parts are working in unity, the ministry is multiplied to the glory of GOD.

Carmel is a place, and a group of people, with immense gifts to share with the rest of the body. However, in isolation, we are only able to just touch on the potential of our ministry. Within the Lord’s economy, when two or more parts of the body work in unity, the result is multiplication in the ministry. Working together with the Ethnos Movement International (EMI), we can see a new season where together we are able to increase our role in equipping people and building up the body of Christ. Through the partnership, both parts are blessed and able to be more of a blessing than each can be on their own.

Carmel and Ethnos share a mutual commitment to reach and impact the local George community and the larger Body of Christ with the message of hope, peace, and restoration. Our goal is to offer hope and healing by providing a place for people from all walks of life to find renewal and be equipped, to impact their communities for Christ. We share the core values of restoration and training. If you would like to read more about Ethnos, please click here.

We are excited to share the fruit of these plans as we take each step. For those of you living near George, follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) to see when we have worship events, prayer meetings, prophetic art workshops and more. In October, we have a 4 day Pastor’s Retreat (read more below) for pastors to receive refreshing, support and equipping and the Ethnos REACH Conference at the end of September (more below).

As the warmer summer months return, our campsites and B&B Sea View rooms fill up quickly, especially over the December/January school holidays (find out about the school holidays below). The weather in George is perfect for the many wonderful hikes and beaches nearby while getting all the rest you need in our beautiful gardens and quiet places, all while admiring the Victoria Bay Views. Be sure to contact us soon as you plan your next getaway.

May GOD bless and keep you.

Suzanne Mackay
The Carmel Trustees

Greetings from the Ministry Team

Throughout the year Carmel hosts a variety of worthwhile, special interest programmes and spiritually enriching seminars. Carmel staff as well as highly regarded teachers and specialists lead these programmes.

Our upcoming Ministry event is the Pastor’s Retreat. To stay up to date on future Ministry Events, visit our Ministry Programmes webpage here.

Ministry Leaders Retreat
Presented by Derek & Beryl Puffett
Date: 10 – 13 October 2023

Our Pastors Refreshing Retreat is designed to be a place of healing and restoration for pastors, especially those who are struggling in difficult personal situations, or those who have become exhausted in the battle and are desperately in need of rest and recuperation.

-Restore
The Pastors Refreshing Retreat provides the opportunity for complete rest, support, care and personal prayer ministry.

-Refresh
This specially designed retreat is not intended merely as holiday breakaway from everyday life, but as time given to God for Him to work deeply in the lives of those who attend.

-Re-envision
The retreat is not built around a structure of formal meetings. The retreat is led by the experienced Ellel Leaders and simply offers space, time and care to facilitate God’s restoration for your whole being: body, soul and spirit.

Whether you need personal restoration or are seeking the Lord for direction and renewed vision for your life and ministry, this specialised pastor’s retreat will provide the necessary secure and loving environment.

Over the time of the retreat, the programme facilities rest (Garden time with God), 3 topics of teaching, creativity sessions to connect with God and prayer ministry times.

The three topics of teaching during the retreat are:

The importance of forgiveness in ministry (application)
Emotional healing
The calling of a Leader

There are three options to join, including the programme fees

Day visitor: R1,470/per person

Tuesday dinner, Wednesday/Thursday lunch and dinner, and Friday lunch (no breakfasts)

Shared: Stay over (3 nights): R2,520/per person sharing

2-person shared Sea View accommodation (3 nights)
All meals included: Tuesday dinner, Wednesday/Thursday breakfast, lunch, dinner, Friday breakfast and lunch.

Single: Stay over (3 nights): R2,985/per person

Sea View accommodation (3 nights)
All meals included: Tuesday dinner, Wednesday/Thursday breakfast, lunch, dinner, Friday breakfast and lunch.

To learn more about the Retreat facilitators, Derek and Beryl Puffett, from Ellel Ministries in Africa, click here.

The programme starts on Tuesday, 10 October at 16h00 and ends at 14h00 on Friday 13 October.

To book your place, please email bookings@carmelmail.co.za or call the office on
044 889 0019.

Break away from the bustle of life to experience Carmel for your next group retreat, conference or day-event.

Come together for family time, rest and fun

14 December 2023 – 14 January 2024

The School Holidays are a special time at Carmel, for all to come together for rest and a good amount of holiday fun.

The Carmel team run daily activities for kids of all ages and adults too… and for rest and restoration, our garden walks, many quiet spaces and chapel are perfect to gain the rest you may need (spiritual, emotional and physical).

To experience December school holidays at Carmel, watch our December holiday highlights video below.

To book your school holiday camping or B&B accommodation, please click to contactus or call the office on 044 889 0019.

Reflecting on our past Ministry Events

The Prime Plus: Creative Ageing Retreat in July was a life changing 5 days for all, facilitated by Margie Munnings and Heather Davies. The retreat included teaching by Trevor Hudson on the matter of Creative Ageing. The time also included worship in the Carmel chapel, sharing in groups, delicious meals shared together, music and games evenings, and very special times of personal testimonies shared amongst one another.

The week was also a time of great adventures and all myths were dispelled about ageing as some extremely active seniors took to the mountains, beaches, and croquet field. For some, it was also a time of getting together with old friends and playing “remember when”. Who says that only youngsters can go on camp and have heaps of fun?

Prime Plus 2024 is already in the planning for the 16th – 20th September 2024.

The Women’s Retreat in August was facilitated by Katharine Marsden and Suria Scholtz. The retreat was lovingly designed to create space and time for women to sit at the feet of Jesus – in joyful worship and quiet devotion. The group gathered around His Word as they explored the humility, heroism and humanity of Elijah (1 Kings 17-19) and formed the basis for the daily creative activities, nature walks, and debriefing exercises.

With “the ruthless elimination of hurry” as motivation, this laid-back retreat aimed to bring women closer to God to discern His still, small voice better. We can’t receive new assignments unless we stop running, fearful and confused, rest our bodies, quiet our minds, & re-focus our hearts on the Holy One. While we all know that such radical re-alignment to God’s will and ways always bears abundant fruit in our relationships with our spouses, children, families, colleagues, and even strangers, it is easier said than done in our fast-paced societies.

Carmel Prayer Room

We would love for you to partner with us in prayer for Carmel. Please continue to hold the staff of Carmel and the Carmel Community in prayer.

Carmel's ongoing legacy

If being a part of Carmel’s legacy is on your heart, we would love to share our vision and projects with you in more detail and how you can be a part of Carmel’s bright future.

“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the new wine would burst the wineskins, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine must be stored in new wineskins.”
Luke 5: 37-38

Greetings from Carmel

One of our intercessors received a dream about Carmel during this past week. It was a vision of Carmel restoring the current ground and increasing our influence. In celebration some of our leaders were sharing a bottle of wine. The wine was almost finished but there was a promise of more. In the dream, the leader encouraged those surrounding him to share out the last of the bottle so that they could open the new.

Firstly, this is such an encouragement that our Father speaks to us, and over us. Secondly, it speaks of restoring what has come before. It also points to a new beginning and growth which we can celebrate. Wine symbolises a new covenant, provision, celebration, and the Holy Spirit. We are encouraged to pursue the GOD who is always faithful to His promises, to complete the ministry set before us with generous hearts, trusting for provision in this new season.

This past weekend, Carmel’s leaders have been prayerfully discerning where GOD is leading Carmel’s ministry and how best to work towards this vision. There are some exciting plans for the coming months to better utilise the spaces we have available for ministry, build additional classrooms and conferencing venues, and equip and empower the ministry team living and working at Carmel.

We have some school groups visiting and we pray for their time to be blessed. Please don’t delay to book for the Women’s Retreat which will be a time to seek GOD’s voice in the midst of life. We are also excited to welcome Beryl and Derek Puffett who will be hosting a pastor, missionary and ministry leader’s retreat in October. We hope that many people in the ministry will receive rest and refilling during this week. If anyone would like to sponsor a ministry leader please contact us.

May GOD bless and keep you.

Suzanne Mackay
The Carmel Trustees

Break away from the bustle of life to experience Carmel for your next group retreat, conference or day-event.

Come together for family time, rest and fun

30 September – 9 October 2023

The School Holidays are a special time at Carmel, for all to come together for rest and a good amount of holiday fun.

The Carmel team will be running daily activities for kids of all ages and adults too… and for rest and restoration, our garden walks, many quiet spaces and chapel are perfect to gain the rest you may need (spiritual, emotional and physical).

To experience school holidays at Carmel, watch our holiday highlights video below.

Whether you are staying over or a day visitor, we look forward to you joining us over the school holidays. To book your school holiday accommodation, please click to contact us or call the office on 044 889 0019.

Experience our Winter Special at Carmel

Until the end of August 2023, we are running a Winter Special! When booking 2+ nights, receive 30% off your B&B accommodation! And for the winter camping enthusiasts, receive 50% off our campsite accommodation when booking 2 nights+.

Break away from the busyness of life to rest and restore, while you enjoy our beautiful gardens, quiet places, B&B sea view rooms or camping options, Victoria Bay views and dining.

The discount is from regular season pricing and additional dining options are at standard pricing.

Greetings from the Ministry Team

Throughout the year Carmel hosts a variety of interesting, special interest programmes and spiritually enriching seminars. Carmel staff as well as highly regarded teachers and specialists lead these programmes.

Read more below on our upcoming programmes and to stay informed about future ministry events visit our Ministry webpage.

Ministry Leaders Retreat
Presented by Derek & Beryl Puffett
Date: 10 – 13 October 2023

Our Ministry Leaders Retreat is designed to be a place of healing and restoration for pastors, especially those who are struggling in difficult personal situations, or those who have become exhausted in the battle and are desperately in need of rest and recuperation.

– Restore
The retreat provides the opportunity for complete rest, support, care and personal prayer ministry for those in key, full-time positions of leadership within a church, organisation or business.

– Refresh
These specially designed retreats are not intended merely as holiday breaks away from everyday life, but as time given to God for Him to work deeply in the lives of those who attend.

– Re-envision
This retreat is not built around a structure of formal meetings. They are led by the experienced Ellel leaders and simply offer space, time and care to facilitate God’s restoration for your whole being: body, soul and spirit.

Whether you are in need of personal restoration or are seeking the Lord for direction and renewed vision for your life and ministry, these specialised leaders’ retreats provide the necessary secure and loving environment.

To learn more about the presenters, Derek and Beryl Buffett, click here. For further enquiries and to book your place, please contact us or call the office on 044 889 0019.

Women’s Retreat
Presented by Katharine Marsden & Suria Scholtz
18 – 20 August 2023

The Still, Small Voice: Finding GOD in the midst of life
Based on 1 Kings 19

This women’s weekend retreat is an opportunity to create a sacred space in your life, to wait upon the Lord in the beauty of His creation and be refreshed, renewed and strengthened.

Over the course of the weekend we will be exploring God’s narrative in our lives as we ‘re-remember’ our lives in the context of a loving God who knows us in our inmost being. We will be using contemplative practices including prayer walks, meditation and periods of silent reflection to allow God to work his unforced rhythms of grace in us.

There are three options to join:

Day visitor: R990/per person

Programme Fees
Friday dinner, Saturday lunch and dinner, and Sunday lunch (no breakfasts)

Shared: Stay over (2 nights): R1560/per person sharing

2 person shared Sea View accommodation (2 nights)
Programme Fees
All meals included: Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday breakfast and lunch.

Single: Stay over (2 nights): R1870/per person

Sea View accommodation (2 nights)
Programme Fees
All meals included: Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday breakfast and lunch.

To book your place, please email bookings@carmelmail.co.za or call the office on 044 889 0019.

Carmel Prayer Room

We would love for you to partner with us in prayer for Carmel. Please continue to hold the staff of Carmel and the Carmel Community in prayer.

Carmel's ongoing legacy

If being a part of Carmel’s legacy is on your heart, we would love to share our vision and projects with you in more detail and how you can be a part of Carmel’s bright future.

“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”

Hebrews 10: 23-25

Greetings from Carmel

It is an incredible gift to witness GOD’s people gathering together to seek Him and encourage one another. It was part of the Israelite law and the rhythms of their feasts to gather to affirm and grow their faith. Likewise in the New Testament, meeting together is seen as part of the DNA of the early church.

Carmel is a blessed space of gathering, where our Father’s presence is tangible. It is wonderful to see His people unified under His Sovereignty, no matter their age, culture, economic means, or church affiliation. We see Carmel as a place where people are able to ENCOUNTER Him, receive ENCOURAGEMENT from Him and from one another, are EQUIPPED and EMPOWERED to leave transformed by the Gospel of Christ, a testimony of the Good News.

In the coming months, there are many opportunities to gather at Carmel:

During these colder months make use of our Winter Special, we would love families to enjoy time together, as well as be part of community activities provided each week. In the last week of July, we welcome all retired people to join Prime Plus, a wonderful course designed to enrich this season of life. In August, we call all the ladies to make your booking to join us for our Women’s Retreat – a weekend to rest and reconnect with your faith. Please join us as we pray for the conferences hosted by Ethnos (our on-site partner). It would be lovely for you to join us for our weekly prayer meetings in the chapel or online. And if you are looking for a venue to host a group, please consider Carmel.

May GOD bless and keep you.

Suzanne Mackay
The Carmel Trustees

Greetings from the Ministry Team

Read more about our June and July week-events below. In August, we are hosting a Ladies Retreat, presented by Katharine Marsden and Suria Scholtz. Visit our Ministry webpage to learn more.

Prime Plus
Presented by Harry & Margie Munnings & Heather Davies
24 – 28 July 2023

Designed for retired people, the programme will focus on the many issues encountered as we age. This course was designed by Trevor Hudson, a SA Methodist Minister, especially for home groups. The topics covered will be introduced and then used individually as times of quiet reflection or discussed in small groups. Each morning we will start with a time of worship in the chapel. We will enjoy a lovely breakfast and dinner in the Carmel dining room, and the usual great times of fellowship around the tables.

There will be plenty of free time to relax and enjoy the gardens, or rest. Also fun, including a picnic, croquet, and short walks, and in the evenings, games and a musical evening.

Pricing to attend Prime Plus

Accommodation (4 nights)
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner, including juice, tea & coffee
Light lunches available at Kaye’ Cafe at own expense
R590 per person per day (total R2360)

To book your place, please email Michele at bookings@carmelmail.co.za or call the office on 044 889 0019.

Women’s Retreat
Presented by Katharine Marsden & Suria Scholtz
18 – 20 August 2023

The Still, Small Voice: Finding GOD in the midst of life
Based on 1 Kings 19

This women’s weekend retreat is an opportunity to create a sacred space in your life, to wait upon the Lord in the beauty of His creation and be refreshed, renewed and strengthened.

There are three options to join:

Day visitor: R990/per person

Programme Fees
Friday dinner, Saturday lunch and dinner, and Sunday lunch (no breakfasts)

Shared: Stay over (2 nights): R1560/per person sharing

2 person shared Sea View accommodation (2 nights)
Programm Fees
All meals included: Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday breakfast and lunch.

Single: Stay over (2 nights): R1870/per person

Sea View accommodation (2 nights)
Programm Fees
All meals included: Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday breakfast and lunch.

To book your place, please email bookings@carmelmail.co.za or call the office on 044 889 0019.

Experience our Winter Special at Carmel

Break away from the busyness of life to rest and restore, while you enjoy our beautiful gardens, B&B sea view rooms or camping options, Victoria Bay views and dining.

The discount is from regular season pricing and additional dining options are at standard pricing.

Come together for family time, rest and fun

2 July – 10 July 2023

The School Holidays are a special time at Carmel, for all to come together for rest and a good amount of holiday fun.

Join us over the holidays for our tractor rides, volley ball, kids arts and crafts, bushcraft, cupcake decorating and prophetic art for both the kids and adults. On Friday, 7th July, we will also have an evening of worship in the Chapel for all to join.

Watch our video below to experience school holidays are Carmel.

Whether you are staying over or a day visitor, we look forward to you joining us for the school holiday activities. Please call the office on 044 889 0019 prior to arrival to confirm the activities for the day and Kayes Cafe opening times.

Break away from the bustle of life to experience Carmel for your next group retreat, conference or day-event.

Carmel Prayer Room

We would love for you to partner with us in prayer for Carmel. Please continue to hold the staff of Carmel and the Carmel Community in prayer.

Carmel's ongoing legacy

If being a part of Carmel’s legacy is on your heart, we would love to share our vision and projects with you in more detail and how you can be a part of Carmel’s bright future.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28

Greetings from Carmel

This verse has remained a foundational verse for Carmel. In this passage, Jesus was preaching in Galilee, and explains how GOD the Father is revealed through Him, the Son. He invites those that are feeling tired and heavy to COME to Him.

This invitation is such an encouragement to us all, that our Saviour calls us to Him in our times of weary burdens. He encourages us to take on His yoke, submit to His authority, allow Him to guide us and to share the load. His word promises that He walks with us, and in Him we will find rest for our souls. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. Our prayer remains that Carmel may provide this Holy Ground through which all can experience the restorative love of Christ.

We are so grateful for Carmel’s 69th Birthday, which we celebrated on the 1st May. We give praise and thanks to GOD for His provisions and for the lives that have been touched through His presence in this place. We acknowledge that this ministry only exists because of His love, and we pray He will inspire and guide us so that Carmel may continue to serve His Kingdom purposes.

May GOD bless and keep you all and hoping to see you here soon.

Suzanne Mackay
The Carmel Trustees

Greetings from the Ministry Team

Read more about our June and July week-events below. In August, we are hosting a Ladies Retreat, presented by Katharine Marsden and Suria Scholtz. Visit our Ministry webpage to learn more.

Accommodation (4 nights)
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner, including juice, tea & coffee
Light lunches available at Kaye’ Cafe at own expense
R590 per person per day (total R2360)

To book your place, please email Michele at bookings@carmelmail.co.za or call the office on 044 889 0019.

Come together for family time, rest and fun

24 June – 17 July 2023

The upcoming School Holidays are a special time at Carmel, for all to come together for rest and a good amount of holiday fun.

To experience the fun activities planned for the School Holidays, watch our school holiday highlights video below. Kayes’s Cafe will also be open on select days over the period.

Whether you are staying over or a day visitor, we welcome you to join us for the school holiday activities. Please call the office on 044 889 0019 prior to arrival to confirm the activities for the day and Kaye’s Cafe opening times.

Experience our Winter Special at Carmel

From June to August 2023, we are running a Winter Special! When booking 2+ nights, receive 30% off your B&B accommodation! And for the winter camping enthusiasts, receive 50% off our campsite accommodation when booking 2 nights+.

Break away from the busyness of life to rest and restore, while you enjoy our beautiful gardens, B&B sea view rooms or camping options, Victoria Bay views and dining.

The discount is from regular season pricing and additional dining options are at standard pricing.

Break away from the bustle of life to experience Carmel for your next group retreat, conference or day-event.

Carmel Prayer Room

We would love for you to partner with us in prayer for Carmel. Please continue to hold the staff of Carmel and the Carmel Community in prayer.

Carmel's ongoing legacy

If being a part of Carmel’s legacy is on your heart, we would love to share our vision and projects with you in more detail and how you can be a part of Carmel’s bright future.

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14 (NKJV)

Greetings from Carmel

Psalm 19 (read Psalm 19 here) is such a beautiful description of how the expanse of heaven reveals the work of GOD’s hands, and how His testimony transforms our souls, minds, hearts and lives. One moment where this was evident was on Easter Sunday morning as the sun rose: many hearts were lifted by the Word and teaching of our risen Saviour. We give thanks for being able to host our guests and local visitors for worship, ministry and baptisms at Carmel.

Over the coming months, there are many opportunities to seek our Lord’s presence:

Every week in the chapel, we have prayer at 7am on Wednesdays, prayer and worship at 4pm on Thursdays and prayer for the nations at 6:30am every Friday. All are welcome.

We are also very excited to share the ministry programmes we have on the calendar: from the “Pause Silent Retreat”, to the “Love After Marriage” workshop to enrich marriages and to our “Prime Plus” week for retired people. More details are below. Later in the year we look forward to our Ladies and Ministry Leaders Retreat, and a few more in the planning phases.

Our prayer is that every word shared and spoken, and every meditation of our hearts may be pleasing to our Lord and Saviour. As the sun touches Carmel, may it, and all of us that hold it dear, declare the Glory of GOD.

God bless,

Suzanne Mackay
The Carmel Trustees

Greetings from the Ministry Team

Love After Marriage
Presented by Gary & Hilary Pulser
19 – 23 June 2023

Invest in your marriage by taking a week away at Carmel Coastal Resort to attend our Love After Marriage (LAM) Workshop, in partnership with Nothing Hidden Ministries.

At the Love after Marriage week, you will:

Learn how to develop deeper intimacy by inviting God to play an active role in your relationship.
Practice implementing simple and practical tools that will help you to build and protect your connection. With the right tool set, even the most stressful and difficult problems become an opportunity to grow even closer with your spouse.
Gain insight and wisdom on how to further connect on an emotional, sexual, and spiritual level.

Why attend ‘Love After Marriage”? Because why wait any longer to begin experiencing the marriage you’ve hoped for?

There are three price options:
Day visitor option 1:

No breakfast, including lunch, excluding dinner: R780 per couple per day (total R3120)

Day visitor option 2:

No breakfast, including lunch & dinner: R1100 per couple per day (total R4400)

Live in:

Front Sea View accommodation (4 nights)
All meals included. R1960 per couple per day (total R7840)

All the LAM workshop books are included in the pricing options.

To book your place, please email Stephanie at bookings@carmelmail.co.za or call the office on 044 889 0019.

Accommodation (4 nights)
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner, including juice, tea & coffee
Light lunches available at Kaye’ Cafe at own expense
R590 per person per day (total R2360)

To book your place, please email Michele at bookings@carmelmail.co.za or call the office on 044 889 0019.

Greetings from Operations

Over the last few years, Carmel has had the privilege of working alongside our on-site partner, Ethnos Ministries International (EMI). Ethnos has based their South African operations at Carmel where their ministry students live while in-training. In leading both our and their vision and mission in ministry, we partner with Ethnos in many of the ministry events at Carmel. When visiting Carmel to attend our upcoming ministry events or school holiday programmes, you will be sure to meet the Ethnos team and we are excited to introduce the team to you this month.

Ethnos is an inter-denominational Christian mission organization. Their vision is to develop and activate grassroots and organic discipleship movements geared towards the least reached people groups, areas and vulnerable communities.

Coen Scholtz
Coen Scholtz is the founder of Ethnos, husband to Suria, father and missionary. Coen founded Ethnos with the vision to develop and activate grassroots and organic discipleship movements, geared towards the least reached people groups, areas, and vulnerable communities, both locally and internationally. Ethnos’s mission is to raise awareness, mobilize, and train individuals and church communities to lead this mission in reaching the unreached.

Suria Scholtz
Suria is a wife, mother, and grandmother who loves Jesus, life, and ministry. Answering God’s call to co-work with Him has taken their family on many adventures around the world. From serving refugees, pioneering schools in Africa, adopting orphans, and climbing Kilimanjaro to raise awareness of modern-day slavery, Suria has tried to pursue a lifestyle of freedom, fun, and fruitfulness. Her ministry also includes radio slots, motivational speaking, women’s conferences, and writing! Learn more at Avid Life.

Clara was born and raised in Germany and left to go to Zambia after she completed school. She was supposed to only stay for a year, but God changed her plans. She started to study part time International Management online and after two years she moved to South Africa where she has been serving with Ethnos. Clara loves Jesus, the nations, prayer, and people. She is especially passionate about working with young ladies and women and in her free time enjoys sports and baking.

Chris and Jenny
Chris and Jenny have been married for 16 years and have three children. Chris was a youth pastor at a church in Pretoria starting in 2010. They were missionaries in Zambia for 2 years. They joined Ethnos in 2022 and are involved in various ministries. They are serving at The Well, a missions’ church in George as pastoral care and worship coordinators. In Ethnos they are involved with the member care of the missionaries as well as with training in various departments. Their hearts are to see the next generation of missionaries be raised up, discipled, and sent out equipped to the lost but also to see the local church equipped and passionate to reach their local communities.

Tobi and Alex
Tobi and Alex are originally from Austria and are missionaries. Tobi has been a part of Ethnos for six years and his wife Alex joined in 2019, after they got married. They have a passion for discipleship and to see the unreached reached with the Gospel. Tobi is mainly involved in media and different leadership roles. Alex is a trained midwife and involved with reaching out through Health Care and starting a Care Centre. They moved to Carmel to live close to the students who are attending the discipleship and missions’ trainings. They especially love to pour into young adults, inviting them to their house to fellowship, helping them discover their calling and encouraging them in their walk with the Lord.

I look forward to introducing you to the Ethnos team on your next visit.

God Bless

Wouter Cloete
General Manager

Experience Carmel Events

Sunday, 14th May 2023

Time: 12:30
Price: R180 per adult. R125 per child under 12 years old
Includes:
Starter, Main, Desert, Juices, Tea & Coffee

To book please email Michele, before the 12th May, at bookings@carmelmail.co.za or call the office on 044 889 0019.

Looking for the ideal place for your group retreat, conference or day event.

Break away from the bustle of life to experience a time of rest and refocus for the year ahead. It will be our privilege as a Christian community to welcome you to Carmel Coastal Retreat.

Experience our wide range of accommodation options and group meeting venues, while enjoying our breath-taking Victoria Bay views, beautiful gardens, quiet spaces and dining options to make your group visit an experience to remember.

Prayer Room Highlights

If you would like to be a part of the Wednesday Prayer Room, we pray in the chapel every Wednesday morning from 07h00 – 08h00. If you are not able to join, we have created a dedicated email newsletter which you can sign-up on the link below and we will keep you updated.

We pray that God may continue to fill our guests with renewed hope, enthusiasm and restoration. We pray that Carmel will continue to be fruitful place, bringing the much needed restoration our guests are seeking and that God’s blessings may be poured over them. May God’s presence be at Carmel as it is in heaven.

Ephesians 6:18-20 TPT (as written by Paul)
“Pray passionately in the Spirit, as you constantly intercede with every form of prayer at all times. Pray the blessings of God upon all his believers. And pray also that God’s revelation would be released through me every time I preach the wonderful mystery of the hope-filled gospel. Yes, pray that I may preach the wonderful news of God’s kingdom with bold freedom at every opportunity. Even though I am chained as a prisoner, I am his ambassador.”

We would love for you to partner with us in prayer for Carmel. Please continue to hold the staff of Carmel and the Carmel Community in prayer.

Carmel's ongoing legacy

If being a part of Carmel’s legacy is on your heart, we would love to share our vision and projects with you in more detail and how you can be a part of Carmel’s bright future.

“Unless the Lord builds the house, They labour in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain.”

Psalm 127:1

Greetings from Carmel

When studying the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness and into the promised land, we are able to learn so much about GOD’s character towards His people.

He is the GOD:

Who frees His people from areas of captivity
Who provides for every, daily need
Whose presence is with them for every step
Who provides the means for sanctification and restoration
Who fights their battles
Who delivers on His promises

I am so grateful that we serve a GOD, on whom we can fully rely and who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine and that as all those linked to Carmel seek Him, He will build, guide and guard us in the same way.

As we prepare for Easter, I am so grateful that because of Christ’s victory over death, we have the sure hope of salvation, restoration and resurrection. We are able to look to this hope with gratitude and anticipation.

At this time we give thanks for those of you who intercede with us in the weekly Prayer Room gatherings (learn more here), and for the overwhelming love, movement, fire, and passion growing within Carmel.

We are so grateful for God’s incredible provisions poured out over Carmel this year and for the awakening in the larger Christian community. We have been so excited to welcome the many groups to visit Carmel so far this year and look forward to welcoming more.

Carmel is a “thin” place where the presence of GOD is experienced and we pray that all who come through the gates will be blessed as they stand on ‘holy ground’.

Wishing you all a very blessed Easter – CHRIST IS RISEN!

Suzanne Mackay
The Carmel Trustees

Greetings from Operations

Last month, I introduced our amazing ladies at Carmel, who I’ve been blessed to work alongside the last year. This month, I introduce you to the rest of our team.

I give thanks to the crucial role each team member plays internally and in serving you, our valued guests, and we look forward to welcoming you into our Carmel family on your next visit.

Bethwell
Bethwell has been looking after our beautiful gardens for over a decade. He loves working in nature every day, always smiling, doing his very best to keep our gardens as a place of rest and beauty for our guests.

Stuart
Stuart has been working at Carmel for the last 2 years as our finance manager. As an avid surfer, he loves to frequent the local surfing beaches, swim in the Carmel pool, and admire the sea views.

Rudi
Rudi has been working for Carmel for 7 years, heading up our maintenance. His favourite spot is Heaven’s Descent, sitting on the bench to rest while admiring the majestic Carmel views.

Anton
Anton first worked at Carmel 30 years ago, leaving to open his own restaurant. He felt a calling to return to Carmel 5 years ago to be our Head Chef. He loves preparing the many delicious meals and loves meeting our guests, so you will often find him out the kitchen serving the meals too.

Michele
Michele first worked at Carmel 11 years ago and returned a year ago to join the Front Office bookings team. She is always full of energy in serving our guests and as a MyRun ambassador, she loves the garden trails and community taking part in MyRun every Sunday at Carmel.

The team and I look forward to welcoming you to Carmel soon.

Wouter Cloete
General Manager

From the 5th – 11th April, we will be running our holiday programme. The programme is open to all our guests over the period and day visitors are welcome too. Come partake in the many activities, and take rest (spiritual, emotional and physical) in our chapel, many quiet spaces, garden walks and majestic Victoria Bay views.

The Easter weekend is a special time at Carmel for all to come together for meaningful celebration of the love of Christ for the world, our Saviour.

On Friday, we will be holding a prayer and worship Service at 4pm
On Sunday we will be holding the sunrise service and worship at 6am
On Friday night at 6pm, we are hosting a Good Friday, fish dinner menu
On Sunday at 8:30am, we are hosting a ‘Jesus is Risen’ celebration breakfast.
The newly revitalised Kaye’s Café will be open from the 6th – 10th April, for your daily cappuccinos, delicious treats and light eats.
A school holiday highlight is the Kaye’s Community Potjie on Saturday, 5:30pm

For day visitors wishing to partake in the holiday activities and visit Kaye’s Cafe, please contact reception prior to make a reservation. Day visitor fees are R60/adult and R40/child under 13 years.

For the Good Friday dinner, Kaye’s Community potjie and ‘Jesus is Risen” Sunday breakfast, please contact reception to make a booking.

For the Friday and Sunday service, all are welcome without needing to book.

Contact reception on 044-889-0019 or email bookings@carmelmail.co.za.

Greetings from the Ministry Team

We currently have 4 Ministry Programmes planned this year, highlighted below. To find out more about each programme and to reserve your place, please visit our Ministry Programmes webpage by clicking the button below.

Love After Marriage

Presented by Gary & Hilary Palser
Date: 19 – 23 June 2023

Prime Plus: ‘Creative ageing’

Presented by Harry & Margie Munnings
Date: 24 – 28 July 2023

Ladies Retreat

Presented by Katharine Marsden & Suria Scholtz
Date: 18 – 20 August 2023

Ministry Leaders Refreshing Retreat

Presented by Derek & Beryl Puffett
Date: October 2023, dates to be confirmed

Experience Carmel Camping

Experience the beauty of Carmel’s Camping and Caravan Park, while enjoying the magnificent Victoria Bay and Outeniqua mountain views, resting in our quiet spaces and many activities too.

Take advantage of the special offer running until 30 April 2023. Book for 3+ nights and get an extra night free. Click here to find out more about camping at Carmel.

Our campsites are divided into small, medium, and large. Whether you are a single camper, couple, family, or group, we welcome you to our camping experience.

Contact our front office at 044-889-0019 or click below to book your camping experience.

Looking for the ideal place for your group retreat, conference or day event.

Break away from the bustle of life to experience a time of rest and refocus for the year ahead. It will be our privilege as a Christian community to welcome you to Carmel Coastal Retreat.

Prayer Room Highlights

If you would like to be a part of the Wednesday Prayer Room, we pray in the chapel every Wednesday morning from 06h30 – 07h30. If you are not able to join, we have created a dedicated email newsletter which you can sign-up on the link below and we will keep you updated.

Over the last month, we have continued to give thanks for God’s blessings and provisions in bringing so many groups to visit Carmel, and for the many groups that are already booked for April.

We pray that God may fill them up, give them a renewed hope, enthusiasm and refreshing. We pray that their time at Carmel will be fruitful, bring restoration and that God’s blessings may be poured over them. May God’s presence be at Carmel as it is in heaven.

Psalm 34
“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; The humble and downtrodden will hear it and rejoice. O, magnify the Lord with me, And let us lift up His name together. I sought the Lord [on the authority of His word], and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant; Their faces will never blush in shame or confusion. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him And saved him from all his troubles.”

We would love for you to partner with us in prayer for Carmel. Please continue to hold the staff of Carmel and the Carmel Community in prayer.

Carmel's ongoing legacy

If being a part of Carmel’s legacy is on your heart, we would love to share our vision and projects with you in more detail and how you can be a part of Carmel’s bright future.

“Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in.”
Psalm 24: 9

Greetings from Carmel

A word was shared over Carmel this past week: a new wind will blow – GOD’s Spirit, Ruach will uncover the foundations of Carmel. The King of Glory, is the Lord strong and mighty and He has plans for Carmel beyond ourselves and our understandings.

His glory will be revealed as it was on Mt Carmel when Elijah built an altar. Fire from heaven came down to show His authority and majesty. We thank GOD for His presence at Carmel and the way He has touched and transformed so many lives for generations before us. We thank Him for the way these transformed lives have gone from Carmel and touched the lives of so many others. We thank Him that He continues to build on the firm foundation He has laid and continues to reveal His glory.

We are so grateful for the team of dedicated staff we have on the ground. It is always so encouraging to experience the hearts with which they serve the guests. The growing support of individuals passionate about Carmel’s ministry who volunteer their time and resources, has also been invaluable over this season. We are also thankful for the ministry partnership which is developing with Ethnos Ministry International – we are grateful for the manner their missionaries have sowed into Carmel’s life this past year.

It is also incredibly exciting to see the number of group bookings increasing in the months ahead as well as the many returning guests. We look forward to welcoming more guests to experience the love and restoration of Christ in the year ahead.

Our Saviour, Christ offers the invitation: “Come and see.” (John 1: 39)

God Bless

Suzanne Mackay
The Carmel Trustees

Greetings from Operations

Since joining the Carmel team in July 2022, I quickly realised that I had been blessed with an incredible team to work alongside. Many who have been with Carmel for over 10 years and Liesie, over 30 years! Our team is passionate about Carmel’s mission in serving our guests to experience the very best of Carmel.

This month, I want to introduce you to our lovely ladies across housekeeping, kitchen and reception and I look forward to introducing the full team over the next few newsletters. I give thanks to the crucial role each team member plays and we look forward to welcoming you into our Carmel family on your next visit.

Antoinette
Antoinette has worked in the kitchen for 28 years and has lived on the property since then too. She is passionate about group hospitality and is our little firecracker in the kitchen. Her favourite quiet spaces are the Chapel, Gordon’s Rest and Founders Rest.

Rachel
Rachel has been at Carmel for 22 years and is the master of our famous baked breads and loves the sweet treats too… the best puddings to follow dinner dining. Rachel got married in the first Chapel at Carmel and holds her fondest memories in our current Chapel.

Stephanie
Stephanie has been with Carmel for 10 years. She is the heart of Front Office bookings. She started in the kitchen, then housekeeping and is now in Reception where she manages group bookings. She feels the Carmel Chapel is an amazing spot to be in God’s presence.

Elizabeth (Liesie)
Liesie has been at Carmel for 36 years. She’s worked in housekeeping and the kitchen and currently she loves making all our delicious food. She loves our magnificent Victoria Bay views, gardens, and the pool. She’s always willing to go the extra mile and keep the team filled with fun every day.

Sina
Sina has worked in housekeeping for 6 years. Her favourite quiet space is Gordon’s Rest where she often goes to find a calm place to gather her thoughts and heart. She loves being a part of the Carmel community and preparing the rooms to welcome our guests to experience the best of Carmel’s accommodation.

The team and I look forward to welcoming you to Carmel soon.

Wouter Cloete
General Manager

Experience Carmel Camping

Experience the beauty of Carmel’s Camping and Caravan park, while enjoying the magnificent Victoria Bays Views, resting in our quiet spaces and many activities too.

Our campsites are divided into small, medium and large. Whether you are a single camper, couple, family or group, we welcome you to our camping experience.

Take advantage of the special offer from 1 March – 30 April 2023. Book for 3+ nights and get an extra night free. Pricing is regular season and can be viewed here.

Contact our front office at 044-889-0019 or click below to send us a booking enquiry.

The upcoming Easter weekend is from the 7th – 10th April. The Easter weekend is a special time at Carmel for kids of all ages and parents, individuals, and couples to come together at Carmel for meaningful celebration of the love of Christ for the world.

An additional essential of a holiday are rest and a good amount of fun. For kids of all ages, the Carmel team will be running daily activities… and for rest and restoration, our garden walks, many quiet spaces and chapel are perfect to gain the rest you may need (spiritual, emotional and physical).

On Friday and Sunday morning, there will be time of ministry and worship in the Chapel for all who want to join (all guests and day visitors are welcome).

To experience the fun activities planned for the Easter weekend, watch our December holiday highlights video below.

Looking for the ideal place for your group retreat, conference or day event.

Break away from the bustle of life to experience a time of rest and refocus for the year ahead. It will be our privilege as a Christian community to welcome you to Carmel Coastal Retreat.

Experience our wide arrange of accommodation options and group meeting venues, while enjoying our breath-taking Victoria Bay views, beautiful gardens, quiet spaces and dining options to make your group visit an experience to remember.

Prayer Room Highlights

This last month we thanked God for the picture of real love poured out over Carmel. We gave thanks for all the testimonies of God’s work within our guests and community and for God’s goodness and faithfulness.

God moved so powerfully this past holiday season in people’s hearts. Of all the years, those who have served at Carmel before have never seen the Lord work so powerfully as He did this last holiday. We praise God and thank Him for all He did in people’s lives.

There is such a picture of life and vibrancy at the caravan park. May God continue to bless the caravan park and the guests who come to stay.

Psalms 105:1
“Go ahead and give God thanks for all the glorious things he has done! Go ahead and worship him! Tell everyone about his wonders?”

We would love for you to partner with us in prayer for Carmel. Please continue to hold the staff of Carmel and the Carmel Community in prayer.

Carmel's ongoing legacy

If being a part of Carmel’s legacy is on your heart, we would love to share our vision and projects with you in more detail and how you can be a part of Carmel’s bright future.

“Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.”
Ephesians 3:20

Greetings from Carmel

As we come to the beginning of a new year, we reflect on the year that has been. For Carmel, it has been a season of repentance, renewal and revitalisation. This is most evident in the physical where the buildings have received some much-needed refurbishments and the gardens have been pruned, weeded and replanted. We are so grateful to all the teams that have poured their resources and efforts into making this a reality.

These shifts in the physical are maybe a fitting reflection of what has been happening on the spiritual and interpersonal levels. We have borne witness to how by God’s mighty power within us and within Carmel. He has been able to transform. We thank GOD for how He has guided each step and provided everything needed for Carmel to move into this new season. He remains faithful and in Him we place our trust for the year ahead.

We thank Wouter (our GM), Ethnos Ministry International (our on-site partner) and the teams surrounding them for the immense efforts they have put into this past holiday season, blessing every family that came to stay. There was indeed a sense of GOD’s presence in our midst. It is with great anticipation that we look forward to a year of welcoming families, church groups and conferences and special events onto our beautiful grounds.

We pray for each of you, that this year may be blessed, in the name of Jesus our Saviour. We are immensely grateful for the community that surrounds Carmel, and we hope to see you soon!

God Bless

Suzanne Mackay
The Carmel Trustees

Greetings from Operations

The last month at Carmel has been an incredible time for our full house of guests, and the blessings we as a team were given to provide the full Carmel hospitality experience.

Being my first festive season, it was a gift to meet and welcome new guests, generation long guests, couples, individuals, families, and day visitors. Also being the school holidays, the days were filled with activities for all ages of kids to partake in and we created a short highlights video below for you to experience what went on.

This is also a time to rest and restore from the year past. Our many quiet places, Victoria Bay views and garden trails were always there to find the rest (spiritual, emotional, and physical) which our guests have come to know and seek during their visits to Carmel.

On Christmas day, our chapel was blessed by over 100 guests to hear the Word of God and to give worship to our saviour, Jesus Christ. This was led by our Christmas Day lunch with a full dining hall and outdoor deck to enjoy our dining experience.

It was also a time of great excitement to see the season opening of the revitalised Kaye’s Café. The daily cappuccinos were flowing, and the treats, milkshakes and light lunches were delicious too.

Another highlight was welcoming in the New Year with our potjie and braai night. While the kids were entertained with various activities, I got to join the fiercely contested potjie contest and to spend time hearing the stories of what brought our guests to Carmel.

All this would not have been possible, without the provisions of God to prepare Carmel for this season, and for tireless work of the permanent team and the Friends of Carmel and Ethnos Ministry teams who volunteered their time. To everyone, I give my sincere thanks and gratitude.

The season has been a reflection on the revitalised and renewed experience of all that Carmel has to offer. In previous newsletters, I have reflected on the many revitalisation projects that took place in lead up to the year end. We still have much work to do, and our prayer is for God to lead us in the work to be done in 2023.

I pray for a year of God’s blessings upon the Carmel community and team, and we look forward to welcoming you to Carmel soon.

Wouter Cloete
General Manager

Carmel is a place of choice through our large variety venues and accommodation options and the numbers of people we can host to serve a wide variety of group retreats, conferences, weddings and events.

Experience the breathtaking views of Victoria Bay and our beautiful gardens and venues to make your group visit an experience to remember.

The 2023 School Holidays are an incredible time for kids of all ages and parents to come together at Carmel for fun and daily activities run by the Carmel Team.

The 2023 School Holiday Schedule is below:

1 April – 11 April
Easter Weekend 7 -10 April

24 June – 17 July

30 September – 9 October

16 December – 15 January 2024

Prayer Room December Highlights

We asked the Lord to help us keep our eyes on what is important and lasting, to help us invest in what will last and be wise in what we are setting our sights on. We want the Lord’s eyes to be our guide.

Psalm 27:8
“You have said, Seek My face [inquire for and require My presence as your greatest need]. My heart says to You, Your face, O Lord, will I seek.”

2 Corinthians 4:18
“Because we don’t focus our attention on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but the unseen realm is eternal.”

Psalm 32:8
“I hear the Lord saying, I will stay close to you, instructing and guiding you along the pathway for your life. I will advise you along the way and lead you forth with my eyes as your guide.”

We would love for you to partner with us in prayer for Carmel. Please continue to hold the staff of Carmel and the Carmel Community in prayer.

Carmel's ongoing legacy

If being a part of Carmel’s legacy is on your heart, we would love to share our vision and projects with you in more detail and how you can be a part of Carmel’s bright future.

Recent Newsletters

Hello Carmel July 2024

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. Lord, You will grant us peace; all we have accomplished is really from You.”
Isaiah 26: 3-4, 12 (NLT)

Read Newsletter »

Hello Carmel May 2024

“He who offers a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving honours Me; And to him who orders his way rightly [who follows the way that I show him], I shall show the salvation of God.”
Psalm 50: 23 (AMP)

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Hello Carmel April 2024

How wonderful it is to celebrate the blessing of life! In the light of Carmel’s 70th birthday, I have been reflecting on the legacy a lifetime can leave. Thank you, Father for Your faithfulness, Your continued presence and the transforming power of Your Spirit.

Read Newsletter »

Hello Carmel March 2024

“May you be full of His loving-favour and peace. Let us thank the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It was through His loving-kindness that we were born again to a new life and have a hope that never dies. This hope is ours because Jesus was raised from the dead.”
1 Peter 1: 2b-3 NLT

Read Newsletter »

Hello Carmel February 2024

“The LORD Himself watched over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade.”
Psalm 121:5

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Greetings from Carmel

Greetings from Operations

Experience Carmel for the day

2024 Fresh Start Getaway Specials

Carmel Prayer Room

Carmel's ongoing legacy

Greetings from Carmel

2024 Fresh Start Getaway Specials

Greetings from Operations

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Carmel Prayer Room

Carmel's ongoing legacy

Greetings from Carmel

Greetings from the Ministry Team

Come together for family time, rest and fun

Reflecting on our past Ministry Events

Carmel Prayer Room

Carmel's ongoing legacy

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Greetings from the Ministry Team

Carmel Prayer Room

Carmel's ongoing legacy

Greetings from Carmel

Greetings from the Ministry Team

Experience our Winter Special at Carmel

Come together for family time, rest and fun

Carmel Prayer Room

Carmel's ongoing legacy

Greetings from Carmel

Greetings from the Ministry Team

Come together for family time, rest and fun

Experience our Winter Special at Carmel

Carmel Prayer Room

Carmel's ongoing legacy

Greetings from Carmel

Greetings from the Ministry Team

Greetings from Operations

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Greetings from Carmel

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Greetings from the Ministry Team

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Carmel's ongoing legacy

Greetings from Carmel

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Experience Carmel Camping

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Carmel's ongoing legacy

Greetings from Carmel

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Carmel's ongoing legacy

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