“So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”
Philippians 2: 5-7
Greetings from Carmel
Jehovah Jireh – “The Lord will provide”
So often our LORD uses circumstances to reveal more of His character to us. Genesis 22 tells the story of Abraham being tested in the most personal of ways. The LORD asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, on the mountain. Abraham’s faith is really evident throughout the story. Firstly, he is said to have begun the journey, early the very next morning. Secondly, prior to having any evidence of GOD’s provision in this situation, he answered Isaac “God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” Through taking each step faithfully, trusting in the LORD’s nature, more of His provision and love could be shown.
On the 1st of May we celebrated Carmel Coastal Retreat’s 71st birthday! What an incredible legacy of the LORD’s faithfulness. There are so many testimony’s over the years of people experiencing personal encounters with the Holy Spirit in this place. But so much of this place’s existence has been a story of laying down what is precious and taking steps without seeing the provision yet. This can only be done in the knowledge of our LORD’s unchanging character. He continuously raises up people and resources in His perfect timing. Please join me in our prayers of gratitude for 71 years of His faithful provision.
Today, we would like to share the good news that Rev. Peter Veysie has accepted a position as a Trustee of Carmel. We are so grateful for his continuous heart for the ministry from this place. He, and his wife, Debbie have sowed into Carmel for many years already, through teaching, hosting services and retreats, artistic design, staff support and in so many more ways. Peter brings a wealth of ministry experience and is a respected leader in the George and wider church community.
If you would like to read more about Peter, click here. If you would like to see all the current trustees, click here.
GOD bless and keep you all,
Suzanne Mackay
The Carmel Trustees
Greetings from Operations
On the 1st May we celebrated 71 years since the Ministry of Carmel began.
Thank you, Father for Your faithfulness, Your continued presence and the transforming power of Your Spirit. Oh Lord, may You continue to bless Carmel and expand its influence; may You always be present and protect us in all we do.
We would like to honour all those who have been part of the life of Carmel over the past 71 years. For all those who have sown into the ministry through prayer, skills, time, finances, passion and a myriad of other ways. When speaking to people about Carmel, they invariably share a story of how Carmel is a significant place to them because they had a personal encounter with their Father.
If you have a testimony or story of your times at Carmel over the 71 years, we would love for you to share with us in celebrating the community of Carmel. You can click here to send us your testimony.
God bless,
Wouter Cloete
General Manager
Greetings from the Ministry Team
Throughout the year Carmel hosts a variety of meaningful, special interest ministry programmes and spiritually enriching seminars. Carmel staff as well as highly regarded teachers and specialists lead these programmes.
To read more about the Ministry events planned over the months ahead, you can read more below. For further details you can read more on the Ministry webpage by clicking here.
All our welcome to our Ministry events, it would be our privilege as a Christian community to welcome you to Carmel.
God bless,
The Carmel Ministry Team
1 – 3 August 2025
Presented by Suria Scholtz, Suzanne Mackay, and Debbie Veysie
RESTED, RESTORED, AND REVIVED
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Isaiah 43:19
Join us for a weekend of fresh encounters with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, trusting Him for times of refreshing in your life.
Women’s Retreat Sessions:
- Friday: The Father prepares a Family
- Saturday: The Son prepares an Eternal Home
- Sunday: The Holy Spirit prepares a Bride
The final planning, along with the options and pricing to join the Women’s Retreat are in the planning and we look forward to sharing with you in the week ahead. Please keep an eye on our Ministry webpage for these details or you can email your interest to bookings@carmelmail.co.za and we will send you the full details as soon as available.
15 – 19 September 2025
Presented by:
Harry and Margie Munnings and Heather Davies
HEARING FROM GOD
Each morning, we will listen to a virtual 30 minute session by Dallas Willard (click to learn more about Dallas Willard), a renowned Bible teacher, followed by discussion in groups. He takes the mystery out of hearing from God, giving us tools to live life in intimate friendship with God. This will be followed a short time of worship.
There will be free time after lunch, and croquet, walks, a visit to the beach or games can be organised for those who would like to participate. A full Carmel dinner in the dining room, will be followed by a program every evening, including music, or worship, games, and a time of testimony on the last night, ending with short evening prayers.
Options to join:
- The cost for the week will be R2660/per person sharing and includes dinner, bed and breakfast.
- Lunch, snacks, teas and coffee will be available at The Table Restaurant at a separate cost during the week.
- Day visitors are welcome at R50/per day. All meals and drinks to be arranged at own cost
To book your place for Prime Plus 2025, please call reception at 044-889-0014 or email bookings@carmelmail.co.za
We desire to show our appreciation for the integral role of all pastors in spreading the ministry of Christ, our Saviour to the world. During the regular season, we welcome all pastors and their spouse to take a time of rest (emotional, physical and spiritual) at Carmel to restore and reconnect.
There is a special rate offered for a 2 night stay, including Sea View accommodation, breakfast and dinner for 2 people sharing.
The time is not a organised retreat but a time for you to take rest at a time that suits your schedule, within the loving community of Carmel.
If you are a pastor or would like to sponsor a couple’s retreat, please contact the Carmel office on 044-889-0019 or email bookings@carmelmail.co.za to find out more.
Experience School Holidays in 2025
June/July Holidays: 28 June – 21 July
October Holidays: 4 October – 12 October
December/January Holidays: 15 December – 11 January
School Holidays are a special time at Carmel, for all to come together for rest and a good amount of holiday fun.
The school holiday bookings fill up fast, so be sure to book your camping or B&B accommodation soon, to ensure you don’t miss out on these memorable times at Carmel.
On select days, 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 School Holidays at Carmel, watch our December holiday highlights video below.
To book your camping or B&B accommodation, contact the office on 044-889-0019 or email bookings@carmelmail.co.za
Experience Carmel Camping
Looking for your next camping adventure.
Enjoy the beauty of Carmel’s Camping and Caravan Park, while soaking in the magnificent Victoria Bay and Outeniqua mountain views, resting in our quiet spaces and many activities too. Also visit the “The Table Restaurant” for your coffee fix, treats, lunch and dinner during your stay.
Experience Carmel Camping by watching our video below. For bookings, contact reception on 044-889-0019 or email bookings@carmelmail.co.za
Experience our Group Hospitality
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 growth. 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.
Contact our team to discuss your group retreat and to experience Carmel’s group hospitality. Contact us on 044-889-0019 or email bookings@carmelmail.co.za
The Table Restaurant at Carmel
The Table at Carmel has been an immense blessing to our guests, stay-over and day visitors, to have a space of fellowship and connecting over delicious food and coffee.
The daily menu is filled with options for all and the Sunday lunch gathering has become a Carmel tradition each week with a set menu.
For more information and to make a reservation, you can call The Table on
079-538-4722 or email thetable.carmel@ethnosmi.org.
We look forward to serving you soon!
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.