“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love (“hesed”) endures forever.
Psalm 136: 1
Greetings from Carmel
The Hebrew word “hesed”, translated as love or mercy in our English Bibles, is used 245 times in the Old Testament. In this Psalm it is a repeated reminder that “His love endures forever”. “Hesed” means a steadfast, unwavering and covenantal love. It is interesting that the tense in which the verb “love” is written is as perfect and passive. This means the love of the Lord is described is perfect and complete, without anything needing to be done to be earned – steadfast through all circumstance and time.
It is wonderful to realise that this is the love our Lord shows us, His children, His body and the ministry He partners with us in. Our reflection as the Carmel community is two-fold:
- Firstly, we are grateful for the unfailing love our Lord has shown this special place and every person who has been part of the ministry and community. His steadfast love endures forever.
- Secondly, we ask our Lord to be at work within our hearts, enabling us to reflect this “hesed” love to all who visit and spend time with us. Thank You, Lord, that You are good and Your love endures forever.
The Lord’s faithful love has been most evident in the past few weeks through the group ministries, the women’s retreat and His guidance through our season of transition.
You can read more below about the Women’s Retreat, the upcoming Prime Plus week and the opening of registrations for the Pathfinder-Impact Gap Year programme below.
GOD bless and keep you all,
Suzanne Mackay
The Carmel Trustees
Greetings from the Ministry Team
We are very excited to be hosting the Prime Plus retreat over 15 – 19 September. There has been an amazing response with almost 30 attendees already booked. There are a few stay-over spots still remaining. Read more about Prime Plus: “Hearing from God” below.
Over 1-3 August, we held our Women’s Retreat and we give thanks for the blessed time below.
All are 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
15 – 19 September 2025
Presented by:
Harry and Margie Munnings and Heather Davies
HEARING FROM GOD
Each morning, after short time of worship, 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.
There will be free time after a lunch break, 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 another virtual session with Dallas Willard every evening. On Thursday, the last night, the course will end with a musical evening with The Indaca Trio.
There are 3 options to join the Prime Plus week:
Stay-over (4 nights): R2,660 / per person sharing
- Includes dinner, bed & breakfast
Non-stay-over: R1450
- Includes breakfast and dinner
The course is designed for full attendance, but it is possible to attend for a single day
- R350 per day includes breakfast and dinner
On all options, lunch, snacks, teas and coffee will be available at The Carmel Dining Room at a separate cost during the week.
To book your place for Prime Plus 2025, please call reception at 044-889-0014 or email bookings@carmelmail.co.za
Giving thanks for our Women's Retreat
Over 1-3 August, Carmel hosted almost 70 women from across the country. It was such a special time of connection with one another, and experiencing the Father’s heart in a new way. We are so grateful for how the Holy Spirit met with each one in a personal way through the teaching, meditations on the Exodus journey, beautiful gardens, and shared meals.
It seems many ladies are hoping we will offer a weekend more than once a year! Watch this space.
Testimonies from our guests
“I awoke Monday morning buzzing with the anointing and needing to express my gratitude for an inspiring and healing weekend. In keeping with the acrostics of the Saturday Stations. The Women’s Retreat at Carmel “Streams in the desert”, the speakers, the worship leaders, the creatives involved in those incredible stations, the workshop leaders, the wonderful participants (now sisters in Christ) and the staff at Carmel, can be summed up in the word ‘Authentic’. The dictionary definition: “Authentic describes something that is real, genuine and not a copy or imitation. When something is authentic, it is considered true to its origin and can be trusted as reliable.”
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.
Based on Romans 8:37: “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us”, our vision is to awaken a generation to thrive through traditional family values and be empowered to lead well in life through a Biblical foundation, identity and clear purpose. We do this through facilitating a personal development gap year program for young adults built around transformative lifestyle discipleship, vocation and life skills, disciplines, and team adventure experiences, helping them to become the leaders of tomorrow with faith and a Biblical Kingdom worldview.
A Journey of Growth, Faith, and Purpose
The year is in full swing, and what an amazing journey it has been with our current group of students! Over the past months, we have witnessed incredible growth in their lives as they step into a deeper understanding of who they are, who God has called them to be, and how they can impact the world around them….identity and purpose.
From laughter-filled adventures and team-building activities to heartfelt moments of worship and reflection, our time together has been life changing.
The Pathfinder-Impact students have enjoyed a wide range of experiences this year, from hiking, surfing, and exploring the beauty of the Garden Route to learning practical skills like leatherwork, beadwork, woodworking, and Farming God’s Way gardening. In the classroom, they have focused on identity in Christ, renewing the mind, and living out their salvation, with deep times of worship and devotion. Students have also served others through street evangelism and community outreach. The growth and fruit in their lives is evident as they continue to blossom. With more adventures planned, including a possible mission trip to Lesotho, the journey ahead promises to be exciting and impactful.
The testimony of these students is why we believe the Pathfinder-impact season of a gap year is a unique opportunity for young adults. It is a safe place to prepare between home and ‘the world’.
We are excited to tell you that registrations are open for February 2026!
You can find out more at https://pathfinder-impact.com, email us at info@pathfinder-impact.com or call on 071-183 2631
Please share If you have children, grandchildren, friends or church communities with young adults who need a transformative year in their life.
With much love and blessings
Gavin, Nicky and Johann
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
Experience School Holidays in 2025
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
Rest, reflect & reconnect
View our latest video to get a glimpse into what makes Carmel so special. From the peaceful gardens and Vic Bay views to the chapel, and space to truly rest, restore and reconnect.
Group retreats, weddings, school holiday activities & break-away holidays, we welcome you to experience all that Carmel has to offer.
It will be our privilege as a Christian community to welcome you to Carmel Coastal Retreat.
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.
Experience Carmel Camping by watching our video below. For bookings, contact reception on 044-889-0019 or email bookings@carmelmail.co.za
Carmel Prayer Group
If you would like to be a part of the Wednesday Prayer Group, we pray in the chapel every Wednesday morning from 07h00 – 08h00.
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.
To join the Prayer WhatsApp group, click the link below:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/DMcmOaIO0WREi5m3I2yiK4
To join the Prayer Newsletter Group, click the link below:
https://carmelcoastalretreat.co.za/prayer_group/
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.