“Blessed are those whose strength is in You, who have set their hearts on Pilgrimage. As they pass through the valley of Baka (tears), they make it a place of springs, the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength until each appears before God in Zion.”
Psalm 84: 5-7
Greetings from Carmel
We have passed the middle of the year, the winter solstice, and are now entering into a beautiful time of the year at Carmel. The seasons change as Carmel opens up with different colours and blooms – shades of blue, green and glorious hues.
We have had a time of prayer and reflection over the last few weeks as we shift gear into this new season of Carmel and we are excited to see what the Lord will do.
I have always had a picture of all the lives that have come and gone through the gates of Carmel and how those lives have been touched. If we had a small red flag representing each ones’ lives and the transformation that the Lord has done in them through Carmel, it would be awesome to see the thousands that have been touched.
As we journey forward it would be wonderful for those of you that have been touched throughout the years to share your stories. You can click here to share your story.
It is another time of transition at Carmel, with Ethnos Movement International deciding to move its operations from Carmel back to George. This means that Ethnos’ staff and students will no longer be based at Carmel, and The Table will also be relocating. While this marks a significant transition, it is not the end of our relationship. We will continue to work together on shared ministries, and we see this as a meaningful opportunity for both Ethnos and Carmel to grow and thrive in their distinct missions, while remaining united in spirit and purpose.
As Ethnos steps into this new season, we want to express our deep gratitude for the time we’ve shared in ministry. We are thankful for the ways in which Ethnos has assisted with upgrading our dining room deck, various rental offerings and provided manpower for ministry. It is wonderful to see how the Lord has worked through our partnership. Our prayers go with Ethnos – that God would guide every step, provide abundantly, and continue to use their gifts to build the Kingdom in powerful ways.
The Carmel Dining room will still remain with a renewed offering. We look forward to updating you on the new Dining Room name and offering in the weeks ahead.
GOD bless and keep you all,
Peter Veysie
The Carmel Trustees
Rest, reflect & reconnect
We’re so excited to share our latest video with you – capturing just a glimpse of what makes Carmel so special. From the peaceful gardens and Vic Bay views to the chapel, and space to truly rest, reflect and reconnect… we welcome you to experience all that Carmel has to offer.
Until 31 August, we are running our low season rates. Winter’s slower pace is God’s invitation to rest. Come cosy up at Carmel – restore your soul, take in the beauty and colours of winter, and let us take care of you with our hearty, special breakfasts and dinners served daily.
It will be our privilege as a Christian community to welcome you to Carmel Coastal Retreat.
Greetings from the Ministry Team
We are very excited to be hosting the Women’s Retreat at Carmel in 2 weeks time. There has been an amazing response with almost 50 women joining the retreat. There are a few stay-over spots still remaining and day visitors are also welcome. There is more info on the Women’s Retreat below with the options to join.
In September we are hosting the Prime Plus week and the Pastor’s Appreciation Retreat continues to run throughout the regular season.
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
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, 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
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 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
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.