“His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.”
Psalm 147:10-11
Greetings from Carmel
In this past week, Peter Veysie, our newest trustee, shared Psalm 147 with me. I find great encouragement in the reminder that the Lord delights in those who fear Him, whose hope is in Him. We often rely on many other things, like our material comforts, physical strength or our own abilities and knowledge. Instead, our faith in Christ encourages us to put our hope in Him, to build our house on the sure and unchanging foundation/bedrock of His teaching (Matthew 7: 24-29).
One way we rely on our Lord, is to turn to him in prayer and in this vein, I would like to share a letter from Angela McClarty, a member of the Carmel Prayer Group:
Dear Carmel Prayer Group,
Recently one of our members, Clara, said she had a picture of Carmel being protected by an army surrounding the whole property. My mind immediately went to the story in 2 Kings 6 of Elisha being surrounded by an army of horses and chariots sent by the King of Aram to capture him, but he was not afraid as he saw with spiritual eyes that God had filled the hills with His army of horses and chariots of fire. Our prayer team thought how wonderful it would be if Carmel had an army of prayer warriors to protect it against the devices of the evil one and to petition God for His mission for Carmel to be fully restored. This would be an answer to many prayers.
We would love to see Carmel full of people from all walks of life being blessed by the presence and power of God’s love. Much has happened at Carmel in the past few years but we long for this very special place to be used more in extension of the Lord’s Kingdom.
We believe that you, like us, know God uses the prayers of His people in a mysterious way to bring amazing blessings which are for His glory. Our plan is to send out a weekly WhatsApp and/or email with two to three pertinent prayer requests. We would update you on answers and progress for giving thanks and praise to God and to encourage us all. We will keep it short as we know it is easy to become inundated with social media so we don’t want to overload you, but if you want more you can tell us!
To join the Prayer WhatsApp Group, click the link below:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/DMcmOaIO0WREi5m3I2yiK4
To join the Prayer Group Newsletter, click the link below:
https://carmelcoastalretreat.co.za/prayer_group/
May the Lord bless you and your family and your witness for Him.
In the love of our Lord Jesus
Angela
GOD bless and keep you all,
Suzanne Mackay
The Carmel Trustees
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
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.
There are options for all to join
1. Stay-over sharing (2 nights): R1,815 pp/sharing
Includes accommodation, activity fee, book and meals:
Friday tea & dinner, Saturday breakfast, teas, lunch & dinner, Sunday breakfast, tea & lunch
2. Day attendees with meals: R969 pp
Includes activity fee, book and meals:
Friday tea & dinner, Saturday breakfast, teas, lunch & dinner, Sunday breakfast, tea & lunch
3. Day attendees without meals: R359 pp
Includes activity fee, book & teas
To book your place for the Women’s Retreat, please call reception at 044-889-0014 or email bookings@carmelmail.co.za
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 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.