“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who being in very nature GOD, did not consider equality with GOD something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”
Philippians 2: 5-7
Greetings from Carmel
I am sitting in home affairs as I write this, considering what service looks like. I applaud the individuals who day-in and day-out, serve the community without much gain or thanks. Often, they receive the very worst frustration instead of gratitude for their service.
It makes me think of the way Jesus is described in Philippians 2. He voluntarily gave up His rights and authority to become a servant. The Greek word used for “servant / slave” in this passage is “doulos” referring to someone who is tied or bound to another person, under their authority and care. Jesus bound Himself to His Father, to serve as He led; in complete obedience to His will, even to death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). Through His humble submission, He ultimately served and saved the entire human race!
Jesus’ example reminds us that we cannot measure our service by the ease with which we fulfil a role, the type of fruit it bares or even the thanks we receive. Jesus modelled how service begins with complete submission to the Father and His will – ultimately through obedience to Him, we serve all those around us.
As we move through the season of lent and look towards Easter, we thank our Saviour for the price He paid for our sins, the ransom He paid for our freedom. We welcome you to stay at Carmel over the Easter weekend or join as a day visitor for the various celebrations and holiday activities planned (read more below).
GOD bless and keep you all,
Suzanne Mackay
The Carmel Trustees
Greetings from Operations
In February, Rachel reached her milestone 60th birthday and has entered the retirement season of her life. With her famous Carmel breads and her beautiful personality, Rachel has tirelessly served Carmel since 1988.
37 years is an incredible achievement and the team, the greater Carmel community and I will miss her deeply in the time ahead as she starts this new chapter of her life.
I give heartfelt thanks to the Rachel for her dedication and her generosity of heart toward to Carmel over all these years. I’ve been privileged to serve 3 of these years alongside Rachel and I will be forever grateful for her service and the impact she has had within Carmel.
I wish Rachel the very best as she enters her retirement. I pray that God blesses her abundantly in this new season of life.
If you would like to send a message to Rachel, please click here to email me and I will pass your message onto her.
God bless,
Wouter Cloete
General Manager
Experience Carmel Camping
Looking for a camping adventure. Join us at Carmel for the Easter long weekend over 18-21 April. If you are looking for B&B accommodation, enquire about our Sea View accommodation units too.
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. 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
Easter weekend: Jesus is Risen
Easter Sunday 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 Sunday we will be holding the sunrise service and worship at 6am. The service is lead by Peter Veysie, Minister of the George Methodist Church. The service will be followed by delicious hot-cross buns and fellowship at Kaye’s Cafe.
Our ‘Jesus is Risen’ celebration breakfast and lunch will follow and we welcome all to join for breakfast and/or lunch.
For the ‘Jesus is Risen’ breakfast and lunch, please contact reception on 044-889-0019 or email bookings@carmelmail.co.za to book.
For the Sunday Sunrise Service, all are welcome. There is no need to contact us prior.
Greetings from the Ministry Team
The Women’s Retreat is in planning for 1-3 August (further details to follow soon) and in September we will be running the Prime Plus Retreat (see below). Our Pastor’s Appreciation Retreat will run across the regular season. Read more below.
To be notified of further details about the Women’s Retreat once available, you can sign up to our ministry newsletter and also keep an eye on our Ministry webpage. It will be our privilege to welcome you to one of our upcoming ministry events.
God bless,
The Carmel Ministry Team
15 – 19 September 2025
Presented by:
Harry and Margie Munnings and Heather Davies
The theme for Prime Plus 2025 is “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 crochet, 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
Easter Weekend: 18 – 21 April 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
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!
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.
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.