“But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us!”
1 Chronicles 29: 14
Greetings from Carmel
It is interesting to consider ownership in the light of a Kingdom’s perspective. How does our faith shape our view of entitlement and responsibility? In terms of Carmel, it is even more interesting because of the number of different people who support and value the place and ministry. There is the legal structure, the staff, and all the key stakeholders, but ultimately Carmel is owned by the Lord. It is a part of the body of Christ. Although the property is legally held in a trust, the trust mandate (and what each of us commits to) is for us to steward the asset for the Lord’s purposes, knowing this special place is HIS.
Does someone who submits their life to their Saviour ever really own anything? Do we earn anything? Are we entitled to anything? The short answer is “no”. All that we have in our care, is pure gift, owned by our Creator (Ephesians 2: 8-9 and Romans 11: 36).
The goal then is to ask the question:
“What is Your will, Lord, for this that You have placed in my hand? How do You lead? Thank you for the privilege of partnering with You in Your Kingdom. May You show how to steward all that is Yours in a way that gives You all the glory.”
The end of the year is fast approaching and many of us are considering how to share special family time and possibly escape for a holiday. Although Carmel is mostly fully booked between 12 December – 12 January, there are still spaces available from the 1st – 12th Dec and from the 15th January onwards at our regular season rates. There will be lovely activities for day visitors to join and special meals offered by our kitchen: “Taste and Sea” that the Lord is Good (Psalm 34:8).
GOD bless and keep you all,
Suzanne Mackay
The Carmel Trustees
Experience School Holidays in 2025
December/January Holidays: 15 December – 14 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 this summer!
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
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
Greetings from the Ministry Team
Last week, we held our annual Prime Plus Retreat and we give thanks for the blessed time below.
We continue to run our Pastor’s Appreciation Retreat through the regular season and the Pathfinder-Impact Gap Year programme is also open for 2026 registrations. You can read more about these programmes below.
All are welcome to our Ministry programmes, it would be our privilege as a Christian community to welcome you to Carmel.
God bless,
The Carmel Ministry Team
Giving thanks for Prime Plus
Prime Plus 2025 was once again a special time. Thirty folk booked in for the week, mainly retired folk, and a wonderful mix of folk who had previously attended either the Celtic weeks, or Prime Plus on many previous occasions, as well as new folk attending Carmel for the first time.
The theme was “Hearing God.” Every morning we met for prayers in the Chapel, led by Rob Penrith, and after breakfast listened to virtual teaching by Dallas Willard, followed by discussion in our groups. Again there was teaching in the evenings. Everyone testified to hearing God in a unique and special way, and will continue to do so in our days ahead.
Everyone loved the Carmel meals. A comment from one gentleman,
“I would like to extend hearty congratulations to the catering staff for feeding us so well during our stay at the ever lovely and quite unique Carmel. I applaud the return to good wholesome and simple old Carmel-style cuisine and I am looking forward to tasting what’s on offer from the kitchen during my Christmas /New Year’s visit. Well done.”
A special treat this year was the performance by the Indaca Trio. A local professional music group, who entertained us with the most beautiful classical pieces on the piano, violin, and viola.
We also enjoyed an afternoon of art with Debbie Veysie and Suzanne Mackay.
A picnic at Victoria Bay, on a beautiful day, never complete without an ice-cream, and a walk to watch the spectacular waves.
Many shared of the special times of fellowship in the groups and around the tables, of old friendships renewed and new friendships made.
We thank God for a wonderful week, and look forward to seeing you all again next year.
Blessings
Margie
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
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.
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.