Hello Carmel Hello Newsletter February 2023

“Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in.” 
Psalm 24: 9

Greetings from Carmel

A word was shared over Carmel this past week: a new wind will blow – GOD’s Spirit, Ruach will uncover the foundations of Carmel. The King of Glory, is the Lord strong and mighty and He has plans for Carmel beyond ourselves and our understandings.

His glory will be revealed as it was on Mt Carmel when Elijah built an altar. Fire from heaven came down to show His authority and majesty. We thank GOD for His presence at Carmel and the way He has touched and transformed so many lives for generations before us. We thank Him for the way these transformed lives have gone from Carmel and touched the lives of so many others. We thank Him that He continues to build on the firm foundation He has laid and continues to reveal His glory.

We are so grateful for the team of dedicated staff we have on the ground. It is always so encouraging to experience the hearts with which they serve the guests. The growing support of individuals passionate about Carmel’s ministry who volunteer their time and resources, has also been invaluable over this season. We are also thankful for the ministry partnership which is developing with Ethnos Ministry International – we are grateful for the manner their missionaries have sowed into Carmel’s life this past year.

It is also incredibly exciting to see the number of group bookings increasing in the months ahead as well as the many returning guests. We look forward to welcoming more guests to experience the love and restoration of Christ in the year ahead.

Our Saviour, Christ offers the invitation: “Come and see.” (John 1: 39)


God Bless

Suzanne Mackay 
The Carmel Trustees

Greetings from Operations

Since joining the Carmel team in July 2022, I quickly realised that I had been blessed with an incredible team to work alongside. Many who have been with Carmel for over 10 years and Liesie, over 30 years! Our team is passionate about Carmel’s mission in serving our guests to experience the very best of Carmel.

This month, I want to introduce you to our lovely ladies across housekeeping, kitchen and reception and I look forward to introducing the full team over the next few newsletters. I give thanks to the crucial role each team member plays and we look forward to welcoming you into our Carmel family on your next visit.

Antoinette_Carmel Coastal Retreat

Antoinette
Antoinette has worked in the kitchen for 28 years and has lived on the property since then too. She is passionate about group hospitality and is our little firecracker in the kitchen. Her favourite quiet spaces are the Chapel, Gordon’s Rest and Founders Rest.

Rachel_Carmel Coastal Retreat

Rachel
Rachel has been at Carmel for 22 years and is the master of our famous baked breads and loves the sweet treats too… the best puddings to follow dinner dining. Rachel got married in the first Chapel at Carmel and holds her fondest memories in our current Chapel.

Stephanie_Carmel Coastal Retreat

Stephanie
Stephanie has been with Carmel for 10 years. She is the heart of Front Office bookings. She started in the kitchen, then housekeeping and is now in Reception where she manages group bookings. She feels the Carmel Chapel is an amazing spot to be in God’s presence.

Elizabeth_Carmel Coastal Retreat

Elizabeth (Liesie)
Liesie has been at Carmel for 36 years. She’s worked in housekeeping and the kitchen and currently she loves making all our delicious food. She loves our magnificent Victoria Bay views, gardens, and the pool. She’s always willing to go the extra mile and keep the team filled with fun every day.

Sina_Carmel Coastal Retreat

Sina
Sina has worked in housekeeping for 6 years. Her favourite quiet space is Gordon’s Rest where she often goes to find a calm place to gather her thoughts and heart. She loves being a part of the Carmel community and preparing the rooms to welcome our guests to experience the best of Carmel’s accommodation.

The team and I look forward to welcoming you to Carmel soon.

Wouter Cloete 
General Manager

Experience Carmel Camping

Carmel Coastal Retreat Camping Special

Experience the beauty of Carmel’s Camping and Caravan park, while enjoying the magnificent Victoria Bays Views, resting in our quiet spaces and many activities too.

 

Our campsites are divided into small, medium and large. Whether you are a single camper, couple, family or group, we welcome you to our camping experience.

 

Take advantage of the special offer from 1 March – 30 April 2023. Book for 3+ nights and get an extra night free. Pricing is regular season and can be viewed here.

 

Contact our front office at 044-889-0019 or click below to send us a booking enquiry.

Easter Weekend at Carmel Coastal Retreat

The upcoming Easter weekend is from the 7th – 10th April. The Easter weekend is a special time at Carmel for kids of all ages and parents, individuals, and couples to come together at Carmel for meaningful celebration of the love of Christ for the world. 

An additional essential of a holiday are rest and a good amount of fun. For kids of all ages, the Carmel team will be running daily activities… 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).

On Friday and Sunday morning, there will be time of ministry and worship in the Chapel for all who want to join (all guests and day visitors are welcome).

To experience the fun activities planned for the Easter weekend, watch our December holiday highlights video below.

Experience Group Hospitality at Carmel Coastal Retreat, George, Garden Route

Looking for the ideal place for your group retreat, conference or day event. 

Break away from the bustle of life to experience a time of rest and refocus for the year ahead. It will be our privilege as a Christian community to welcome you to Carmel Coastal Retreat. 

Experience our wide arrange of accommodation options and group meeting venues, while enjoying our breath-taking Victoria Bay views, beautiful gardens, quiet spaces and dining options to make your group visit an experience to remember.

Prayer Room Highlights

If you would like to be a part of the Wednesday Prayer Room, we pray in the chapel every Wednesday morning from 06h30 – 07h30. If you are not able to join, we have created a dedicated email newsletter which you can sign-up on the link below and we will keep you updated.

 

This last month we thanked God for the picture of real love poured out over Carmel. We gave thanks for all the testimonies of God’s work within our guests and community and for God’s goodness and faithfulness.

God moved so powerfully this past holiday season in people’s hearts. Of all the years, those who have served at Carmel before have never seen the Lord work so powerfully as He did this last holiday. We praise God and thank Him for all He did in people’s lives.

There is such a picture of life and vibrancy at the caravan park. May God continue to bless the caravan park and the guests who come to stay.

Psalms 105:1 
“Go ahead and give God thanks for all the glorious things he has done! Go ahead and worship him! Tell everyone about his wonders?”

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.

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.