Carmel Christian Accommodation and Conference Facilities » Facilities

Walks at Carmel

carmel — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 14:48:59 +0000

Maps and information can be obtained at reception

Bird Hide at Carmel’s dam

(can be accessed from Boundary, Fern and Bushbuck trails)

Birds spotted so far include - Red Knobbed Coot, Cormorant, Yellow billed duck, Sunbird, Forked tailed Drongo, Knysna Tarago (Lourie) and LBJ’s and in the air African Fish Eagle.

There are a number of very scenic walks in and around Carmel:

Bushbuck trail – 20 minutes one-way, steep and only for the sure footed

Fern trail – 20 minutes one-way, steep and only for the sure footed

Boundary trail – 20 minutes one-way, slight slope

Protea walk – 10 minutes one way, fairly level

Aloe / Fynbos walk – 10 minutes one-way, fairly level

Contour path – 15 minutes one-way, fairly level

Victoria Bay beach walk - 40 minutes one-way, very steep return

Lone tree walk – 120 minutes return, very steep sections

Railway line walk to Wilderness – time depends on where started

Ballots bay walk – 120 minutes, very steep sections

Lone tree walk – 120 minutes return, very steep sections

Railway line walk to Wilderness – time depends on where started

Ballots bay walk – 120 minutes, very steep sections

Children’s Facilities

admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:30:29 +0000

Carmel is a children’s paradise! A jungle gym, lots of open lawns, a children’s pool and special fun when holiday teams are on duty. They are kept buzy in ways that grow their relationship with God while they are having fun.

Peaceful Places

admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:35:18 +0000

Carmel is unique in that it is a Spiritual haven of peace and tranquillity, offering our guests a sanctuary to find fulfilment and Spiritual refreshment in a beautiful environment close to nature and the heart of God. The various quiet places in our gardens provide places of retreat where guests can still their hearts and minds and open themselves to communion and restoration with Almighty God.

FOUNDER’S REST

Situated under the trees and just above the Chapel with one of the best views over Victoria Bay, Founders Rest is dedicated to Carmel’s founders, Jack and Kaye, who established Carmel in 1954, and contributed many years of sacrifice and service to make Carmel the place of peace and beauty that it is today. This is our tribute to them, and our recognition of their selfless service in God’s kingdom.

BY STILL WATERS

With it’s calming influence of running water, the water feature in the shelter of the chapel, and overlooking the same magnificent view lends special significance to the move of the Spirit, bring new life and refreshing the soul.

GORDON’S REST

A special structure dedicated to the memory of our beloved brother, Gordon Edgar, this is one of the most favourite places at Carmel. We are grateful to the sponsors of this inspirational place of refuge as a meeting place with our awesome Creator and His magnificent creation.

CHAPEL OUTLOOK

Below the chapel in the cool, tranquil, shaded retreat, overlooking our famous view and surrounded by the vibrant colour and variety of Gods creation, guests can find comfort, and allow their hearts to be filled with the awesome wonder of God’s power and unconditional love.

Horizon Room

admin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:52:53 +0000

The Horizon Room is a specialist conference facility, tastefully equipped and carpeted. It is so named as it provides a view of the entire Indian Ocean horizon as seen from Carmel. A paved pathway leads from Reception to the room, which has sliding doors opening onto a large deck area overlooking the gardens and the chapel and the hills & ocean beyond.

The facility seats 60 chairs comfortably in “cinema” style and about 30 if a table conference is required. There are three large whiteboards and a pull down screen, adequate lighting and ceiling fans.

This venue is open for all kinds of conference needs whether secular or Christian.

Chapel

admin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:53:11 +0000

Our first chapel was built with funds donated from a lady who had been specifically guided by God to pass on most of her retirement funding for the provision of a sanctuary. The beautiful wooden chapel that resulted was destroyed by veld fire in 2000, but as a result of insurance and many generous donations the present chapel was built, furnished and opened again. Basically circular in shape, the building can accommodate up to 100 people, if the foyer is also used for seats. The large windows look out over the ocean and the endless coastline, and a wonderful water feature running over natural rocks.

The chapel contains several evocative and tasteful items. Two interesting wooden crosses – a central one made for the first chapel from a driftwood beam found on the Wilderness beach and a miniature one made from olive wood from the garden of Gethsemane. The lovely oak lectern was made and donated in memory of a son who died tragically. The banners have all been made by the workgroups attending our Celtic Christianity retreats.

The chapel is available for all kinds of Christian events and celebrations. A paved pathway provides easy access, fairly steep but usable even for wheelchairs, with assistance.

Recreational Facilities

admin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:52:20 +0000

Carmel boasts a sparkling pool, tennis court, volleyball and croquet lawn, as well as numerous walks on our 49 hectare property.

Birdwatching

admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:12:06 +0000

Carmel is an unique place to find God in the beauty of his creation. We have areas for beginner and expert bird enthusiasts to come and discover the wonderful bird variety in the Garden Route area.

Barn

admin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:53:35 +0000

Jack’s Barn is so called in memory of Jack Edkins, our founder and donor of the property. It is the original farm barn, now provided with a concrete floor and with adequate windows and doorways all around. While the structure is simple and without pretension, many groups have transformed it into a wonderful setting for special events and wedding receptions. For a table reception the building can seat up to 110 and for a cinema style meeting it can comfortably seat 220. There is a simple platform area.

This area also doubles up as our Games Room. Here one can play pool, table tennis & darts or even use it for Action cricket.

Recreation Hall

admin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:54:00 +0000

The Recreation Hall is the basic relaxation and activity area for Carmel guests and is used for games, special events and activities, and sometimes for wedding receptions. Whereas it cannot be normally made available to small groups it becomes the most significant venue for the larger meetings that take place under block bookings as it accommodates 90 chairs comfortably, with space for tea and “lounge” areas, OR up to 120 if these areas are sacrificed and tea is served elsewhere.

Large sliding doors open on to a patio area. There is a raised platform section and a pull down screen, a lovely fireplace and an adequate tea serving area. The main floor area is wooden boards with the “lounge “ area carpeted, although this will be tiled in the future.

Here you can also watch DSTV on our large plasma screen or enjoy a DVD.