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.

Unwind in one of our 2 lounges in the main building with magnificent views of our impressive gardens and Victoria Bay. Alternatively make use of our friendly recreation room and TV lounge for relaxation, or just a friendly chat around a cup of tea or coffee.

You are invited to join with other guests around 8-seater tables in our dining room to enjoy our delicious home-style cooking, while feasting your eyes on our unrivaled bird’s-eye view of Victoria Bay and the Wilderness coastline.

We will also spoil you with a complimentary “wake up” cup of tea, coffee or juice delivered to your room every morning.

Our rates are especially generous, including dinner, bed and breakfast, with smaller rates for smaller family members.

Types of accommodation:

• Budget Rooms:
Situated in our beautiful gardens, each has a basin – spotless communal bathrooms in close proximity are shared with other guests

• Shower-en-suite:
Also situated in our beautiful gardens, each room has it’s own en-suite bathroom with shower, basin and toilet.

• House Rooms:
Situated in the original farm house and main building, these 4 rooms share 2 bathrooms with a choice of bath or shower

• Seaview Rooms:
These rooms are situated in a prime position with doors opening onto a wooden deck with breathtaking views over the valley and Victoria Bay. Sleeping from 2 to 6 people, both 1 and 2 bedroomed suites have full bathroom facilities.

*all prices are per person per night

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• MINIMUM BOOKING RATES: Carmel reserves the right to have a minimum number of persons per room
• CHILDREN’S RATES:
Under 2 yrs Free
2 – 6 yrs 40% adult rate
7 – 12 yrs 80 % adult rate
13 yrs plus full adult tariff

The outworking of this is indicated in the mission statement:

• Carmel’s community is committed to glorify God, by striving to serve Him with excellence and integrity as we minister and witness together, surrounded by the beauty of His creation.
• Carmel is a Godly haven of safety and healing, welcoming all who need spiritual, emotional and physical re-creation, desiring to restore the whole person to be effective for God.
• Carmel is a meeting place where dividing walls are broken down between denominations, cultures, and economic groups, through the experienced presence and love of Christ.

The name Carmel was chosen from Jeremiah 46:18, “…as Tabor is among the mountains, and as Carmel by the sea”,  meaning “a fruitful place; well wooded; near the sea”, an apt description, and prophetic of God’s purpose for this place.

Initially a 6 bedroomed guest-house, wholly dependent on rain-water and without electricity, Carmel is a monument to those who trusted their Lord for all things, and found Him faithful to meet every need. Extremely long days and much hard work was involved in running both the farm and the guest house.  Genis and Marie Sparks who had moved from Cradock with Jack and Kaye and worked alongside them long into their retirement, made an invaluable contribution in the establishment of Carmel.

As years passed, and Carmel grew, the Edkins realised that the vision was too large for them to pioneer on their own, and the The Carmel Evangelical Trust was formed in 1975.  In 1983 the entire property and contents were donated to the Trust, who have since continued to be responsible for Carmel and it’s growth and development.  Under the directorship of Alan and Trudy Blackshaw the ministry expanded, new buildings were added, and the Caravan Park established.  The ministry and conference program was also strongly developed and significant numbers of new visitors began to be drawn in, particularly as they utilised teams of young volunteers to arrange holiday programs for families with young children.

Andrew and Beryl Phillips joined Carmel in 1988, and in August 1993 Andrew was appointed General Director. He and Beryl continued to grow the ministry of Carmel through some difficult times, and consolidated and extended  the trends and traditions that are so much a part of Carmel and it’s ministry today.

In 2008 the management structure at Carmel was adjusted and Gavan Helling was appointed as General Manager after serving for some time as Property Manager.  Andrew Phillips was appointed as Ministry Director with a brief to develop further the spiritual impact of Carmel.

Under Gavan’s direction numerous projects and improvements have been implimented, with many more planned for the future.  There is much that remains to be done and the Carmel Team are committed, with the wholehearted support of the Trustees, to make Carmel all that it can be.

Carmels vision and goals remain to offer a place of rest and restoration to believers, and in all we do we strive to share with all who enter our gates the restoring love of Christ.

Oudtshoorn with the famous Cango Caves and Ostrich and Wildlife farms is a comfortable distance away, while Mossel Bay, Wilderness, Sedgefield and Knysna are all even closer, with Knysna Elephant Park, Knysna Waterfront and many other exciting venues less than an hour away.

For those who enjoy nature there are numerous walks on the property, and for those more adventurous we can recommend many others conveniently nearby. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the number and variety of birds in our gardens and surrounding areas.

Beach and surf lovers will enjoy a real treat at Victoria Bay Beach just 2km away, or alternatively the pristine expanse of the Wilderness Beach is only 10 minutes drive.

For those who do not want to travel you can laze in the sun, swim in our magnificent pool, or play tennis or croquet, or a number of other games in our barn. Family time can be real fun with various board games available from our Reception. Or just relax and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with great fellowship or a good book from our library in our lounges overlooking a matchless view of Victoria Bay.

Be fed and refreshed Spiritually as you meet with God in the quiet places in our gardens, and allow Him to speak to your heart, and meet your needs in our evening devotions.

For those who want to shop till they drop even while on holiday the Garden Route Mall is less than 5 km away, with a selection of shops that will bring gladness to any serious shopper’s heart. The Mall also offers a Cinema so you can keep up to date with all the latest releases on the silver screen.

Carmel Amenities:

(on the property)
• Coin operated launderette
• Telephone Kiosks
• Vending Machines
• Garage and shops nearby

Rates are determined by family size with a maximum of 6 people per site.

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•   MAXIMA: 6 persons per site, 2 cars allowed per site
•   CHILDREN: children under 2 year FREE

Tariffs:
• All prices in Rands.
• E & O E
• These rates are applicable as at January 2009
• Please note the Terms and Conditions below.

Terms & Conditions
RATES:
All rates are correct at the time of issue, but are subject to alteration without notice. A surcharge is applicable for non-shared accommodation when single rooms are unavailable.

DEPOSITS:
A 50% deposit is required before a booking can be confirmed. (75% for peak season bookings)

CANCELLATIONS:
Deposits include a R180 non-refundable booking fee. The balance of the deposit is only refundable if more than 3 months notice of cancellation is given.

PAYMENT:
All accounts are payable in full on arrival. Master and Visa Credit Cards are accepted. Cheques accepted by prior arrangement only. The full period of reservation is chargeable regardless of late arrival or early departure.

MINIMUM BOOKING PERIODS:
Carmel reserves the right to introduce minimum booking periods.

ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES:
Rooms/Sites are available from 14:00 onwards and must be vacated by 10:00 am on the day of departure. Rooms will not be held after 18:00 on the day of arrival unless by prior arrangement.

GIFTS FOR OUR SERVICE STAFF:
These are not included in the tariffs. Gifts may be handed in at reception.

PETS:
No pets are allowed.

RIGHT OF ADMISSION RESERVED