come away and rest for awhile!

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Dear Friends in Christ,  

Early in our missionary service, Christian friends graciously opened their beach homes to our family at affordable rates. Those times of retreat were life-giving gifts to us. In that same spirit, we are grateful to offer Ocean Hibiscus Retreat as a welcoming place for clergy, individuals, couples, families, and small groups.

Located just minutes from the historic heart of St. Augustine, Ocean Hibiscus Retreat is near the shores where the Christian faith first came to this land centuries ago. Whether you are enjoying quiet prayer on the balcony, walking the beach at sunrise, or exploring the historic churches and streets of the nation’s oldest city, this is a setting that invites peace, beauty, and thanksgiving.

Surrounded by hibiscus, palm trees, and tropical gardens, the fully furnished retreat offers private gated beach access just a short walk away. The condo includes two connected units—a cozy studio and a spacious two-bedroom, two-bath suite—providing both togetherness and privacy for up to eight guests. The resort also includes three pools, two Jacuzzi spas, tennis and pickleball courts, outdoor grills, and a beachfront gazebo.

To help make each stay easy, welcoming, and worry-free, we partner with Grand Welcome, our trusted property management company. Their team is committed to providing the best available rate, a warm and professional welcome, and 24/7 support throughout your stay.

We invite you to click the Learn More link below to explore Ocean Hibiscus Retreat for yourself. If it seems like a place where you, your family, or your small group could be refreshed, we would be delighted to welcome you. It is our prayer that this retreat will be a place where many can come away, be renewed, and rest awhile in the Lord’s presence (Mark 6:31) 

Your friends in Christ,

The Schultzes

Founded in 1565, St. Augustine, Florida, is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the United States. From the beginning, the city was marked by Christian worship. On September 8, 1565, Spanish explorers and missionaries celebrated the first recorded Christian worship service in the continental United States, offering a Mass of Thanksgiving at what is now the Mission Nombre de Dios. A great cross still stands there today as a reminder of the Christian faith planted on these shores. Over the centuries, Franciscan missionaries, parish churches, and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine helped make the city a center of Christian devotion.

But St. Augustine, Florida, is also named after St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD), one of the greatest theologians of the early Church. Born in North Africa, Augustine’s dramatic conversion to Christ is told in his famous work, the Confessions, where he described how God pursued him through prayer, preaching, and Scripture. Augustine became Bishop of Hippo and wrote powerfully about grace, worship, the sacraments, and the life of the Church. His teachings helped shape the foundations of Western Christianity, deeply influencing the English Reformers who gave birth to the Anglican tradition.

The Anglican Way of Worship, centered on Word and Sacrament, reflects Augustine’s vision of the Church as the Body of Christ gathered in unity, nourished at the Lord’s Table, and sent into the world. The Book of Common Prayer echoes his conviction that worship forms us for discipleship: “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you” (Confessions I.1).

When you visit St. Augustine, Florida, you are not only walking the streets of America’s oldest city but also stepping into the legacy of one of Christianity’s most profound teachers. Staying at Ocean Hibiscus Retreat offers both the beauty of the beach and a chance to connect with the deep Christian roots that continue to shape our faith today

 Things to Do in St. Augustine

For Individuals (Rest, Renewal, Exploration)

• Walk the beach at sunrise or sunset for prayer and reflection.
   
• Visit the Mission Nombre de Dios and Great Cross, the site of the first Christian worship service in the U.S.
   
• Tour the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the country.
   
• Explore historic St. George Street, filled with shops, cafés, and art galleries.
   
• Spend quiet time at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine.
   
• Enjoy birdwatching, kayaking, or hiking at Anastasia State Park.
   

For Couples (Romance, Beauty, Dining)

• Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic district.
   
• Dine at romantic restaurants such as The Columbia or along the waterfront.
   
• Visit the Lightner Museum with its beautiful architecture and art.
   
• Enjoy wine tasting at San Sebastian Winery or a brewery tour.
   
• Walk hand-in-hand through the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, then climb to the top for a breathtaking view.
   

For Families (Fun, Adventure, Learning)

• Spend a day at the Alligator Farm Zoological Park.
   
• Explore Pirate & Treasure Museum for interactive history.
   
• Take a scenic boat tour or dolphin-watching cruise.
   
• Ride the Old Town Trolley Tour for an easy way to see the city.
   
• Let kids enjoy the sandy beaches, pools, and family-friendly attractions.
   
• Tour the Colonial Quarter, a living-history experience.
   

For Small Groups (Fellowship, Growth, Retreats)
 

• Attend a group cooking class or food tour in historic St. Augustine.
   
• Book a group eco-tour (kayaking, fishing, or paddleboarding).
   
• Visit historic churches and chapels for prayer and reflection together.
   
• Take part in a festival or seasonal event as a shared experience.
   

Seasonal Attractions

• Spring: Music by the Sea concerts, Romanza Festivale of the Arts.
   
• Summer: Fireworks over the Matanzas (July 4), beach festivals, farmer’s markets.
   
• Fall: St. Augustine Greek Festival, Sing Out Loud Music Festival, Nights of Pints (brewery tour).
   
• Winter: Nights of Lights (November–January), one of the most spectacular Christmas light displays in the world; Holiday Regatta of Lights boat parade.
   

🌴 Whether you are seeking rest, history, adventure, or fellowship, St. Augustine offers something for everyone in every season!