come away and rest for awhile!

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Dear Friends in Christ, 

When we first entered missionary service, Christian friends often opened their beach homes to us for vacations at affordable rates. Those times of rest were life-giving for our family, and ever since, we have dreamed of providing a similar blessing for others.

We are now grateful to offer Ocean Hibiscus Retreat (OHR) as a way to extend that same hospitality. We hope that it will be a place of rest and renewal for clergy, individuals, couples, families, and small groups — a peaceful space to step away from the busyness of life, draw close to the Lord, and delight in the beauty of His creation.

What makes OHR especially unique is its location: just minutes from the historic heart of St. Augustine, the nation's oldest city, where the Christian faith first came ashore on these beaches centuries ago. Whether you are enjoying quiet time or conversation on the balcony with its gentle breeze, exploring the cobblestone streets and historic churches of St. Augustine, or walking the beach at sunrise, OHR offers an environment of peace, beauty, and inspiration.

Surrounded by vibrant hibiscus flowers, towering palm trees, and lush tropical gardens, the fully furnished condo provides private, gated access to the ocean just a short walk away. Inside, you'll find two connected units (a cozy studio and a spacious 2-bedroom/2-bath suite), offering both togetherness and privacy for up to 8 guests. The resort community includes three pools (one heated), two Jacuzzi spas, tennis and pickleball courts, outdoor grills, and a charming beachfront gazebo — everything you need for rest and recreation.

We partner with Grand Welcome (click the Learn More link below), management services, to ensure that your reservation always includes the best rate, a warm welcome, and 24/7 support — everything you need to come away and rest for a while (Mark 6:31).  

Just as we have found refreshment here, our prayer is that you, too, will discover Ocean Hibiscus Retreat as a place of peace, renewal, and joy." 

Y "ur friends in Christ,

Dean & Glorianne

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!