RAPHA’s REST: Ministry or Family GROUPS, Multiple Cabins, Retreat & Cntry Resort

WELCOME to the RETREAT AT RAPHA’s REST!!

READ LISTING DESCRIPTION in “Your Property” to answer questions @ your GROUP DYNAMIC [PRICE VARIES per group needs]. PRICE INCLUDES Entire Property + Cabins. FINAL PRICE for your Specific Group may be MORE/ LESS depending on number of CABINS/ROOMS NEEDED, any EXTRA COTS REQUIRED [+$10], PRPRTY EXCLUSIVITY, etc. Also, BEFORE BOOKING, let us know that you READ/AGREE to HOUSE RULES [ie. ALCOHOL-FREE, TOBACCO-FREE (incl vaping) & PET-FREE] - your entire group will be held accountable to them!

Nestled in the piney woods of E TX, this listing is targeted toward SMALL GROUPS needing MULTIPLE CABINS … a place of Presence offering 42 acres + 5 cozy Cabins & 3 Rooms for groups seeking REST & RESTORATION!

We’re NOT a “one size fits all” so we cannot guarantee availability or pricing … BUT WE WILL DO OUR BEST!

** Ask about DISCOUNTS for CHURCH & MINISTRY GROUPS **

Before describing this Destination Retreat, please note we are only set up for very specific sojourners & may not be the best place for you ... ASK ANY QUESTIONS BEFORE BOOKING.

IF THESE PARAMETERS ARE NOT AN ISSUE, PLEASE READ ON...

DESCRIPTION: Retreat at RAPHA’s REST … a PLACE OF PRESENCE ... is surrounded by 42 wooded acres w/trails to hike, explore & spend time w/Papa-God. It offers 5 Cabins + 3 Rooms remotely located in the piney woods of East TX for sojourners seeking healing REST & RESTORATION before continuing on their journey! While we are primarily focused on individuals/couples/families, we have had many requests for GROUP STAYS as well.
This particuar LISTING is open for SMALL GROUPS needing multiple cabins and/or rooms … youth groups, church staff, couples intensive retreats, family reunions, etc!! A good estimate is @16 Men , 24 Women, 10 couples OR a custom mix of the above.

**Since every group dynamic sleeping is different, (not set up like a bunkhouse w/one size fits all), we cannot a guarantee availability or price for your specific group … BUT WE WILL DO OUR BEST!!

PRICING: If you do not need all cabins & rooms for your small group, AND your Group does not require EXCLUSIVITY (no other guests on the property), YOUR PRICE COULD BE LOWER!

GROUP INQUIRIES: Each cabin has its own listing here on VRBO, so not all cabins may be available at time of inquiry. In order to know if we are able to host you, please let us know the following…

- HAVE YOU READ and does your GROUP AGREE TO ALL PROPERTY / HOUSE RULES?

- ARE YOU NEEDING EXCLUSIVE USE OF PROPERTY/ AMENITIES? (Ie. No other guests booked.)

- PURPOSE of your stay (family reunion, church group, etc)

- DATES needed (alternate date options if any)

- TOTAL#/ GRP DYNAMIC: TOTAL number of guests & how they should be grouped together for sleeping … ie. all men/women? couples only? mixed youth? etc. If families, who can be together? Separate? Etc.

PROPERTY: In addition to 42 acres to explore & your own private deck, relax on large Retreat Center Pool Deck - also perfect for group gatherings when using multiple cabins. A hot tub and fire-pit is perfect for enjoying those cooler evenings. Multiple yard games including corn-hole, frisbee golf (1 basket), horseshoes, etc.

[ NOTE: You will notice multiple unfinished projects around the property! We're a work-in-progress, but it shouldn't keep you from having a good time!!]

HIKING: There are 42 tree'd acres to hike, pray, and explore. You will need good shoes for exploring.

WORK-OUT ROOM:
Complete with weights, TreadClimber, and MASSAGE CHAIR! Just another layer of “Rest” for guests!!

POOL: Open 8am-10pm so BRING SWIM SUITS! Kids love it but it was designed around adults. Pool features Waterfall, Hot Tub, & Tanning ledge. BEACH TOWELS provided in each cabin, but you may want to bring a robe/flip flops for walking back to room or cabin. Please be respectful of other guests sharing.

YEAR-ROUND HOT TUB:
(Attach’d to Pool) **IMPORTANT** DUE TO RISING COST OF PROPANE, use 1x FREE/Booking. Each additional use = $15 DONATION. [Once temperatures drop below 50 degrees, each use $15]. We ask that once you request heat on, you ARRIVE WITHIN 10 MINUTES of being ready - after that we have to cut it off. (You may not be fond of cold showers if propane is depleted!)

- CHECK-IN/OUT FOR EACH CABIN … important PROPERTY INSTRUCTIONS given upon ARRIVAL. We may not work for all… SO PLEASE READ:

— CHECK-IN: 3-7:00pm [FIRM]
** Plan +30min for traffic/detours
— CHECK-OUT: 1:00pm [FIRM]
** INSTRUCTIONS sent to cell# before leaving

*** EARLY/LATE CHECK-IN/OUT OPTION: Up to 2-HOUR Early/Late Check-in/out for $25 Donation WHEN OWNERS AVAIL ($40/both) … INQUIRE @ BOOKING.

[Proceeds go to HEALING HAND-UP MINISTRIES which oversees maintenance at Rapha’s Rest.]

ANIMALS: Unfortunately, our property cannot accommodate PETS or EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS. [Certified Service Dogs permitted]. However, we have a virtual zoo ... 2 LARGE dogs, 2 cats, small goats, multitude chickens/turkeys/quail, & 1 potbelly pig!

INTERNET: The Retreat Ctr Main House has internet, but it is VERY SLOW - fine for a quick email, but we ask that you not upload/download/ or stream movies, games, etc. while here due to the LIMITED SPEED/ DATA.

LIBRARY: We want guests to be as free from distractions as possible, so we do not have cable. However, we have a full LIBRARY of BOOKS/DVDs for rainy days.

KID FRIENDLY? While the answer is YES, our property is ADULT-ORIENTED with relaxation in mind, kids definitely enjoy it. The primary purpose of Rapha’s Rest is found in its name ... REST. If you choose to bring your children one time, we encourage you to come back again without them to receive all the “Rest & Restoration” that God has waiting to give you in His Presence.

PRAYER CHAPEL: So excited to have our “CHAPEL IN THE WOODS” finally open - it’s been a labor of love!! Another quiet space to spend with Papa-God.

One name for Jesus is Jehovah-Rapha which means "God our Healer". Rapha’s Rest was created as a healing PLACE OF PRESENCE ... a PERFECT rest-stop on your continued journey for healing REST & RESTORATION!

** UPGRADED AMENITY OPTIONS by DONATION **

PARKING: FREE/2 VEHICLES PER CABIN. $10/each additional vehicle. INQUIRE @ BOOKING.

- LATTES/ ICED COFFEES: By DONATION when “Barista Cheryl” is avail. [formerly owned coffeehouse in Saint Jo, Texas].

- FARMHOUSE BREAKFAST avail. by DONATION (Couple $30; Family $12ea /$5 under 5) when Randy & Cheryl are avail. PLEASE REQUEST UPON BOOKING. It may include any of the following ... farm-fresh eggs casserole, our OWN COFFEE LINE, juice, pancakes, bacon, sweet rolls/muffins or other ... served inside the Main House or on the poolside deck.

- Additional use of HOT TUB beyond 1x/Cabin OR temps under 50 degrees = $15 DONATION

- When available, a dozen farm fresh chicken eggs ($5), a doz. quail eggs ($3) or a S'more's Pkg ($8) can be purchased.

[All proceeds go to HEALING HAND-UP MINISTRIES which oversees maintenance at Rapha’s Rest.]


** NON-REGISTERED
VISITOR POLICY ** After seeing how unique we are, many overnight guests ask to invite more friends & family as “day guests”. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Our RETREAT is small & intimate on purpose. Our property & amenities are not set up for event-level groups. Even a few extra people can change the dynamics at the pool for paying guests, especially for those guests not associated with your group. We now have a VISITOR POLICY w/ DONATION that applies to ALL visitors of Cabin Guests … You are welcome to inquire, but please understand it is rare such requests are a fit; & when they are, we will require a signed LIABILITY RELEASE + a FEE per person. REQUEST @ BOOKING. We will let you know what we can/cannot do once request is submitted.

Since we do not want to be in a position of deciding who is allowed and who is not, we now have a VISITOR POLICY which includes a DONATION + AGREEMENT to Property/HOUSE RULES with RELEASE OF LIABILITY.

PRIMARY REASONS:
1) MULTIPLE REQUESTS. We have 5 cabins + 3 Rooms where at times multiple bookings want to invite family/friends at same time. This can take away use of Amenities from paying guests, change our peaceful atmosphere, & increase property wear & maintenance. THEREFORE, your request is NOT GUARANTEED.

2) LIABILITY/ SAFETY. We need to know who is on the property at all times. Since family/friends are not vetted, nor under same liability agreement of registered guests, this leaves both us & other guests vulnerable, especially when our GATE CODE is given out.

CABIN VISITOR POLICY:
1) All Visitors must be pre-approved through Blands, & only approved when compatible w/ all guests booked during your stay. It is not an automatic privilege & we CANNOT GUARANTEE approval.

2) Please DO NOT give out our GATE CODE. This is for the security of all. Please meet Guests at Front Entrance & have them follow you to your Cabin.

3) All Visitors must agree to HOUSE RULES/ RELEASE of LIABILITY. The Donation PAYMENT is surety & a pledge of Agreement to such. A signed agreement may also be requested upon arrival.

4) NO OVERNIGHT VISITORS that were not in original Booking.

5) All visitors must be OFF PROPERTY by SUNDOWN.

6) $ DONATION OPTIONS are as follows:

- $10 DONATION/visitor… Less than 3 hrs (ie. a meal / visiting) at your cabin area, NO AMENITIES (ie. pool, etc) LEAVE BY SUNSET

- $20 DONATION/visitor… More than 3 hours, NO AMENITIES (ie. pool, etc) LEAVE BY SUNSET

- $40 DONATION/visitor… Any length of time WITH AMENITIES (ie. Pool, etc.) LEAVE BY SUNSET

7) If you still wish to request a visitor(s), please clarify
a. WHO (Name/Cell# for HOUSE RULES)?
b. WHAT DAY / TIME?
c. HOW LONG?

[All proceeds go to HEALING HAND-UP MINISTRIES which oversees maintenance at Rapha’s Rest.]

** NOTE: If a DONATION does not work for your visitors, there are lovely Coffee Houses, Parks, and Restaurants within 10 minutes to meet friends/family!