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Zimbali Culinary Retreat

3.0 star property

Photo gallery for Zimbali Culinary Retreat

Exterior
Interior entrance
Breakfast, lunch and dinner served
View from property
Tempur-Pedic beds, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
  • Breakfast available

Explore the area

View map
Canaan Mountain, Westmoreland, Little London
  • Place, Jamaica Giants Sculpture Park & Art Gallery
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Place, Negril Hills Golf Club
    ‪33 min drive‬
  • Place, Seven Mile Beach
    ‪39 min drive‬
  • Airport, Montego Bay (MBJ-Sir Donald Sangster Intl.)
    ‪94 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Cottage, 1 Queen Bed (Mountain Cottage)

Cottage, 1 Queen Bed (Mountain Cottage)

Cottage, 1 Queen Bed (Mountain Cottage)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Mountain view
  • 278 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Studio Suite, 1 Queen Bed (Mountain Suite I)

Studio Suite, 1 Queen Bed (Mountain Suite I)

Studio Suite, 1 Queen Bed (Mountain Suite I)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Mountain view
  • 306 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Studio Suite, 1 Bedroom (Mountain Suite II)

Studio Suite, 1 Bedroom (Mountain Suite II)

Studio Suite, 1 Bedroom (Mountain Suite II)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Mountain view
  • 306 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Queen Beds OR 1 Single Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Studio Suite, 1 Bedroom (Sweet Blue)

Studio Suite, 1 Bedroom (Sweet Blue)

Studio Suite, 1 Bedroom (Sweet Blue)

  • Mountain view
  • 306 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Cottage (Sweet Love)

Tempur-Pedic beds, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board

Cottage (Sweet Love)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • Mountain view
  • 278 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

View all photos for Double Room Single Use, 2 Bedrooms (Mountain Villa)

Double Room Single Use, 2 Bedrooms (Mountain Villa)

Double Room Single Use, 2 Bedrooms (Mountain Villa)

  • Mountain view
  • 371 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Queen Bed OR 1 Single Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

About the area

Little London

A family-friendly stay in Little London awaits you at Zimbali Culinary Retreat. You'll be 26.3 km (16.4 mi) from Seven Mile Beach. Highlights at this B&B include a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and free self-parking. .A pampering day can include deep-tissue massages and Swedish massages along with body wraps, body scrubs and mani/pedis. The restaurant, Zimbali Cooking Studio, serves international cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reggae Bar is the bed & breakfast's own bar. Enjoy the kids' swimming pool and pool loungers as well as access to ecotours and hiking/biking trails. Additionally, you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas, coffee/tea in a common area and laundry facilities. Each morning full breakfast is served between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. There's also the convenience of an airport shuttle. .Attractions in proximity to this 3-property class Little London B&B include Bloody Bay Beach and Bloody Bay.
View more B&B in Little LondonOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Jamaica Giants Sculpture Park & Art Gallery - 10 min drive - 5.1 km
  • Negril Hills Golf Club - 33 min drive - 21.3 km
  • Seven Mile Beach - 39 min drive - 25.6 km
  • Negril Cliffs - 43 min drive - 29.7 km
  • Bloody Bay Beach - 45 min drive - 27.2 km

Getting around

  • Montego Bay (MBJ-Sir Donald Sangster Intl.) - 93 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Sol Cazeau - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Sandpipers - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Kendal Bar - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪Logwood - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Dawns bar Pellriver rd - ‬20 min drive

About this property

Zimbali Culinary Retreat

Zimbali Culinary Retreat offers its guests an outdoor pool and a children's pool. There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include a poolside bar and a bar/lounge. WiFi is free in public spaces.

Spa services, a library, and a terrace are also featured at the family-friendly Zimbali Culinary Retreat. An airport shuttle (available 24 hours) is available for a fee. Self parking is free.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 3-star Little London bed & breakfast.

  • 1 floor
  • 7 guestrooms or units
  • 4 buildings
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Beauty salon
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • Bellhop
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Water dispenser
  • Bar or lounge
  • Bar by the pool
  • Dining venue
Zimbali Culinary Retreat offers 7 accommodations with a safe and free newspapers. Rooms open to furnished balconies. Beds feature Tempur-Pedic mattresses. Flat-screen televisions come with satellite channels.

Bathrooms include a shower, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers. This Little London bed & breakfast provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Additionally, rooms include complimentary bottles of water and coffee/tea makers. Housekeeping is offered on a daily basis and an iron/ironing board can be requested.

Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the on-site spa services. Services include deep-tissue massages, sports massages, Swedish massages and facials.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • 24-hour return airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee: JMD 1,500 for adults and JMD 1,000 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Couples/private dining
  • Hosted evening meal available on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday for a fee of JMD 15,001; reservation required

Restaurants on site

  • Reggae Bar
  • Zimbali Cooking Studio

Things to do

  • 24-hour pool access
  • Children's pool
  • Cooking classes
  • Ecotours
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Art supplies
  • Baby toys
  • Children's books
  • Children's games
  • Children's pool
  • Children's toys
  • Fenced pool
  • Free rollaway/extra bed
  • High chair
  • Laundry facilities
  • Musical instrument
  • Outdoor pool
  • Pool gate

Conveniences

  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Hair salon
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • In the mountains
  • On a river
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

Spa

  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Sports massages
  • Swedish massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Accessible airport shuttle
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Low-height counter and sink
  • No lift
  • Raised toilet seat
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

More

  • 1 floor
  • 4 buildings
  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • At least 80% organic food
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Local artist showcase
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options
  • Water dispenser usage encouraged

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Free rollaway/extra bed
  • Tempur-Pedic mattress

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service

More

  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Free daily newspapers
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • LED lighting
  • Reusable coffee/tea filters
  • Safe
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 1 PM; check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 7 AM - 9 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Free rollaway/extra beds!
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for full breakfast: from approximately JMD 1500 for adults and from JMD 1000 for children
  • Airport shuttle fee: JMD 15000 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 6)
  • Hosted evening meal: JMD 15001

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, debit cards and cash. For guests' safety, the property includes a smoke detector in all accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Pool access is available 24 hours a day.

Property is also known as

Zimbali Retreats B&B Negril
Zimbali Retreats B&B
Zimbali Retreats Negril
Zimbali Retreats B&B Little London
Zimbali Retreats Little London
Zimbali Culinary Retreat B&B Little London
Zimbali Culinary Retreat B&B
Zimbali Culinary Retreat Little London
Zimbali Culinary Retreat Litt
Zimbali Culinary Retreat Little London
Zimbali Culinary Retreat Bed & breakfast
Zimbali Culinary Retreat Bed & breakfast Little London

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Zimbali Culinary Retreat?

Zimbali Culinary Retreat offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Is parking available at Zimbali Culinary Retreat?

Yep, Zimbali Culinary Retreat has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Zimbali Culinary Retreat?

The closest beach to Zimbali Culinary Retreat is Seven Mile Beach (11.9 km).

Is there a spa on site at Zimbali Culinary Retreat?

There's no onsite spa, but this property does offer services like body wraps, body scrubs and facials, as well as sports massages.

Does Zimbali Culinary Retreat have a pool?

Zimbali Culinary Retreat has an outdoor pool and a kids' pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying on a lounger and with a coldie from the bar. The pool is open 24 hours.

What makes Zimbali Culinary Retreat a romantic place to stay?

Couples dining and a champagne service, as well as comfy beds and private balconies in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Zimbali Culinary Retreat.

Is Zimbali Culinary Retreat family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as a children's pool and laundry facilities, as well as highchairs and children's books in the guestrooms, it's no surprise that Zimbali Culinary Retreat is a hit with families.

Does Zimbali Culinary Retreat serve breakfast?

Yep, full brekkie is offered daily from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Zimbali Culinary Retreat?

No, but there's an airport shuttle that runs 24 hours a day for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Zimbali Culinary Retreat?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves international cuisine. Pre dinner cocktails anyone?

What time are check-in & check-out at Zimbali Culinary Retreat?

Check-in begins at 1 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Are pets allowed at Zimbali Culinary Retreat?

No, pets are not allowed.

Zimbali Culinary Retreat Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 44 out of 57 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 57 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 57 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 57 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 57 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

ANAYANSI

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great food!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful stay and the farm to table culinary dinner was a special experience. The owners treat you like family and you get a real feel for the Jamaican culture. We hope to return in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tricia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A beautiful tropical paradise. Very peaceful and tranquil. Excellent food. A natural picturesque retreat . An amazing place to stay, visit , eat and relax. It also very safe! You’re in excellent hands at Zimbali. Not to mention the food is all organic..
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

roseanna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed for 1 night with my partner. We absolutely loved a night in the country, lush greenery everywhere, nice walks, friendly neighbours and a family atmosphere. The dinner experience was amazing we will definitely be returning.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katrine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely welcoming property, the healthy breakfasts are the best! I highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gabriel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Culinary retreat

We went in the off season. The owners and staff were very attentive. I highly recommend the food there for all meals just make sure to tell them in advance you'll be eating there. Travel from Negril to the retreat if you drive there. If dont you will drive through very hard to drive in mountains (at least for an American). It is very beautiful and remote. We do plan on coming back for the food and amazing veiws and recomending it to out friends and families.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kerry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Charming Jamaican retreat

Charming place to stay for a night or two off the beaten track. Part of the fun was driving there. Mark and Lisa were excellent hosts along with all their team. Food was fantastic!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nichole

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I don’t know where to start. The food was amazing. The owners are warm and welcoming. The staff is never without a smile. It’s the most perfect place to unplug from the hustle and bustle of the world.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Debbie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
An amazing experience! Serene escape to fully relax and enjoy the peacefulness in a safe and extremely beautiful location! I will definitely return and you’re really missing out if you’ve never gone for a culinary experience or brief stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was an amazing retreat! Not for everyone but is needed by all! Peaceful and Restful! Great healthy fresh food! Loved every moment
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kamala

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
If you need to get away and be with nature. Even if you dont stay. You have to book the Zimbali Culinary Show.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Errol

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

An amazing experience

I had an amazing stay. I did not know what to expected considering that the road to the hotel was a little bumpy but at the end of that road was a delightful oasis nestled in lush green forested landscape with various fruit trees. The staff were welcoming and tended to our every need and food preference.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent retreat outside Negril

We loved our stay at Zimbali! It was relaxing and fun - we did the dinner show and Rasta tour, both highlights of our trip. Very accommodating for our son's food allergies. Only drawbacks were that the air conditioner did not work well in our room and dinner was served very early when not doing the cooking show (like 4:45pm). But overall, absolutely fantastic and we are already dreaming of going back for another stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Zimbali is an oasis for peace and calm. We opted to take our infant on his first trip here instead of the original idea of an all-inclusive resort. We made the right decision since we were able to relax and soak in the nature around us. The family who runs the property are warm and welcoming and they engaged with us family-to-family. I would recommend this place to anyone for the food and local beauty.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Amazing retreat up in the mountains

We had a great stay at Zimbali, it's a fantastic place! Can strongly recommend it to anyone who is traveling to Negril. Everyone who works there were so kind and nice. We went on the rasta tour and the cooking show and they were bith amazing experiences. Only thing that could be better is keeping track of the services that you buy while staying there, it's easy to loose track and not remember everything when you are checking out.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anna Eliza

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
If you want to feel the Jamaican hospitality, relaxation and the best food you have ever had.You have to go!If you love ,respect nature and animals,You have to go!Mark has the answers for your escapes,his wife that is the Chef with her kitchen team cooks the most delicious food with products straight from there farm.The housekeeping ladies so kind and caring.The kitchen boys also.And my special friends Bruna, Peppers,whity and there gang.I stayed 11 days with my husband and maybe i forget someone.Guys thanks a lot for everything!!!!!! Bless and Love Liza & Bill from Greece
Stayed 11 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shannon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a long overdue review. This was our second time at Zimbali. The first time we went for the cooking show, this time we stayed for three nights. Its hard to put into words the beauty of this place. As someone who is normally go go go, this is just what I needed. Marks daily meals were amazing and the long days just relaxing at the pool were just what we needed to unwind and rejuvenate. I have never slept so good in my life. The sounds of the mountains were a welcome change for the sounds of the city than I am use to. We can't wait to come back in April and introduce this amazing experience to two more friends that will be visiting Jamaica for the first time. See you in April.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Samantha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really nice stay. We vacationed here for 2 nights to try something different from the constant all inclusives. And it was definitely worth it. Located up it the hills of little London, definitely not an easy drive, but a very rewarding experience. There is wifi available, no TV, a pool and private site/villas for each room. We stayed in the mountain cottage and there was enough space for more than 2 people. Ample closet space and, kitchenette located in room. Patio was large and you are able to pick starfruit from the deck. The true high light of this stay is the 5-course dinner cooking show. Chef Alessia really outdid herself. Breakfast in the morning and lunch in the evening was also great. The food is farm grown and it tastes amazing. They use no added salts or flavors, just natural tastes and it was delicious. She makes it all from scratch. Overall, a really enjoyable stay if you want something more authentic! Would definitely visit again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peggy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Tranquil Culinary Paradise in the Mountains Great food. Beautiful happy people that seem more like long-term friends. It’s a comfortable peaceful environment encouraging relaxation. We were impressed with the attention to details. The hammock on our room’s porch was my favorite spot. No TVs (WiFi is available) ZIMBALI'S CULINARY RETREAT offers the opportunity to disconnect as much or as little as needed. One of the unexpected benefits was the quality of sleep we experienced—undoubtedly the best in months, as verified by my sleep app. My advice: Don’t miss The Culinary Cooking show. The farm fresh food is authentic. It is delicious. The five course meal is uniquely prepared and presented in a way that pleases all senses. We also gained some valuable knowledge of plant based farm to fork eating and the African drummers added a wonderful rhythm to the whole experience. We are already looking forward to future visits. This one checked all the boxes for us.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Juliette

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I cannot overstate how wonderful Zimbali was. It’s a family-run eco retreat on an organic farm in the hills not far from Negril. Picture little cabins with balconies looking out at the jungle, open-air common space held up by trees, beautiful birds and plants everywhere, and a relaxed vibe—but with an excellent quality restaurant and beautiful pool. A highlight was the “Rasta tour” hike up Canaan Mountain, and the drummers before dinner (which was always excellent). They also do a “cooking show” multi course dinner with food from their farm that looked delicious. The road up to the hotel is terrible so either take a taxi or make sure you go during the day and have a spare tire. I would not plan to go in and out every day, it’s far from things, which is part of the appeal for us but could be an issue for some. We weren’t bothered, but there are bugs including mosquitoes, as well as lizards and dogs, so if that stresses you out it might not be a fit. We went out to YS falls and the crocodile safari one day (highly recommend), but otherwise mostly relaxed and hiked in the immediate area. It was one of the most perfect hotels we have ever stayed at—if you’re looking for rustic, rural, eco-conscious travel with a relaxed/quiet vibe, this is the spot!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Jennifer

Disliked: Staff & service
I will start by saying that we visited the property a day before our scheduled reservation to see exactly where we would be staying and received a cold welcome from the owners, husband and wife. The property itself is very beautiful and the staff are friendly and helpful. However, because of the treatment of the owners, what we thought would be a peaceful stay, ended up not being nice at all. After our second night, there was a misunderstanding about how many nights we had booked and rather than calmly discussing with us to resolve, the wife (chef) became aggressive with me and began screaming at me. At that point, my husband and I promptly left the property. I hwe would be staying, the owners wife, who is also the chef, literally screamed at me instead of respectfully discussing the situation and seemed to have no control over her emotions. We guess that because we are black Jamaicans and are not perhaps the preferred European cooking show guests is why we received that treatment. I am certain European guests would not have experienced the treatment we received but would have been dealt with differently. The treatment of the owner ruined the entire experience.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

BRITTANY

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
There are not enough stars to give Zimbali. More than just hotel or retreat...Zimbali is an OASIS. Family run by a group of beautiful individuals who live on the gorgeous property with their children. The retreat is on expansive land that is full of marvelous fruit trees, plants and various crops. The head chef boss lady in charge Alicia and her husband Mark are the best hosts ever. Alicia and her chefs make you 3 meals a day with ingredients from their expansive garden. You must book the cooking show, the most affordable 5 course meal I've ever seen...and incredibly delicious. I stayed for a few nights and found myself nearly teary eyed when I had to go. I'm still in Jamaica and will be returning to Zimbali next week to bring a friend for dinner and a farm tour. Anything you need...transportation, snacks, a drink, herbal refreshments, nature lessons and suggestions...Zimbali has you covered. Their beautiful location is in the middle of the jungle and waking up every morning there felt like such a gift. The hammock on the balcony is perfect...you'll spend many hours there. The pool is also a perfect likkle vibe. The entire staff at Zimbali are so incredibly funny and kind, and it's so beautiful to see them all working together...more than just "employees" they are family. And after staying there for a few days...they made me feel like family too. I will be making Zimbali a mandatory stop on all my Jamaican vacations!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Martine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A 7-Day Stay at Zimbali: More than a vacation, a cultural immersion. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We spent a week at Zimbali, with three days on the all-inclusive package and the rest free to explore and relax. The Rasta Tour was incredible! A challenging mountain hike, but worth every step. We learned about jungle plants and trees, and Fya cooked a delicious meal at the top. Stunning views of lush mountains, jungle, and the ocean! The farm-to-table meals were outstanding and refined. The Cooking Show with Alicia was a highlight. Her passion for food was inspiring, and she explained the health benefits of every ingredient. We felt satisfied, never heavy. The water was a surprise! I drank straight from a jungle spring and felt amazing, even with my sensitive digestion. I never got sick. We asked Mark for a beach day and sunset experience, and he arranged everything effortlessly. Just tell him what you need, and he’ll make it happen! We loved the Paradise Pool with its jungle-view deck—no mosquitoes, just peaceful relaxation. Sleeping in the jungle was bliss—crickets and frogs at night, and a comfy bed. The staff felt like family—always warm and welcoming. The drivers were more than guides—they were caretakers, ensuring we were safe at every stop. To each one of you: Thank you so much!!! We can’t wait to return! 🇯🇲💛💚❤️ IMPORTANT TIP: Book Zimbali’s shuttle! Expedia’s service didn’t reach the retreat. The roads are rough—Mark’s drivers know them well and make the trip stress-free.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

April

Liked: Cleanliness
We booked Zimbali because we love nature, and wanted to do the retreat experience they offer. The property is beautiful, and filled with nature. We had researched the property for quite some time so knew alot about it, but not from the owners personally. We did the farm to table 5 course meal, and the rasta tour. Both were amazing. Natalie (a staff member there) was wonderful as well as the other staff members. The issue we had was with the owners. Mark for the most part was welcoming and assisted us with getting a cab into town. His wife/co owner Alesia was rude. She never acknowledged us when we got there. Anytime we asked her a question she was dismissive, had a rude tone and made it seem like we were intruding on her space by talking. The first night, she shut all the lights off around us while we were sitting there (it was 8pm). The second night, she told us we were being too loud and would wake her kids with the gate (that is at the retreat) and by playing music/talking. We were not loud AT ALL, but you can hear the neighbors sneeze at this place it’s so quiet. Lastly, we asked for the 420 package from her and she said “no, stores closed.” although the items were in her room and there’s no store hours. After that, we chose not to engage with her. Had to shorten due to Expedia's character limits. Blessings.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The property was nice and quiet. The owners do have children that are adorable. Dogs are there but not clean. We were looked at like we were at the wrong place upon arrival. I would recommend staying at this location only if you seek solitude to reflect on life or need a place to hide for 2 to 3 days. Do not book for more than 2 days if you like to get out and enjoy a more active life. Although we paid for 8 days, we left day 2 and got a hotel in Negril. We did speak to owner kindly about possibly refunded half the money since we literally stayed two nights. I will say this, he didnt even offer to give one day as a courtesy. He actually stated we were straight on his end to leave. He gave no care! Anyways. Transportation could run $30 or more each rider EACH WAY. Most companies do not want to travel to this location due to bad potholes and far distance. Come with the things you like...snacks and water! They do offer coffee pot, glasses, coffee cups, used sugar, used coffee, spring water in pitcher,and spoons. Our coffee pot was dirty with old coffee in pot and spoons were dirty. Bring towels and floor mat, if important. The towel had a smell and the floor mats for our private room were unclean. Food... We did not spend any money on eating at Zimbali culinary retreat daily. We did purchased dinner for 2. To understand it was a 3 course meal. Our shrimp were overcooked and for the price we deserve more than 6 small overcooked shrimp. Zimbali is breathtaking!
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2024