Does Zimbali Culinary Retreat have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool and a children's pool. Pool access is available 24 hours a day.

Is Zimbali Culinary Retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Zimbali Culinary Retreat?

Self-parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Zimbali Culinary Retreat?

Check-in start time: 1 PM; check-in end time: 10:00 PM.

Does Zimbali Culinary Retreat provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle. A fee of JMD 14500 per vehicle applies.

Where is Zimbali Culinary Retreat located?

This family-friendly Little London bed & breakfast is located on a river, 3 mi (4.9 km) from Jamaica Giants Sculpture Park & Art Gallery, and within 12 mi (20 km) of Jamaica Beaches and Hope Botanical Garden and Zoo. Half Moon Beach and Royal Palm Reserve are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Zimbali Culinary Retreat Reviews, Deals & Photos 2025

10/10 Excellent

ANAYANSI

6 Mar 2025

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

Great food!

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tricia

27 May 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

roseanna

1 Apr 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Michael

30 Jan 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Nichole

10 Mar 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne

19 Dec 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Katrine

19 Feb 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Errol

22 Apr 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Kerry

31 Dec 2022

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

10/10 Excellent

Kamala

9 Oct 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin

8 Jan 2024

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

2/10 Terrible

Jennifer

1 Apr 2025

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.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

18 Dec 2022

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

10/10 Excellent

Juliette

8 Jan 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Shannon

20 Nov 2023

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.

10/10 Excellent

Martine

10 Mar 2025

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

10/10 Excellent

Anna Eliza

29 Jan 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

Samantha

23 Dec 2023

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.

10/10 Excellent

Peggy

10 Feb 2024

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

8/10 Good

Richard

8 Jan 2025

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

6/10 Okay

April

9 Apr 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Shemika D

4 Mar 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Amazing

Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jamila

11 Dec 2024

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

Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Debbie

4 Aug 2024

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

4/10 Poor

Kathryn

9 Jun 2024

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

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