Zimbali Culinary Retreat

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.

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.

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.

Great food!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

Lovely welcoming property, the healthy breakfasts are the best! I highly recommend!

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you need to get away and be with nature. Even if you dont stay. You have to book the Zimbali Culinary Show.

This was an amazing retreat! Not for everyone but is needed by all! Peaceful and Restful! Great healthy fresh food! Loved every moment

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

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!