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Zimbali Culinary Retreat

3.0 star property
Riverfront bed & breakfast with spa services and an outdoor pool

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Photo gallery for Zimbali Culinary Retreat

Tempur-Pedic beds, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board
Cottage (Sweet Love) | Terrace/patio
Mountain view
Interior entrance
Aerial view
VIP Access

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Pool
  • Breakfast available
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping

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Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

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

Studio Suite, 1 Bedroom (Sweet Blue)

Studio Suite, 1 Bedroom (Sweet Blue)

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Ceiling fan
Tempur-Pedic bed
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
  • 3293 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

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)

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Ceiling fan
Tempur-Pedic bed
Separate bedroom
Private bathroom
  • 3293 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Queen Beds OR 1 Twin Bed

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)

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cribs/infant beds
Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Flat-screen TV
Ceiling fan
Tempur-Pedic bed
2 bedrooms
  • 3993 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Queen Bed OR 1 Twin Bed

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)

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Ceiling fan
Tempur-Pedic bed
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
  • 3293 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Cottage (Sweet Love)

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

Cottage (Sweet Love)

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cribs/infant beds
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Ceiling fan
Tempur-Pedic bed
Private bathroom
  • 2992 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

Cottage, 1 Queen Bed (Mountain Cottage)

Cottage, 1 Queen Bed (Mountain Cottage)

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cribs/infant beds
Flat-screen TV
Ceiling fan
Tempur-Pedic bed
Private bathroom
Hair dryer
  • 2992 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed
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About the area

Map
Canaan Mountain, Westmoreland, Little London

What's nearby

  • Jamaica Giants Sculpture Park & Art Gallery - 8 min drive - 4.9 km
  • Negril Hills Golf Club - 22 min drive - 15.8 km
  • Bloody Bay Beach - 43 min drive - 22.8 km
  • Seven Mile Beach - 48 min drive - 26.4 km
  • Hedonism II - 48 min drive - 26.0 km

Getting around

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

About this property

Zimbali Culinary Retreat

Family-friendly bed & breakfast by the river
Take advantage of a poolside bar, a terrace, and a garden at Zimbali Culinary Retreat. Adventurous travelers may like the ecotours and hiking/biking at this bed & breakfast. Treat yourself to spa services, such as a facial, a manicure/pedicure, or a sports massage. The on-site international cuisine restaurant, Zimbali Cooking Studio, offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In addition to a hair salon and a library, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Other perks at this bed & breakfast include:
  • An outdoor pool and a children's pool, with sun loungers
  • Free self parking
  • Full breakfast (surcharge), a roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), and a porter/bellhop
  • Tour/ticket assistance, concierge services, and a front-desk safe
Room features
All guestrooms at Zimbali Culinary Retreat feature perks such as furnished balconies, as well as amenities like free WiFi and safes.
More conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Highchairs, children's books, and musical instruments
  • Tempur-Pedic beds, free cribs/infant beds, and free rollaway/extra beds
  • Bathrooms with showers and free toiletries
  • Flat-screen TVs with satellite channels
  • Art supplies, electric kettles, and ceiling fans

Languages

English

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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

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

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee: JMD 1,400 for adults and JMD 1,000 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Reggae Bar
  • Zimbali Cooking Studio

Things to do

  • 24-hour pool access
  • Children's pool
  • 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
  • Highchair
  • In-room crib
  • 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

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.
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Low-height counter and sink
  • No elevator
  • Raised toilet seat
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

More

  • 1 floor
  • 4 buildings
  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Free crib
  • 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

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

More

  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Free daily newspapers
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, 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

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Free rollaway/extra beds
Free cribs are available on request at the property

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately JMD 1400 for adults and JMD 1000 for children
  • Airport shuttle fee: JMD 14500 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 6)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
24-hour pool access

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

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.

What time is check-out at Zimbali Culinary Retreat?

Check-out is at 11 AM.

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 mi (20 km).

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Zimbali Culinary Retreat Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 41 out of 53 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 53 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 53 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 53 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 53 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

ANAYANSI

Great food!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nichole

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

Michael

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

Suzanne

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

Debbie

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

10/10 Excellent

Martine

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

Katrine

Lovely welcoming property, the healthy breakfasts are the best! I highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Juliette

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

Errol

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Michael

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

8/10 Good

Richard

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

10/10 Excellent

Shannon

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

Anna Eliza

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

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

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

6/10 Okay

April

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

BRITTANY

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!

10/10 Excellent

Jamila

Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

4/10 Poor

Kathryn

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shannon

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

6/10 Okay

Cherose

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023