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Reviews of Zimbali Culinary Retreats

Canaan Mountain, 00000 Negril, Jamaica

#15 of 49 hotels in Negril

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 48 hotel reviews

8.9

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.1

  • Comfort

    9.2

  • Location

    8.9

  • Facilities

    9.1

  • Staff

    9.0

  • Value for money

    8.7

  • Free WiFi

    10.0

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 13 April 2024

    10
    Ecolodge at its best
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Suite II
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Wow! Amazing food and vibe out in the forest! We did the cooking demo and it was out of this world. Room was comfortable and reasonably priced. We loved breakfast every morning in the trees

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 9 April 2024

    9.0
    Unforgettable experience. Unique resort with amazing food and staff!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Cottage
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    N/A

    Beautiful property in a beautiful setting.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 1 April 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Villa
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    If you are arriving independently the drive up there is a bit rough (part of it being secluded and in magnificent location) Also note that rooms don't have a TV or AC, we did not feel the absence of both as temperatures were fine and the room has a ceiling fan and the absence of TV was an excuse to read.

    What a lovely retreat in the middle of the mountains very laid back and relaxed, we had a great stay. Experienced great hospitality and the breakfast was very good interesting and healthy.Loved sitting on the balcony and reading. Everyone was very nice.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 30 March 2024

    10
    Warm welcome from a family run local retreat. Lovely and relaxing.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Suite I
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The setting was beautiful with lush tropical views from up in the hills. Food was delicious fresh and local. Hosts were a family with deep ties to the community who welcomed us as to their home. We loved the farm tour and cooking show. We also took a nice hike up the road through the local countryside that had wonderful views.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 14 March 2024

    8.0
    Jungle vibes
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Suite II
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Keep in mind there is not much to do in the surrounding area. Hiking (limited trails) is an option. Also the retreat offers a rasta tour.

    The place is surrounded by the jungle. You can walk through the garden and enjoy the swimming pool. We highly recommend the cooking show, that was such a lovely experience.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 11 March 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Sweet Blue
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    It was quiet and peaceful! A great escape from city life.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 2 March 2024

    10
    Amazing experience in Jamaica mountains!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Villa
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    More sunbeds next to pool would be nice :). I was a little bit disappointed of a cooking show - it started 2 hours later (not their fault, they were waiting for another visitors who got lost) and after second course the chef stopped talking and it wasn’t like a show, more like just eating (i think the chef was also disappointed, probably not the best day for him). Still, dessert serving was amazing and overall we still liked this experience! And these 2 things are really not that important, I still will suggest it to all my friends!

    Lovely family business in Canaan mountain! You feel like you are in a jungle :). Really sweet dining area, loved to have breakfast there! Nice people and good food! I loved that the owned had guitars and other musical instruments there, we had nice moments with other visitors there :). I really suggest it for everyone! Loved that they offer different tours. Really nice family farm with good hosts and their adorable kids + animals :).

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 21 February 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Villa
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    We had a very nice time there. It is a family hotel and you will feel like home. We soon come back

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 14 February 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Suite II
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    It was a great location, lovely and peaceful, the food was great and the Chef made some tasty dishes, especially the lentil stew.Mark and Alicia are great hosts.We even got to plant trees on the land which we will be back to watch grow.:-)

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 8 February 2024

    8.0
    Calming and pleasant experience; delicious food; friendly and accommodating staff; highly recommend.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Sweet Blue
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    I would choose a different room; sweet blue was a little too noisy for me, and didn’t feel very private making it a bit difficult to sleep. I would also probably do ala carte instead of all-inclusive next time.

    Great location; liked that it was family run and black co-owned; food was fresh and delicious; cooking show and Rasta tour, and drumming was great. Friendly and accommodating staff. Calming and relaxing experience.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 6 February 2024

    10
    A Trip to Celebrate
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Sweet Blue
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    I just wished we could have stayed longer.

    I liked everything about my stay here at Zimbali Culinary Retreat. It was a quiet and peaceful getaway. I was able to enjoy the beauty of Jamaica as well as enjoy some delicious fresh meals and drinks. The owners are lovely people, and they have wonderful staff members. I felt like home away from home. You won't go wrong staying here for a quiet time away or to experience the beauty of Jamaica Island and taking a ride to a few excursions in Negril. This was a wonderful time and great celebration for me here. I also like how concerned they are about your safety as well. If you have limitations to climbing or hiking up the mountain, they make sure your experience is still a pleasant one on a lower level. They truly care about there guess.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 29 January 2024

    10
    Beautiful and comfortable
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Suite I
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Could use more clothing storage

    Lovely room and terrific porch

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 16 January 2024

    10
    It was short and due to plane delays we missed our reservation for the food show. Next time…
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Cottage
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The road in- especially since we realized after that we took the wrong road- follow Mark’s directives to go to Little London and then proceed to Zimbali.

    It is off the beaten track and restful with a calm and lovely vibe.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 26 November 2023

    10
    Mark and Alicia were amazing hosts, so accommodating. We spent our 10th wedding anniversary at their dinner show which w
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Suite II
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The road on the way in, and the beds were a little too firm for my taste.

    Quiet, secluded, THE FOOD, the staff/hosts.

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 11 November 2023

    10
    A perfect getaway in paradise.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Having to leave and saying goodbye to my new friends.

    I booked a 3 night R & R retreat at zimbali and I am glad I did. When you enter the large wooden gates of zimbali its like being welcomed home. Staff treat you like family and the food is nutritious and delicious. The pool was very refreshing and my room was clean and comfortable. Zimbali is a little piece of paradise in the hills of negril where you can experience real Jamaican hospitality.

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 27 September 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Sweet Blue
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Great customer service, Tania was very nice

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: 12 August 2023

    10
    A super relaxing and peaceful stay in the jungle. The food was amazing and very healthy. Seeing the farm and to table me
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Cottage
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing. Highly recommend!

    I loved that it was family run and it felt like staying with relatives rather than a hotel. All the staff was very accommodating and friendly to my family(especially the baby) We loved the location. Far away from the hustle and bustle and a look into the countryside life.

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: 8 August 2023

    10
    Amazing retreat located in the Canaan Mountains!
    • Business trip
    • Family with young children
    • Suite II
    • Stayed 4 nights

    The experience provided an opportunity to connect with nature, relax and breathe. The genuine and kind actions of all encountered is exceptional!

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: 14 July 2023

    10
    Zimbali, is the most genuine and authentic retreats I’ve ever experienced! The food is Celebrity Top Chef level
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Suite I
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The property was Outstanding! If you are looking for rest and tranquility, this is the place!

    This property is a hidden gem! I know many of us use that terminology however Zimbali is truly one of a kind!

    Stayed in July 2023

  • Reviewed: 16 May 2023

    10
    Jamaican paradise
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Villa
    • Stayed 3 nights

    Location in a middle of a rain forest, it was wonderful to hear the sounds of nature and nothing else in the early morning while having some good coffee. Local cooks are masters, quality of food they were serving was stunning. Object manager Mark was very helpful in organizing drivers for our trips. He also organized a birthday cake for my daughter on our arrival. Kids loved the pool. I have found most of the Jamaican endemite birds in Zimbali surroundings.

    Stayed in May 2023

  • Reviewed: 6 April 2023

    9.0
    A taste of paradise: a must-visit experience when going Jamaica
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Cottage
    • Stayed 3 nights

    - Don't go here if you don't want to go with the(ir) flow: it is a family business, they don't have a day schedule or a menu (but you don't need it, as all is good!), the utilities like sun beds or the bathrooms are not like you'll find in a five star hotel: you should want to come here to get A TRUE JAMAICAN EXPERIENCE - We can confirm other reviews that the owner's wife can create a bit of an uncomfortable atmosphere with her screaming

    - Truly once-in-a-lifetime experience in a very beautifully designed wooden hotel with a gorgeous pool and an unbeatable view of the jungle of Jamaica. - Mark, the owner, is the most amazing host you can imagine: so kind and welcoming. His kids are 'cuteness-overload' as well, you truly get to see a bit of their great family. And also the other local staff is very friendly. - The food is also extremely good: fresh from their own farm, healthy and more creative than elsewhere. - The cooking show is also definitely to be recommended. - The whole place is kept extremely well clean. - Our 'cottage' accommodation was the best: very spacious, great balcony with multiple seats and as it was located on the side, we had good privacy and you heard less of the sounds some others tell about in their review.

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: 6 March 2023

    10
    Zimbali
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Suite I
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The rooms are fantastic, clean and comfortable. Fresh coffee and water in the room, beautiful views from the hammock on the balcony. I recommend the cooking show and the Rasta excursion. The food, the atmosphere, the vibe , the staff and owners make this place a must stay.

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: 23 February 2023

    9.0
    Relax on the mountain with good food
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Sweet Blue
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    -

    The location in the mountains is so tranquil, and the grounds are lovely. The staff is super friendly and helpful, and the food is so fresh and delicious! Nothing really bets lying in a hammock listing to the music made by the insects and animals as the dusk approaches. The room was nice and spacious and was cleaned daily. Don't miss out on some of the tours they offer, I can recommend the hike up the mountain and the cooking show!

    Stayed in February 2023

  • Reviewed: 10 February 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    There was only one shortcoming - the wife of the owner sometimes create an stressful atmosphere - me and other guests heard her arguing and screaming (with private matters) in public. Unfortunately, sometimes, this breaks up a nice atmosphere of such beautiful and unique place.

    Paradise. Everything was great - location in the jungle, wooden design of hotel, swimming pool, rooms. The owner is very nice, friendly and helpful - you can ask him about everything and I am sure you'll find the solution together. The hotel is located ca. 2 kilometres from the main road, in the jungle, but don't worry - drive slowly and you will reach the destination. We rented Toyota Yaris and arrived there safely.

    Stayed in February 2023

Showing 1 – 25

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