Reviews of Zimbali Culinary Retreats

The property was maintained well. Unfortunately, at times there were dog poop in the walk way. Thankfully that was later cleaned, but I hope the dogs can be poop in the bushes and not where the guest walks.

The female owner was not helpful when asked for a meal/something to eat outside of the lunch hour. Also, at times she was overheard having loud fusses that could have been done in private when the guests were not around.

Food, farm to table cooking show. Great staff

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The location was remote and peaceful... just what we were looking for; lush greenery of the mountains, no huge concrete structures like on the coasts but fresh clean air, beautiful wood and bamboo with great views surrounded by nature. Real Jamaican experience. Great sleep in a comfortable bed, and a warm welcome from the host. No regrets

Leaving

I really enjoyed every facet of my time at Zimbali. Mark and his staff were welcoming and very accommodating. The culinary dinner is not to be missed! When the sun goes down; nature's opera sings you to sleep. Waking only to the knock on the door in the morning. Chef Jeffrey's with an amazing breakfast. I could go on. But you should get there.

I personally liked everything. But I do want to state; It's in the middle of the jungle and sugar cain fields. There is and always will be bugs. Every jungle. The room I was in would be considered a little rustic in North America. I chose that room, there were more modern rooms available on the pool side.⁷

Beautiful scenery and views loved the decor and design of the accommodation

Lack of tea making facilities in the bedroom or guest areas. Meals prepared with fresh ingredients And good to experience traditional Jamaican cuisine. Options offered were rather limited Vegan meal somewhat bland and unexceptional

The staff was amazing. They were attentive, hospitable and interactive. This is a great location if you want to unplug or reset from the world. You get exactly what was promised. So safe that you could sleep with your doors opened/unlocked. The ambiance was vibrant and scenery was captivating. Lunch and dinner prices were reasonable and the foods healthy and so yummy.

The road going to the listing was bit rocky so we had to drive with patience and caution. Though the food was very favourful and delicious there were not a lot of options since it was always the chefs choice however the town was like 15 mins once off the hill.

Great nature experience, very remote and quite place. Amazing food and cozy cottages.

Ms. Allissya (I assume one of the owners) wasn't too friendly and even rude at times which made our stay uncomfortable at times. All the other employees were very friendly. Also, the shower in our cottage wasn't working properly.

The location is worth the drive, lovely friendly staff, good honest food that was cooked to perfection. Beds very comfortable and private. We loved the sound of nature at night, it's tropical so you will see a few bugs but that's part of the experience. The drums sounded really good, the cooking show is something special and I would recommend for anyone who wants to connect with nature and have some relax time

Hosts, room, food, outside

Muddy road leading to the property

The backdrop of Zimbali was really stunning - based in the jungle and all around you are surrounded was a really special experience when we arrived. The rooms were nice and spacious, with both of our rooms having a nice balcony with a hammock to relax in. The rooms and restaurant area was very clean and the staff hired by the couple running Zimbali were friendly and helpful. The pool area was nice with a very pretty backdrop in the jungle.

The road up to Zimbali was really tricky to navigate - not just directions, but also the state of the road. I believe that it is owned by Zimbali, and think it would be best to at least flag the condition of the road or better to invest time into making it a bit better (both our drivers damaged their cars getting to and from the hotel). There isn’t access to anywhere else to eat or go to without a car (tricky with the aforementioned conditions). The $25 3 course dinner was disappointing both nights we stayed - the rice was both undercooked and mushy, the food lacked seasoning, and the portions were really very small. On our second night, the pudding/third course was half a banana each. It was just quite frustrating after being sold a culinary retreat. We chose not to partake in the cooking class for $80 after our dinner on night one, concerned that the value wouldn’t be great. Also while we were trying to eat our dinner, the owners’ children were running around our table wanting us to play with them and their toys. Completely understand it is a family run hotel, however, at dinner we would have appreciated being treated like the paying guests we were and being able to try and enjoy a relaxing experience. Post dinner, which we were told would be served at 5pm (we weren’t asked when we would want to eat), when sitting upstairs at the bar having a glass of wine, one of our party was told to return to her room as the bar was closing - it was 7.30pm.

The location is ok. The breakfast was very good but small for the price that you pay per night.

We ordered a dinner too and it was very little for the price we paid. I also get different price for the dinner when I write to the property before we get here and at the end the price was higher and I couldn't do anything about it because the lady didn't listen.

Beautiful retreat in the mountains surrounded by the natural beauty of Jamaica. Tranquility.

A very nice place in the middle of natur, so nice and quiet.

A very bumpy road to get there. The were burning something in the backyard, so it smelled like you were at a bonfire when you were on the balcony or at the pool

Great place to relax

Don’t follow Apple Maps shortest route if driving, you want to get there through Sav la Mar or Negril, not Hanover.

When you make the drive up to Zimbali you leave behind the Jamaica found in glossy brochures and postcards, and arrive in a place that is determined to provide a truly unique, real taste of Jamaica. The unpaved roads with their potholes and wash-outs require the taxi to slow to a walking pace, and encourage you to do the same. Look out the windows and enjoy the fields of sugar cane, the tall trees bearing bright red Ackee, the bushes flush with sorrel. Listen as your driver shares stories of his life and asks about yours. Breathe in some of the freshest air on the planet, and breathe out all expectations. Now you're ready to meet Alecia, Mark, their wonderful children, and their hardworking staff. This treehouse-like resort, hand-built with love and local timber provides all you need and nothing you don't.

Having to leave, after 3 weeks! We miss Mark making breakfast most mornings (though when Alecia cooks breakfast, you are really in for a treat!) We miss making paper aeroplanes. We miss the beautiful, unpretentious simplicity of Zimbali.

The Location is absolutely awesome. Who likes jungle and green and „wilderness“ is at Zimbali at the right place. The house itself is crazy, we could just have moved in, that‘s how we liked it. You feel the love for details of the owners. The food is great and so healthy. Portions of the „regular“ 3- course dinner are totally fine for europeans. Dinner is already at 17:00/18:00. the pool is small and cold but great for refreshing. We only booked the rasta tour - and it was amazing!!! We hiked with a local rasta hermit named Fire to his home in the bish and got an insight how he lives. One of the best experiences of my life! And the simple food there was also outstanding.

As the owners live there, sometimes you hesitate to contact them as they are busy with family business. But that doesnt bother, as soon as you adapt to the envirronment, everything gets very chilled.

Overall, the very pleasant stay at Zimbali culinary retreat, for an off the beaten path solo birthday celebration.Mark and his family and staff were welcoming and I enjoyed my time. Thanks to Sammy for the walk around the community and Shavon, The Best Chef in the West, for some amazing dishes. The culinary show is a must!!

N/A This getaway was for relaxing, so, nothing was allowed to upset my mindset.