Zimbali Culinary Retreat

3.0 star property
your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Zimbali Culinary Retreat

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

Reviews

9.2 out of 10

Wonderful

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Canaan Mountain, Westmoreland, Little London
  • Jamaica Giants Sculpture Park & Art Gallery
    8 min drive
  • Negril Hills Golf Club
    22 min drive
  • Blue Hole Mineral Springs
    24 min drive
  • Montego Bay (MBJ-Sir Donald Sangster Intl.)
    93 min drive

Room options

Studio Suite, 1 Bedroom (Sweet Blue)

  • 306 sq m
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Studio Suite, 1 Bedroom (Mountain Suite II)

  • 306 sq m
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 2 Queen Beds OR 1 Twin Bed

Double Room Single Use, 2 Bedrooms (Mountain Villa)

  • 371 sq m
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 Queen Bed OR 1 Twin Bed

Studio Suite, 1 Queen Bed (Mountain Suite I)

  • 306 sq m
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Cottage (Sweet Love)

  • 278 sq m
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Cottage, 1 Queen Bed (Mountain Cottage)

  • 278.0 sq m
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Similar properties

About the area

Little London

When you stay at Zimbali Culinary Retreat in Little London, you'll be on a river and 8 minutes by car from Jamaica Giants Sculpture Park & Art Gallery. .This family-friendly bed & breakfast is 16.4 mi (26.3 km) from Seven Mile Beach and 9 mi (14.4 km) from Jamaica Beaches.

What's nearby

  • Bloody Bay - 31 min drive - 25.0 km
  • Kool Runnings Water Park - 33 min drive - 26.6 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 with spa services and an outdoor pool
Zimbali Culinary Retreat offers 7 accommodations with safes and complimentary newspapers. Rooms open to furnished balconies. Beds feature Tempur-Pedic mattresses. Flat-screen televisions come with satellite channels.

Bathrooms include showers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. This Little London bed & breakfast provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Additionally, rooms include complimentary bottled water and coffee/tea makers. Housekeeping is offered daily and irons/ironing boards can be requested.

An outdoor pool and a children's pool are on site.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite spa services. Services include deep-tissue massages, sports massages, Swedish massages, and facials.
Stay in one of 7 guestrooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Your room comes with a Tempur-Pedic bed. Rooms have private furnished balconies. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.
Pamper yourself with onsite massages, body treatments, and facials. Additional amenities at this bed & breakfast include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and a hair salon.
Satisfy your appetite for lunch or dinner at Zimbali Cooking Studio, a restaurant which specializes in international cuisine, or stay in and take advantage of the room service (during limited hours). Relax with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge or the poolside bar. Full breakfasts are available daily from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee.
Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, dry cleaning/laundry services, and luggage storage. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available 24 hours), and free self parking is available onsite.
Full breakfasts are available for a surcharge and are served each morning between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
Zimbali Cooking Studio - This restaurant specializes in international cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Reggae Bar - Onsite bar. Open daily.
Room service (during limited hours) is available.

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and public transport

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

Food and drink

  • Full breakfast available for a fee daily 8:00 AM–11:00 AM: JMD 1400 for adults and JMD 1000 for children
  • 1 restaurant
  • 1 poolside bar and 1 bar
  • Room service available

Restaurants on site

  • Zimbali Cooking Studio
  • Reggae Bar

Things to do

  • 24-hour pool access
  • Children's pool
  • Ecotours
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Outdoor pool
  • Spa services

Family friendly

  • Art supplies
  • Children's books
  • Children's games
  • Children's pool
  • Children's toys
  • Fence around the pool
  • Free cots/infant beds
  • Free rollaway/extra beds
  • High chair
  • Laundry facilities
  • Musical instruments
  • Outdoor pool
  • Pool gate

Conveniences

  • Free newspapers in reception
  • Front-desk safe
  • Library

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Dry-cleaning service
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Hair salon
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Tour/ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Pool sunloungers
  • Terrace

Spa

  • Body scrubs
  • Body treatments
  • Body wraps
  • Facials
  • Manicures and pedicures
  • Massage - deep-tissue
  • Massage - sports
  • Massage - Swedish

Accessibility

  • If you have any requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • This property does not have any lifts
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • In-room accessibility
  • Low-height worktop and sink
  • Raised toilet seat
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bed sheets
  • Ceiling fan
  • Free cots/infant beds
  • Free rollaway beds
  • Tempur-Pedic bed

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV
  • Satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water

More

  • Desk
  • Free 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

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

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

Zimbali Culinary Retreat Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 33 out of 44 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 44 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 44 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 44 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 44 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Debbie

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, St thomas

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Errol

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

Shannon

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

6/10 Okay

April

Travelled with family
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

Katrine

Travelled with partner
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

Peggy

Travelled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children, Travelled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Samantha

Travelled with partner
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

Shannon

Travelled with group
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

Kamala, PEMBROKE PINES

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

Michael

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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

6/10 Okay

Cherose

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

2/10 Terrible

Budget

Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Aneta

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anna Eliza, Pireus

Travelled with family
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

BRITTANY

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

Kerry

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

8/10 Good

Tina

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gary Ashley Hodson

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a place in which a person goes to relax and recharge, while being surrounded by nature. The owners live on the property, which is a farm to table, eco-friendly resort. The grounds are amazingly beautiful, it is safe, and the staff are incredible. The food is clean and makes your body feel good. The fresh fruit juices are especially delicious.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Deseria, brentwood

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
All my boxes, both big and small, were checked by Zimbala. The hospitality was way beyond expected from the moment we stepped out of the car. The food was to die for - the flavors made all my tastebuds dance. Amazing and entertaining chefs for Food Show. Room was rustic, clean and comfortable. The small stuff that is extremely important to me good A/C, excellent hot water and water pressure in shower, excellent reluable wifi cover on property, good coffee in room. The 1.5 mile to property after getting off the main was take a little maneuvering, but will be apart of the adventure. A day trip to Negril's 7 miles is about 30 minutes. My experience was awesome. This is a must do.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Anna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Crystal

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Great Starting poing
Great start to our wonderful trip in Jamaica, a great place to truly unwind.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022

8/10 Good

William

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was wonderful friendly and thoughtful , unique setting a bit off beaten path. Don’t be in a hurry to get there the road is rough. The food was great the experience is worth the trip. if your looking to get out of Negril it is a good option .
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022