Zimbali Culinary Retreat

3.0 star property
Family-friendly B&B in Little London with outdoor pool and restaurant

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Zimbali Culinary Retreat

Tempur-Pedic beds, in-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board
Interior entrance
Cottage (Sweet Love) | Room amenity
Mountain view
Studio Suite, 1 Bedroom (Mountain Suite II) | View from room
By the river, Zimbali Culinary Retreat offers a tranquil retreat with a poolside bar, garden and international cuisine at Zimbali Cooking Studio. Enjoy spa treatments, ecotours and hiking/biking on site. Connect to in-room WiFi or unwind with a good book from the library.
VIP Access

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Airport transfer
  • Spa
  • Pool
  • Laundry facilities
  • Free parking

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Restaurant and bar/lounge
  • Outdoor pool
  • Breakfast available
  • Children's pool
  • Pool bar
  • Room service
  • Spa services
  • Airport shuttle
  • Terrace
  • Coffee/tea in a common area
  • Garden

Feel at home (6)

  • Children's pool
  • Rollaway/extra beds available (surcharge)
  • Private bathroom
  • Television
  • Garden
  • Terrace

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

Studio Suite, 1 Bedroom (Sweet Blue)

Highlights

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

Studio Suite, 1 Bedroom (Mountain Suite II)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

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

Double Room Single Use, 2 Bedrooms (Mountain Villa)

Highlights

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

Studio Suite, 1 Queen Bed (Mountain Suite I)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

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

Cottage (Sweet Love)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

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

Cottage, 1 Queen Bed (Mountain Cottage)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

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

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About the neighborhood

Map
Canaan Mountain, Westmoreland, Little London

What's nearby

  • Negril Hills Golf Club - 25 min drive - 19.0 km
  • Bloody Bay Beach - 29 min drive - 24.6 km
  • Bloody Bay - 34 min drive - 28.1 km
  • Negril Cliffs - 34 min drive - 26.5 km
  • Seven Mile Beach - 37 min drive - 27.8 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Kendal Bar - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪Leroy's Bar - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Sol Cazeau - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Logwood - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Sandpipers - ‬14 min drive

About this property

Zimbali Culinary Retreat

When visiting Little London, Zimbali Culinary Retreat is a great choice to consider. You can indulge in deep-tissue massages, body wraps, or mani/pedis, and grab a bite to eat at Zimbali Cooking Studio, which serves international cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. An outdoor pool, a poolside bar, and a children's pool are other features.

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 7 rooms
    • Arranged over 1 level
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 1 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
    • Contactless check-in available
    • Minimum check-in age: 18
    • Check-out time is 11 AM
    • Contactless check-out available
DONE

Special check-in instructions

    • This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, 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
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE

Children

    • No cribs (infant beds)
DONE

Pets

    • Pets not allowed
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • Free onsite self parking
    • Wheelchair-accessible parking on site
DONE

Transfers

    • Airport shuttle (available 24 hours)*
DONE

Other information

    • Designated smoking areas

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Full breakfast (surcharge) each morning 9:00 AM–11:00 AM
  • Hosted evening meals each Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday for a surcharge (reservations required)
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/lounge
  • Poolside bar
  • Coffee/tea in a common area
  • Barbecue grills
  • Private dining
  • Room service (limited hours)
  • Water dispenser

Traveling with children

  • Children's pool
  • Children's games
  • Toys
  • Art supplies
  • Children's books
  • Musical instruments
  • Pool gate
  • Stair gate
  • Fence around the pool

What to do

  • Ecotours
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Cooking classes
  • Horse riding nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Services

  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Concierge services
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Dry cleaning/laundry services
  • Hair salon
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Luggage storage
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Pool loungers

Facilities

  • 4 buildings/towers
  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace
  • Library
  • An outdoor pool
  • Spa services
  • 24-hour pool access
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • At least 80% organic food
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian dining options
  • Locally-owned & organized tours & activities
  • Local artist showcase
  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community & sustainability
  • Local culture & ecosystem education
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Water dispenser

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Accessible airport shuttle
  • Raised toilet seat
  • Low-height counter/sink
  • Grab bar near toilet

Room amenities

Be entertained

  • Flat-screen television
  • Satellite TV channels

Home comfort

  • Ceiling fan
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Iron/ironing board (on request)

Sleep well

  • Tempur-Pedic mattress
  • Free rollaway/extra bed
  • Bed sheets provided

What to enjoy

  • Furnished balcony

Freshen up

  • Private bathroom
  • Shower only
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free newspapers
  • Free WiFi

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Free bottled water
  • Highchair
  • Reusable coffee/tea filters

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • In-room safe
  • LED light bulbs
  • Water-efficient showers only
  • Water-efficient toilets only

Special features

Spa

Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite spa services. Services include deep-tissue massages, sports massages, Swedish massages, and facials.

Dining

Zimbali Cooking Studio - This restaurant specializes in international cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Reggae Bar - Onsite bar. Open daily.

Fees & policies

Optional extras

  • Full breakfast is offered for an extra charge of approximately JMD 1500 for adults and JMD 1000 for children
  • Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of JMD 15000 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 6)
  • Hosted evening meal costs JMD 15001

Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)

  • Pool open 24-hours

Policies

This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
This property does not have elevators.
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a smoke detector on site.
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Cashless transactions are available.

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 offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, Zimbali Culinary Retreat does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

Is there a pool at Zimbali Culinary Retreat?

Yes, there's an outdoor pool and a children's pool. Guests have 24-hour pool access.

Are pets allowed at Zimbali Culinary Retreat?

Sorry, pets aren't allowed.

Is parking offered on site at Zimbali Culinary Retreat?

Yes, there's free self parking.

Is airport shuttle service offered by Zimbali Culinary Retreat?

Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is JMD 15000 per vehicle one-way.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Zimbali Culinary Retreat?

Check-in start time: 1 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM. Contactless check-in and check-out are available.

What is there to do at Zimbali Culinary Retreat and nearby?

Have fun during the warmer months with activities such as hiking. Additional recreation onsite includes ecotours. Enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool or use the bed & breakfast's other amenities, which include spa services and a picnic area. Zimbali Culinary Retreat also has a garden.

Are there restaurants at or near Zimbali Culinary Retreat?

Yes, Zimbali Cooking Studio offers international cuisine.

Does Zimbali Culinary Retreat have any outdoor private spaces?

Yes, every room features a furnished balcony.

What's the area around Zimbali Culinary Retreat like?

Zimbali Culinary Retreat is located by the river. Popular attractions include Seven Mile Beach, which is 48 minutes away by car.

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Reviews

Zimbali Culinary Retreat Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

9.4

Cleanliness

9.4

Location

9.2

Staff & service

9.8

Eco-friendliness

9.2

Property conditions & facilities

Popular mentions

Food
Nature
Trip
Service staff
Breakfast
Family friendly
Oasis
Room
Farms

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

Culinary retreat

We went in the off season. The owners and staff were very attentive. I highly recommend the food there for all meals just make sure to tell them in advance you'll be eating there. Travel from Negril to the retreat if you drive there. If dont you will drive through very hard to drive in mountains (at least for an American). It is very beautiful and remote. We do plan on coming back for the food and amazing veiws and recomending it to out friends and families.
Gabriel, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Great food!
ANAYANSI, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

A beautiful tropical paradise. Very peaceful and tranquil. Excellent food. A natural picturesque retreat . An amazing place to stay, visit , eat and relax. It also very safe! You’re in excellent hands at Zimbali. Not to mention the food is all organic..
Tricia, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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.
roseanna, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Michael, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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!
Suzanne, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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!
Debbie, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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!
Kerry, 1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

This was an amazing retreat! Not for everyone but is needed by all! Peaceful and Restful! Great healthy fresh food! Loved every moment
Michael, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

If you need to get away and be with nature. Even if you dont stay. You have to book the Zimbali Culinary Show.
Kamala, 4-night trip

2/10 Poor

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.

10/10 Exceptional

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!
Juliette, 4-night trip

8/10 Very good

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!
Richard, 8-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Fantastic Farm Owned by Great People

We've been traveling to Jamaica for years and the farm at Zimbali Retreats has been our favorite experience by far! This little slice of heaven if nestled up in the mountains and is perfect for those wanting to experience less ocean/touristy stuff and more farm/authentic Jamaican life. Mark and Alecia have created a great little hide-away and we will be regulars. All the food is from the farm or local area and is organic. If you hike up the mountain a little further you can share a vegan lunch with a Rastafarian named Fire. You can tour the farm and head in to dinner and watch Sharika and Rambo prepare a delicious meal before your eyes. You can walk to the nearby village and visit with the locals. There are 4 dogs, 4 cats, a donkey and plenty of goats to keep you entertained. The property is full of fruit trees, vegetable plants, and bamboo. There is a meditation hut with a fantastic view. There is no air conditioning, but we were fortunate to have a wonderful breeze each night. I loved spending time on our deck in the hammock. The water is brought in from a spring and tastes delicious! Rain water is collected for showers. The cabin we stayed in was of perfect size. There was a tv in the room (for my husband) and free wifi. Anything we encountered that cost extra (and that wasn't much) was very affordable. I highly recommend this "resort" for anyone wanting a spiritual (not to be confused with religious) get away. I came back a much better person for having stayed there.

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Martine, 7-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Nichole, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing

Shemika D, 7-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Jamila, 4-night trip

4/10 Fair

Kathryn, 3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Errol, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Shannon, 3-night trip

6/10 Good

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.
April, 4-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Lovely welcoming property, the healthy breakfasts are the best! I highly recommend!
Katrine, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Peggy, 4-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

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.
Benjamin, 4-night trip