8.6

119 reviews

Zimbali Culinary Retreats

Zimbali Culinary Retreats

Canaan Mountain, Negril, 00000, Jamaica

Choose dates to view prices

Private pool

Restaurant

Outdoor swimming pool

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Room service

Streaming service (like Netflix)

Bar

Zimbali Culinary Retreats

Zimbali Culinary Retreats sits on Canaan Mountain in Negril, Jamaica, about 8.1mi from the city center. Address: Canaan Mountain. The setting offers mountain and garden views and a vibrant vibe for travelers with a culinary curiosity.

On-site amenities cover a wide range of needs: a private pool and an outdoor swimming pool (free), a restaurant, free WiFi, and free private parking. Guest rooms include non-smoking options with terrace, balcony, and garden or mountain views. Streaming service (like Netflix), a 24-hour front desk, and live music/performances (free) add extra charm, while several services such as snorkeling (extra charges), spa (extra charges), air conditioning (extra charges), airport shuttle (extra charges), shuttle service (extra charges), massage (extra charges), babysitting/child services (extra charges), and horseback riding (extra charges) are available; beach umbrellas and beach chairs/Loungers (free), plus kids’ meals (free), round out the scene.

With 119 reviews, Zimbali Culinary Retreats offers a lively Jamaica escape where flavors, sun, and scenery come together.

Perched on Canaan Mountain in Negril, Jamaica, the retreat pairs mountain and garden views with a lively vibe for travelers with a culinary curiosity. An on-site dining option, Zimbali Mountain Cooking Studio, serves Caribbean, Local, and International flavors in a family-friendly setting. Guest rooms feature streaming service (like Netflix), while a 24-hour front desk and live music performances add extra charm to the stay.

Two pool options invite relaxation: a private pool and an outdoor saltwater pool, both open all season and free to guests. Beach days are easy thanks to free umbrellas and chairs, and kids’ meals are free for the little vacationers. For explorers, snorkeling, spa services, massage, horseback riding, babysitting, and airport shuttle (along with shuttle service) are available for an extra charge.

With 119 reviews, Zimbali Culinary Retreats offers a lively Jamaica escape where flavors, sun, and scenery come together. Located on Canaan Mountain about 8.1mi from Negril’s city center, the property accepts cash as well as Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay for convenient payments.

Closest airports

Sangster International Airport

25.1mi

Most popular amenities

Private pool

Restaurant

Outdoor swimming pool

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Room service

Streaming service (like Netflix)

Bar

Sun deck

Tour desk

Parking On Site

Terrace

Mountain view

24-hour front desk

Non-smoking rooms

Live music/Performance

Kitchenware

Patio

Garden view

Wheelchair accessible

Beach umbrellas

Beach chairs/Loungers

Bathtub

Kids' meals

Picnic area

Balcony

Garden

Rooms

Cottage, Queen Size, Mountain View

1 Queen Size Bed

More details

Studio, Queen Size

1 Queen Size Bed

x5

+

x3

More details

Studio, 2 Queen Size Beds, 1 Bedroom

2 Queen Size Beds

x5

+

x3

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Villa, 2 Bedroom, Mountain View

1 Double Bed

More details

Queen Room

1 Queen Size Bed

x10

+

x6

More details

Studio Suite, Mountain View

1 Queen Size Bed

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Villa, 2 Bedroom

1 Queen Size Bed

x20

+

x13

More details

Studio Suite, 1 Bedroom, Mountain View

More details

Cottage

More details

Villa, 2 Bedroom, Mountain View, Single Use

More details

Studio, 1 Bedroom

x5

+

x3

More details

Studio Suite, 1 Bedroom

More details

Guest reviews

8.6

119 reviews

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

Comfort

Location

Facilities

Staff

Value for money

WiFi quality

Featured reviews:

🇺🇸

Mayan

10

April 2024

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.

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.

🇺🇸

Emma

10

March 2024

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.

🇺🇸

Shavon

10

September 2024

I love the view, the food, the Rasta tour, and the Zimbali family. The Garlic Shrimp for dinner was awesome. The swimming pool has a beautiful view.

Fruits fell from the trees hitting the metal roof of our room. When all is quiet and that fruit hits the roof, it can give you a little scare. If you are not a nature person, the sounds of frogs and insects chirping and making mating calls can be rough when you are trying to sleep.

🇯🇲

Selby

10

August 2024

I loved everything about this place. Well done by Mark and his team. Definitely won't be our last time here. Felt like our home away from home.

I wish I could have spent more time. Everything about this stay was perfect.

🇨🇦

Gary

8.2

June 2025

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

🇺🇸

Andrew

10

January 2025

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.

🇯🇲

Kazzanne

9.1

May 2025

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.

🇺🇸

Phelia

8.2

August 2025

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.

🇳🇱

Anne-wies

9.1

April 2023

- 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.

- 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

🇨🇭

Dusan

9.1

December 2024

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.

Points of Interest Around Zimbali Culinary Retreats

Attractions

Seven Mile Beach

7.3mi

Kool Runnings Adventure Park

7.3mi

Negril Lighthouse

9.3mi

Negril Cliffs

9.4mi

Rick's Café

9.4mi

Mayfield Falls

10.2mi

Rocklands Bird Sanctuary

20.8mi

Montego Bay Marine Park

23.2mi

Harbour Street Craft Market

23.3mi

Sam Sharpe Square

23.4mi

Hip Strip (Gloucester Avenue)

23.8mi

Doctor's Cave Beach

23.8mi

Ahhh...Ras Natango Gallery and Garden

24.4mi

Rastafari Indigenous Village

25mi

YS Falls

28.2mi

Restaurants

Zimbali Mountain Cooking Studio

Cuisines

  • Caribbean
  • Local
  • International

Ambiances

  • Family Friendly

Pools

Location

  • Outdoor

Features

  • Salt water

Age restrictions

  • All ages

Availability

  • All season

Amenities of Zimbali Culinary Retreats

Private pool

Restaurant

Outdoor swimming pool

Free Private Parking

Free wifi

Room service

Streaming service (like Netflix)

Bar

Sun deck

Tour desk

Parking On Site

Terrace

Mountain view

24-hour front desk

Non-smoking rooms

Live music/Performance

Kitchenware

Patio

Garden view

Wheelchair accessible

Beach umbrellas

Beach chairs/Loungers

Bathtub

Kids' meals

Picnic area

Balcony

Garden

Stay rules - Zimbali Culinary Retreats

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Curfew

  • Parking

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property