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.

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.

Stayed in July 2025

N/A

Food, farm to table cooking show. Great staff

Stayed in August 2025

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

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.

Stayed in May 2025

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

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

Stayed in June 2025

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.

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.

Stayed in May 2025

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.

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

Stayed in April 2025

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

Stayed in April 2025

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

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

Stayed in February 2025

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

Great place to relax

Stayed in December 2024

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.

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.

Stayed in December 2024

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

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!!

Stayed in November 2024

The mosquitoes!

Mark and Lisa are very friendly and accomodating. An amazing experience of rural Jamaica.

Stayed in August 2024

The drive up, Google maps directions from montego bay were not the best.

The scenery was gorgeous and the atmosphere and ambience was lovely and made you feel secluded and peaceful. The staff were attentive and made sure to make us feel welcomed and the chef made us a shrimp curry that was the best we have ever eaten. The pool was cool and refreshing and the room had all the latest amenities.

Stayed in May 2024

N/A

Beautiful property in a beautiful setting.

Stayed in April 2024

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

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

Stayed in March 2024

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

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

No access to any other food. I had two teenage boys who, the food portions were not enough for them. I asked for some bananas, and they did provide them. Considering the abuntance of fruit, it would have been useful to have had access to some at any given time. We had to wait, unknowingly, an extra two hours for dinner when the cooking show took place, which we didnt attend. They had a guard dog, and im fine with dogs and that its useful to have extra security, but this dog was free to roam around and made me feel uneasy, as the dog was unapproachable. Married duo hosts, Mark was fabulous, his wife not so much.

The place was beautiful. Mark the host was warm and friendly. The place had a very laid back family feel to it. All the staff were friendly and made us welcome. Clean tidy, well presented. Location for me was awesome. Maybe not ideal for people with young families

Stayed in June 2023

- 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

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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

The staff is friendly, easy going and very helpful. The ambience and natural setting is beautiful and relaxing.

Stayed in January 2023

Lovely family operated property in a beautiful setting. Very family friendly. Great value.

Stayed in January 2023

It's different and it's a calmer side to jamaica

Stayed in November 2022