Zimbali Culinary Retreats

This was my first time in Jamaica and dinner at Zimbali was certainly the highlight of my trip. The property was gorgeous, which is how the experience started with an optional farm tour. It was a wonderful beginning to see what would be going into our meal. Everyone that greeted us was so welcoming and the vibe was on point.

I was part of a group of 7 friends with varying dietary preferences and to say we were all blown away by the predominately plant based menu is an understatement. I have been vegan for 15 years and traveled a decent amount. A great and truly plant based gourmet meal is hard to find. Chef Alecia is brilliant and her menu healed my over processed food filled body and soul. Shout out to her team as well, I left so inspired to replicate that salad.

We had such an amazing night at Zimbali. We ate, drank, danced and truly felt like part of the wonderful family that provided this memorable experience. Absolutely recommend visiting here on your next trip to Negril!

Very unique experience. Very welcoming from beginning to end. Farm to table and meal prepared in front of you with detailed explanation of health benefits food provides.
Mark, his wife, the chef, and his team are fantastic hosts.
Highly recommend.
One of our yearly highlights when we visit Jamaica.

I stayed at Zimbali from 12/30 into the new year (4 days stay). I was traveling with my daughter, son in law and our baby boy who was just over 2 months at the time. We could not have stayed at a better place. We got there late and we were greeted by Mark with such warmth and friendliness that any apprehension we had immediately disappeared. Mark and Alecia (his wife) and staff were so friendly and accommodating we felt right at home. They were so flexible with ensuring that we were able to wash baby’s bottles and that all we needed was provided.
Every day the food was was sooo delicious (breakfast and dinner) especially one the day of the “cooking show evening” we had a 5 course meal that was YUM😋
The tour up into the hills where we had Ital good cooked by Fyer was amazing and the farm tour was very enjoyable. I am a born Jamaican and coming home to this wonderful experience was something special. Thanks Mark and Alecia from Liam and his family😁 we love you guys.

Chef Alecia and her team cooked an inspired, delicious, fresh and healthy 5
Course meal infused with love, joy, vitality and wisdom. It was a delightful experience for our whole family. My 13 year old daughter said it was the best salad she had ever tasted. My 11 year old son was mesmerized by the preparation which was done right before our eyes. The pre-dinner tour of the farm and sounds of the Africa drums during our dining experience made it a night to remember! Thank you Alecia and team. We will be back for more.

We stayed for a week and couldn’t have had a better time. Mark and Alecia and staff made this the most memorable vacation we’ve ever had. The rooms were clean and comfortable. The food was delicious and plentiful. If you have a chance this is an escape that will rejuvenate you .More
Date of stay: February 2024
Trip type: Traveled as a couple

We went for the Chef's Tasting menu. It was brilliant. The farm tour was lovely. Pre dinner drinks and live music to start. Dinner itself was absolutely delicious. Very thoughtful and plated elegantly. Chef's discussion of the food and where it comes from and how it benefits our bodies was so insightful. I would recommend this event to anyone who comes to Jamaica!

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.

Zimbali is a like a home from home! With the coolest hosts (Mark and Alicia) aka cool parents!!!

You know I am all about the food so let’s start from there!!

Breakfast - they do not scimp on portions or quality here. It was 10/10

culinary dinner experience - an educational and TASTY 5 course meal. Also a 10/10

Dinner was Rice and Beans with Jerk Prawns 🤤 and fruit cake!! Yes I asked for few more slices of the cake!

If you can definitely add it to your itinerary when coming to Jamaica 🇯🇲

Unique and memorable - the food was incredible! We enjoyed checking out the countryside on the drive from Negril to Zimbali's. We did the dinner experience with live drum music. The setting is rustic but elegant, the staff were very welcoming, and the food was just...wow!

Our chef prepared a beautiful, healthy, 5-course meal before our eyes. She entertained us, telling us about all the fresh ingredients she was using and their health benefits. Every dish was vibrant, beautifully plated, and delicious.

We were served 3 vegetarian appetizers, an entree with the protein of our choice (fish, chicken, shrimp, or vegetarian), and dessert. My partner is normally not an adventurous eater and I was worried he would not enjoy this, but he loved it. He's a meat-and-potatoes guy, but the chef had him enjoying dishes he would not normally try, like an amazing cream of pumpkin soup with coconut milk. YUM.

I highly recommend checking out Zimbali's!

Went for the 5 course chef's table. Was absolutely brilliant. Absolutely delicious from start to end. Great value too.

Plus they have a donkey and a couple of very cute dogs.

Honestly this is well worth seeking out.

If your vegan food doesn’t taste as good as the food at Zimbali, I don’t want it.

Seriously, I am an omnivore, I don’t usually want to order a vegetarian or vegan meal but I’m glad I tried it at Zimbali because it was so flavorful and delicious.

Go on up there and see for yourself. Chef Alecia knows what she’s doing. I can’t stop thinking about the meal and it was several days ago now.

Jamaica has much to offer besides its beautiful beaches. Our stay at Zimbali Retreat was an experience that we will never forget.

Such an amazing experience! Not only was the foodie dinner delish, I learned so much from the chef! I left inspired to not only add more plant based items to my meals, but also to experiment even more in the kitchen. I highly recommend it!

An amazing experience! Do not miss. The best food we ate on our trip hands down. Chef Alecia is a true magician sharing the bounty of Jamaica. The scenery was spectacular and i enjoyed the walk through the farm and the many different fruit trees we got to see. Their hospitality and passion for their craft will never be forgotten.

I have not had the opportunity to visit in a couple years. Last time I was there, the pool didn't exist. It was a blast. All the meals were amazing, including one meal off property made with herbs and plants collected as we hiked the mountain with "Fire". I hope I have the name right, it's been some years.
I'm looking at planning a return trip currently.

The experience at Zimbali Culinary Retreats was precisely the opportunity needed to connect with family, relax, and breathe. The kind actions and words of all encountered are genuinely appreciated. We will always remember our first Zimbali experience and look forward to our next time on Canaan Mountain thanks to Mark and an amazing staff.

A million thanks.

Great place 🫶
Away from the everyday hustle and bustle, we spent a few days there. The chef always surprised us with delicious dishes. The rooms are clean and the staff nice and helpful. Beautiful view of the jungle from the terrace.
I will miss this oasis.

A must if you come to Negril. We did not stay at the resort but we did the farm to table culinary experience. The food was amazing and truly some of the best food we’ve had in all of Jamaica. It can be described as an explosion of flavors! THIS PLACE IS A MUST! We will be back! Definitely worth more than what we paid.

Go! Your body, mind and soul will thank you! Chef Alicia and her team are passionate about the food they serve and the message they send. I especially loved the cool towels at the end of the tour... cause heat hates me! They were a life saver! The drum trio tops the evening with playing throughout the experience. What a fantastic time! Thank you Zimbali!

If you like authentic experiences, Zimbali is for you. If you want cable TV, Applebees, and elliptical machines, you'll want to go to Toledo. This is true farm-to-table, Jamaican themed food and music. It is worth the trip. Mark has mangos, bananas, plantains, pineapples, star fruit, and watermelon. He keeps bees, makes his own juice and coconut oil. Depending on old and "adventurous" your kids are, it is kid friendly. Kids under 10 might find it boring, especially if they don't swim. We definitely plan to go back.