Gail, you had introduced us to Mark in February. He speaks well of you!Originally Posted by gailnegril
Gail, you had introduced us to Mark in February. He speaks well of you!
The Wife and I did Zimbali back in February. As Seveen said, remember to wear sturdy shoes. I wore flip-flops on the farm tour, and wished that I had worn sneakers, at least. There is some moderate uphill hiking. The tour was awesome, nonetheless. And yes, the farm tour was HOT, but the retreat building itself was comfortable and breezy. If you haven't decided yet, I would go for lunch as opposed to dinner. I don't know how the farm tour works during the dinner seating, but obviously it is easier to see things during daylight hours. In addition, I recommend that you use their driver to pick you up at your hotel. Some drivers in Negril don't know how to get to Zimbali as it is not a straightforward route. The price they charge for transportation is reasonable, but they do try to squeeze 4 passengers in the car so you may have to share the taxi with another couple, if there is only 2 people in your party. (Actually, on the ride back to Negril we squeezed a 5th passenger in the car, as our driver agreed to give somebody a lift to a nearby route taxi stop.)
When we went for lunch, fish was the only option for an entree. I guess we will just have to go back again and try the chicken!
definitely do lunch! and the $15 that is charged for the roundtrip to and from Negril is unbeatable --- you couldn't get a tour for that price and no matter what anyone says - they will not be able to find Zimbali ---- you'll be sleeping in a cane field until a driver pasts you - in the morning lol
they sent a van for us - -
We had a heavenly day there in early December. We went for the farm tour and lunch. I think they picked us up at 10:30. I'd suggest good shoes and socks for the farm tour. It was HOT, but our guide supplied us with fresh coconuts right off the tree to cool us down. Lunch was delicious. Portions weren't huge; I was pleasantly full when we were done, rather than stuffed. We chilled in the hammocks for a long while and then did the River Cool down excursion/spa treatment. Bathing suits and towels were needed for this portion. You head down into the valley to lounge chairs set into a stream under the bamboo canopy for a kind of massage/relaxation therapy. It was absolute bliss and completely refreshing. We had a drink back at the main house and left as the first dinner group was arriving. We made it back to Negril just as the last of the light was fading from the sky.
Do use their driver - it is back in the bush. If you don't know the way, there are no route markers.
How was the river? Have any pics at all?
i think my son has some videos on youtube ---- i didn't do anything when i stayed there for 3 nights but enjoy the silence - no roosters, no dogs, no car sounds ---- and wait for my next delicious meal lol
We did not do well with pictures on this part of the adventure. We were pretty caught up in the moment. This is not the only river around the property. I believe there is one with better swimming potential nearby as well. It was beautiful and serene, with that perfect babbling brook sound and shady canopy above.
The view upstream
The view down stream
I was the only one in our group who wore sneakers and used bug spray. I was much more comfortable than everyone else. I would also bring a hat. The tour was great and a nice little hike. Can't wait to go back.
Seveen, you look lovely in that picDash, I thought you were going to Africa for a sec, WTH !
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