Staying at Casa Kaan was magical! The experience was beyond compare! The gardens are incredibly lush and beautiful. The casita is world class, with amenities of a 5 star retreat, elegant and well equipped. Modern bathrooms, comfy beds, perfect AC to keep you comfortable and plenty of space to be had. Being walking distance to the Centro of Merida was an added bonus. Also, having the convenience of mini-markets within a block or 2 of the property was super convenient for a few items you might require. Janet, is an amazing host, with great recommendations for sights to experience in and around the Yucatan. Her great sense of humor made it that much more enjoyable! Did I mention her to die for Indian food?! She could open her own restaurant! Do not hesitate to experience this fantastic getaway! If you are a cat lover, like myself, you won't want to leave. I wanted to pack a few in my bags on the way out! I look forward to returning to this beautiful oasis in the near future. A must stay in beautiful Merida!
Hey, I’m Janet!
Vegan · United States · Joined in July 2019
My move to Mexico was a long time coming, and I am now happy to be sharing my house, garden and new casita with veggie guests. I have rescue cats that I take care of on the property, they are friendly and love affection.I am planning some rescue chickens, so I may have a few eggs a week, but apart from that (and the cat food) I'm all but vegan. There is a nice size pool and your own private garden and kitchen, and I serve a simple fruit, coffee and breadbasket breakfast on the patio. I also can prepare light meals on request. In my past life I made costumes for Broadway shows, and now make a few gift items should my guests be interested.
My Lifestyle
I'm almost vegan, if someone offers me birthday cake made with egg, I will eat a slice, but my real love is making vegan Indian food, sadly, much Mexican fare is meaty, so I try and create interesting fusions of Yucatan/Indian. I have a couple of big Chaya plants in the garden, (tree spinach) it is so wonderful, and I'm starting to grow a little of my own food, my curry leaf plants are finally thriving...
Fun Facts About Me
Originally from the UK, I spent 38 years in New York, making costumes, and enjoying the city, taking frequent trips to Merida, land of the Maya, and cultural home of rubber, snakes and chocolate! What more could there be! I give onsite workshops in textile manipulation using silicone rubber, and continue costume making but in a limited capacity. Snake imagery is my thing, my Deco house is a collectors paradise, I had my floor tiles created to incorporate this theme, and there are no real snakes I hasten to add.
Hobbies & Interests
I have both a rubber collection, which led to me writing a book about Rubber, and a collection of snake decorative objects that I have gathered over the years. I love working in the garden, as haven't had one since living in London 40 years ago, I also sew, paint fabric and create textiles with silicone rubber.
Favourite Books, Music & Movies
Movies: All about Eve, The Letter, Midnight Cowboy, Wallace and Gromit, Saturday Night Fever, The Birdcage (did some of the costumes) Coco, Life of Pi and Kes... Music: Lila Downs, Soundtracks, David Bowie, Stacey Kent, Bernstein, Gershwin and a bit if Frank Sinatra... Books: Aztec, Harry Bosch novels, Oliver Twist, Jaws...
Languages Spoken
English....
Education
BA knitwear design
Where I Work
Still making costumes for Broadway shows and movies etc, because t slowing down…I always dreamed of my own B&B where I could also hold workshops, and keep creating my own textiles that I never had time to do before.
Companion Animals
Tony is my New York cat, he came down to join Lili, Chaya, Nell, Teddy, Chicklet, Coco and CZ at my Merida house...I feed strays nightly too....and have a resident possum I call Pete, whom I built a home for, he keeps the bugs in check
Favorite Quote
"only when you can be extremely pliable and soft, can you be extremely hard and strong' Zen proverb
Reviews (5)
- April 2021
Janet's place is breathtaking. It's a little piece of heaven in the middle of Merida's city center. Walking by the front, you'd have no idea how big this place is. We had a great time visiting. The location is great, as it's right in the city center and within walking distance to the cathedral and other sites. Janet also cooked us some DELICIOUS vegan/vegetarian Indian food, with some local twists, which my husband and I devoured in an instant. I'd recommend this place to everyone. Enjoy!
April 2021We truly enjoyed our stay at the Casa Kaan B&B with our host Janet. She has a beautiful property here and unique art deco pieces fill the casita, her home and the outdoor gardens. The accommodations were perfect for two friends traveling together as we each had our own bedroom and bathroom along with a common area to visit each day. The casita was immaculate and filled with everything we would need for our stay. Janet had tea and coffee along with breakfast items for us each morning. The cats that live there with her were true entertainment every day as well. We highly recommend Casa Kaan and can't wait to visit again!
January 2022
