Our History
The Story of Palapas Ventana – A Mother-Son Dream Brought to Life
Palapas Ventana began as a shared dream between a mother and son—Karon and Tim Hatler—bound by their love of nature, watersports, and the outdoors, and a desire to create something meaningful.
Karon, a Nebraska farm girl at heart, built her life on strength, resilience, and generosity. After raising two boys as a single working mom in the chaos of California, she had already lived several lives—working in a sailboat dealership, running retail teams, and even teaching computer skills. But retirement didn’t slow her down—it sparked her next great chapter.
Tim, her son, had a vision: a small, off-the-beaten-path spot in Baja where people could connect with the ocean, nature, and each other. And Karon was all in. Together, in 2003, they opened one little blue casita that served as a coffee shop and internet café in the sleepy fishing town of La Ventana.
That was just the beginning.
Over the years, Karon and Tim grew Palapas Ventana into a full-service ocean adventure resort—with 11 custom A/C casitas, a private boat launch, world-class water sports, and a vibrant community that returns year after year. Today, it stands as the most unique and welcoming resort in La Ventana Bay on the Sea of Cortez, just 35 minutes southeast of La Paz.
Karon poured her heart into everything she touched at the resort. She set the tone for the warm, family-style hospitality we’re known for. She trained the kitchen team in her favorite comfort food recipes (her tater tot casserole lives on!), and made sure every guest felt like part of the Palapas Ventana family. Her giving spirit extended to the entire town—through events and fundraising, Karon helped raise over $200,000 USD in scholarships for local children.
Tim brought the adventure—leading spearfishing trips, diving, fishing, kiteboarding, and building partnerships with amazing groups from all over the world. Together, they created a place where passion meets purpose, where the water is turquoise, the sunrises unforgettable, and every visit feels like coming home.
Palapas Ventana now welcomes student programs, liveaboard adventures, kiteboarding schools, diving collectives, fishing clubs, and TV crews—all drawn by the magic that Karon and Tim created.
And the legacy continues—today, Tim, his wife Jimena, and their young son Tanner (born in 2021) carry the torch, ensuring that the spirit of Palapas Ventana remains rooted in family, adventure, and community.
We invite you to be part of this story. Come dive, fish, kite, or simply relax… and experience The Best of Baja with us.
Because here at Palapas Ventana, the only hard part is leaving.
We are Baja’s Favorite Salt Water Adventure Resort!
For resort reservations and booking information, please email contact@palapasventana.com. We were featured on the BBC!
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