A Family Tradition on Lake Winnipesaukee Since 1935
About Us – A Lakeside Legacy of Love, Family & Hospitality
Nestled on the sparkling shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, The NASWA Resort isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling. A story. A tradition nearly 90 years in the making.
Since 1935, generations of guests have made memories here—laughing on the beach, toasting sunsets at the NazBar, savoring “Hope Made” desserts, and being welcomed not as strangers, but as family. This is the NASWA way: hospitality with heart, rooted in heritage and built to last.
Our Story Begins with a Spring
It all began in 1935 when Greek immigrants Jim and Fannie Salta discovered a pristine natural spring near Weirs Beach. What started as a simple stop for travelers to buy spring water and homemade baked beans soon turned into something more. Guests wanted a place to stay, and so the Saltas built five one-room cabins and opened what was then called the NASWA Spring Water Cabins—a name that honored both their spring water business and their dream.
From day one, their mission was clear: welcome every guest like a friend and treat every friend like family.
Built on Philoxenia – The Greek Art of Hospitality
Philoxenia—meaning “friend to the stranger”—is at the heart of everything we do at The NASWA. It’s a Greek tradition passed down from Jim and Fannie to their daughter Hope, and now to her children and grandchildren. It’s why guests return year after year, staying in the same cottages, greeted by name, and embraced like old friends.
At The NASWA, hospitality isn’t just service—it’s soul.
A Family Legacy, Generation After Generation
Hope and Peter Makris poured their hearts into The NASWA. Peter built many of the rooms and cottages himself, while Hope managed the daily operations with boundless energy and joy. Together, they made every guest feel like part of the family.
Peter was known for handing out sun glass pins and offering boat rides to house guests. Hope became beloved for her desserts and her gift for making people feel at home. Their spirit still guides us today.
Cynthia’s Vision
Cynthia Makris, daughter of Peter and Hope, carries the NASWA legacy forward. In 1981, she opened the NazBar & Grill, adding a tropical twist to the resort, and later reimagined the Blue Bistro as a lakeside fine dining gem.
She brings innovation with deep respect for tradition. Cynthia’s leadership blends old-world hospitality with modern comfort, always staying true to the resort’s heart: treating every guest like family.
The NASWA Experience
From cozy lakeview suites to our sandy beach, everything at The NASWA is designed to bring people together. Guests can enjoy paddleboarding, boat rides, delicious meals, and tie-dye by the fire with the kids.
Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, you’ll find a place where laughter lingers, sunsets are shared, and every detail is crafted with care.
Giving Back
Each June, we host the Peter Makris Memorial Run to support veterans, first responders, and local causes. From themed weekends to community partnerships, The NASWA remains deeply rooted in the Lakes Region.
We believe in giving back with the same love and gratitude we’ve received from our guests for generations.
90 Years of Memories
The NASWA has come a long way from baked beans and bottled water—but some things haven’t changed. Family still comes first. Guests are still greeted with open arms. And the lake still sparkles with the promise of new memories.
When you stay with us, you become part of our story. And we couldn’t be happier to welcome you.