A Hundred Years of Hope: Celebrating the Matriarch of The NASWA Resort

There are certain people whose warmth, love, and generosity light up every room they enter. At The NASWA Resort, that person has always been Hope Makris. This year, Hope celebrates an extraordinary milestone—her 100th year. It’s a century-long story filled with family, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to hospitality. Her legacy is the heart and soul of The NASWA, a beloved lakeside resort where generations of guests have felt like family.

Hope’s story is rooted in the Greek tradition of philoxenia—a profound philosophy that means “friend to the stranger.” It is more than just hospitality; it is a way of life. For Hope, every guest who walked through the doors of The NASWA was not just a visitor but a cherished friend. She embodied philoxenia with every smile, every meal served, and every warm conversation on the resort’s sunny beach​.

A Life Built on Love and Hard Work

Hope was born into hospitality. Her parents, Jim and Fannie Salta, founded The NASWA Resort in 1935 on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. From a young age, Hope learned the importance of welcoming strangers as friends—a tradition rooted in the Greek concept of ‘philoxenia.’ She carried this spirit forward throughout her life, turning it into a guiding principle of The NASWA experience​​.

After graduating from the University of New Hampshire in 1946, Hope moved to Boston, where she met and married Peter Makris. Together, they dedicated their lives to The NASWA. While Peter expanded the property—building many of the resort’s iconic structures—Hope focused on making every guest feel at home. She worked tirelessly, balancing motherhood with the day-to-day demands of running a bustling resort​​.

A Matriarch of Hospitality

Hope’s days at The NASWA were filled with love and hard work. She raised her three daughters—Cynthia, Victoria, and Karen—right at the resort. The girls grew up surrounded by the rhythms of hospitality, learning from their mother’s example how to treat every guest like family. The resort was not only their home but also a place where they learned the values of kindness, resilience, and genuine care for others.

Hope often worked from dawn until late into the night, checking in guests, preparing meals, and sharing stories with visitors. She had a way of making everyone feel seen and valued, whether they were first-time visitors or returning guests who had become lifelong friends. Her love extended beyond her own family, embracing every guest as part of The NASWA community.

The Sweet Legacy of Hope’s Desserts

When the resort transitioned to a computerized reservation system, Hope reinvented herself as a self-taught pastry chef. Her desserts became legendary at The NASWA’s Blue Bistro, offering a sweet end to every meal and a bit of love on every plate​​.

Signature Desserts:

• Tommy Bahama Cake: A towering six-layer white cake with rum-soaked layers, white chocolate mousse, and pineapple, topped with toasted coconut. Guests would call ahead to make sure it was on the menu.
• Famous Carrot Cake: Moist, spiced layers with rich cream cheese frosting—a comforting classic that guests still rave about.
• Key Lime Pie: Light and refreshing, with a creamy tart filling on a graham cracker crust, perfect for a summer day by the lake.

Hope’s desserts were not just about flavors but about creating connections. Each dessert told a story, offering guests a taste of tradition and a sense of belonging. Even into her late 90s, Hope could often be found at the Blue Bistro, chatting with guests about their favorite treats and sharing the stories behind her recipes. Her warmth made every visit to the Bistro feel like coming home​.

A Century of Hope

Hope’s 100th birthday is not just a personal milestone—it is a celebration for everyone who has ever felt her love and generosity. Her influence is felt in every corner of The NASWA, from the bustling NazBar to the quiet moments shared over a slice of cake at the Blue Bistro. Her legacy is alive in the smiles of guests who return year after year, drawn by the same welcoming spirit that Hope has embodied for decades.

Today, The NASWA Resort continues to thrive under the leadership of her daughter, Cynthia Makris, who carries on her mother’s traditions with love and dedication. Cynthia ensures that the legacy of ‘philoxenia’ remains at the heart of The NASWA experience. She has expanded the resort while preserving the family’s vision of hospitality—making every guest feel like part of something special​.

A Legacy That Endures

As The NASWA celebrates 90 years, it is clear that Hope’s century of life is a powerful reminder of what makes the resort so special. It is not just a place to stay—it is a place where memories are made, where traditions are cherished, and where love is shared freely. Hope’s story is not just part of The NASWA’s history—it is its heart and soul.

Her life is a beautiful example of how true hospitality is not just about providing service but about creating a sense of home. Through her work, her desserts, and her unwavering kindness, Hope has shown that the greatest gift you can give is to make someone feel valued and loved.

This year, as we celebrate 100 years of Hope, we honor not only a remarkable woman but also the legacy she has built—one of family, friendship, and, of course, the sweetest desserts on Lake Winnipesaukee. Her story continues to inspire, ensuring that every guest who walks through The NASWA’s doors feels the warmth of her legacy and the joy of being part of this wonderful, welcoming family.