A Love Story Rooted in Hospitality – Peter and Hope Makris

When Hope Salta moved to Boston after graduating from the University of New Hampshire in 1946, she wasn’t just setting off on a new chapter—she was following her father’s sage advice. Jim Salta, the founder of The NASWA Resort, had encouraged his daughter to find a Greek husband who was educated, professional, and ready to help run the family business. His words were clear: Hope’s future partner must embody their shared values of hard work, integrity, and a deep love for their Greek heritage​​.

Fate led Hope to cross paths with Peter Makris, a charming Marine veteran studying law at Suffolk Law School. Peter had served his country during World War II and was determined to make his mark as a lawyer. His story was one of resilience—after the war, he used the GI Bill to pursue his education, only to face discrimination when he began his legal career. Many local law firms turned him away solely because he was Greek, a rejection that would eventually steer him toward his life’s true calling at The NASWA Resort​​.

Hope and Peter’s connection was instant. Peter was everything her father had envisioned, and more. He was not only intelligent and ambitious but also shared Hope’s dedication to family and community. The couple married in 1950, and Peter joined the Salta family’s burgeoning hospitality business, bringing his tenacity and vision along with him​.

When the doors of the local legal profession remained closed, Peter found another way to build a legacy. His contributions to The NASWA Resort went far beyond physical structures, though he did build much of the resort by hand—including the Aqua Vista building, the Beachfront building, and several cottages. His work ethic was matched only by his love for creating memorable experiences for guests. Peter became a beloved figure at the resort, affectionately known as the “Big Kahuna.” He was often seen at the NazBar & Grill with his dog, Agape, sharing stories and passing out the resort’s iconic sun glass pins​​.

Hope and Peter were a perfect team. While Peter focused on building and expanding the resort, Hope was the heart of its day-to-day operations. She worked tirelessly, balancing motherhood with managing the resort’s many demands. When technology advanced, and a new computerized reservation system was introduced, Hope reinvented herself as a self-taught pastry chef. Her famous desserts, including the “Tommy Bahama Cake” and key lime pie, became highlights of the Blue Bistro’s menu, delighting guests and adding a sweet touch to their NASWA experience​​.

Together, Hope and Peter created a legacy built on love, perseverance, and the Greek tradition of ‘philoxenia’—treating strangers as friends. They raised their family at the resort, teaching their children not just the business but also the values that defined their lives. For over 60 years, they welcomed guests like family, building a community of visitors who returned year after year​​.

Their story is one of building more than a resort—it is about crafting a home away from home for thousands of guests and setting the foundation for a legacy that continues today. The love between Hope and Peter Makris was the cornerstone of The NASWA Resort, and their story is a timeless reminder of how love, hospitality, and a shared vision can transform a simple lakeside retreat into a cherished family tradition.