A Family Tradition on Lake Winnipesaukee Since 1935
From Spring Water Cabins to Resort Icon—The NASWA Story Since 1935
The NASWA story began when Jim and Fannie Salta, Greek immigrants with a love for people and good food, discovered a crystal-clear natural spring near Weirs Beach. They began selling the water through their Natural Spring Water Company, while Fannie served homemade baked beans to travelers passing by.
When guests started asking for a place to stay, the Saltas built five one-room cabins—marking the beginning of the NASWA Spring Water Cabins. What started as a simple stop quickly grew into a beloved lakeside retreat rooted in warmth, care, and community.
Your Lakeside Escape Awaits—Plan Your Stay at The NASWA.
Hospitality, The Greek Way – Welcoming Strangers as Family
From the very beginning, Jim and Fannie infused their business with the ancient Greek tradition of philoxenia, which translates to “friend to the stranger.” But it was never just a philosophy—it was how they lived and loved. Every guest was welcomed with genuine care, a hearty meal, and the kind of attention usually reserved for family.
The cabins were simple, but what they lacked in frills, they made up for in warmth. Visitors arrived as strangers and left with hugs, recipes, and return reservations for the next summer. The Salta family’s approach to hospitality turned one-time stays into lifelong traditions, and many of those early guests came back year after year—bringing their children, then their grandchildren, and becoming an enduring part of the NASWA story.
Rebuilding After the Storm – A Testament to Resilience
In 1938, just a few short years after the first cabins were built, a powerful hurricane tore through the Lakes Region, reducing all nine cottages to rubble. But Jim and Fannie weren’t deterred. With a deep belief in their vision and an unbreakable spirit, they rolled up their sleeves and started over.
They built 11 new cottages across the street, this time adding modern comforts like indoor plumbing and showers—a major luxury at the time. Rather than giving up, they turned the setback into a leap forward. Guests not only returned but brought others with them, inspired by the resilience of the Salta family and the sense of belonging that defined The NASWA. It was clear that what had been built on love couldn’t be washed away by any storm.
Peter and Hope: Growth Fueled by Grit
When their daughter Hope Salta married Peter Makris, a WWII Marine and law school graduate, a new chapter began. Peter faced discrimination in the legal world, so he poured his energy into expanding the resort—constructing many of the Aqua Vista rooms, the beachfront building, and the iconic three-story suite tower with his own hands.
Meanwhile, Hope managed the resort with incredible dedication, raising their children while greeting guests, preparing meals, and running operations day and night. Together, they turned The NASWA into a beloved fixture of the Lakes Region.
The Big Kahuna and the Sweetest Touch
Peter, lovingly nicknamed “The Big Kahuna,” was a constant presence at the NazBar, handing out sun glass pins, taking guests on boat rides aboard the SS NASWA, and spreading joy everywhere he went. His spirit of generosity and fun shaped the soul of the resort.
When NASWA added computer systems, Hope—ever adaptable—reinvented herself as a self-taught pastry chef. Her desserts, from carrot cake to the famous Tommy Bahama Cake, became the highlight of the Blue Bistro and a sweet symbol of her love for guests.
The Next Generation: Cynthia’s Vision
In 1981, Cynthia Makris, Peter and Hope’s youngest daughter, opened the NazBar & Grill, inspired by a winter spent in St. Croix. She brought tropical flair to the lake, securing New Hampshire’s first outdoor liquor license and transforming the beach into a vibrant, music-filled paradise.
Later, Cynthia reimagined the resort’s restaurant as the Blue Bistro, blending fine dining with lakeside comfort. As General Manager, she led the resort into the new millennium while preserving the timeless traditions that make NASWA so beloved.
Milestones, Memories & Community
From hosting weddings and reunions to founding the Peter Makris Memorial Run in support of veterans and first responders, The NASWA has remained deeply connected to its community. We’ve proudly celebrated milestone moments—like Hope’s 100th birthday and our 90th anniversary—with the same spirit of love and hospitality that started it all.
Today, NASWA is still family-owned and operated, now with the fourth generation helping carry the torch. And our promise remains the same: to treat every guest like family.
90 Years Later—Still a Home on the Lake
A lot has changed since 1935. We’ve expanded, modernized, and evolved. But the heart of The NASWA? That hasn’t changed one bit.
We’re still the place where your grandparents brought their kids… where you taught yours how to swim… and where new stories are written every summer. It’s a tradition built on love, strengthened by family, and shared with everyone who walks through our doors.
Welcome to The NASWA Resort—90 years of memories, and still making more.