Golf Courses: Topnotch does not have a golf course of its own; however, guests do have privileges at the exclusive Country Club of Vermont and the staff can arrange for guests to play on the 18-hole championship course at the Stowe Country Club nearby.
Spa & Fitness Center: At 35,000 square feet, the highly rated Topnotch Spa is central amenity. It offers 120 rejuvenating and skin-care treatments as well as a full-service salon, indoor pool, a whirlpool with cascading waterfall, and state-of-the-art fitness studios for daily classes, yoga and Pilates instruction, weight training and cardiovascular workouts, and personal training.
Horseback Riding: The equestrian center just across the road from the resort offers guided trail rides, instruction in both English and Western riding, a training ring for experienced riders, and pony rides for kids. It’s open from mid-May to November. During the winter months, the equestrian center offers sleigh rides through the Vermont countryside.
Biking & Jogging Trails: Across Rte. 108 from the resort, near the indoor tennis courts and equestrian center, is the trail head for the Stowe Recreation Path. Begun in 1981, this 5.3-mile paved byway parallels Rte. 108 all the way into Stowe, providing bicyclists, joggers, and in-line skaters with their own traffic-free thoroughfare. The winding path crosses the Little River 11 times on the way from Main Street in Stowe to just beyond Topnotch. Along the way it passes century-old trees and affords views of quintessential Vermont village architecture, fields of wildflowers, covered bridges. and Mount Mansfield. And it’s free. Bikes and in-line skates can be rented from the Nordic Barn Recreation Center.
In addition to the indoor spa pool, there are two pools just outside, the larger of them open seasonally, the smaller one, which is heated, and its adjacent hot tub are open year round. Both pools are surrounded by flagstone decking and stonework. And in winter, there is skiing at nearby Mt. Mansfield.
Children's programs: The experienced resort staff keeps kids active and engaged throughout their stay, offering a variety of fun things geared specifically to kids. With family activities such as kite-flying, berry picking, arts and crafts, snowshoeing and evening bonfires as part of an ever-changing schedule, the kids will find plenty to do. The summer summer junior camps are also a favorite with kids ages 6-12.
Dining: The Roost, a modern lobby bar and restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, capitalizing on its indoor-outdoor setting to offer a casual place to gather, not only for good food but also its lively bar scene, craft beers, and outdoor fire pit.
197 Reviews on “Topnotch Resort - Topnotch Tennis Academy”
Top Notch is consistently rated high, but we found it mixed. The hotel is adequate, but not special. The lobby bar is particularly disappointing–noisy, impersonal with poor service–no atmosphere. Outdoor pool ok–beautiful view–kids separate is nice.
Tennis courts are good surface har-true, not swept after each round and chain-link fences show general lack of investment. Instructor Shaun among the best we have ever met.
The coaches very professional and provide good guidance. Having not played tennis over 15 years, the Director of Tennis (Milan)and Gabrielle were my coaches and reminded me how much I used to love playing this sport. Many thanks.
I just returned from 3 days at Topnotch Tennis Academy and I had a fantastic time. The 3 hour morning mini-academy was well structured and Milan and his staff do a great job of grouping similar level players. The lessons were well organized and informative. This is my second visit to Topnotch and I am looking forward to returning next year!
My husband and 10 yr. old daughter just spent 5 days here playing tennis 3-5 hours/day and can’t say enough good things about it. The instructors are terrific — they keep the 3 hour drills constantly moving, while providing a very personalized critique and lots of fun. My daughter got just as much out of it as we did, notwithstanding the varied levels of the children playing. There are a lot of things to do at Top Notch and in the area generally, but the Tennis Academy is far and away the best for exercise and game improvement and overall fun.
Fantastic tennis instruction. My wife and I are 45 level players. While there were no individuals similarly rated, the pros took time to work with us. As a result, we ended up learning more in four days at top notch that we have in the last few years of multiple weekly tennis lessons. Enthusiastically recommend going, but make sure to book deep tissue massages if you play the 5 hours, you will need it. Great job Milan, Sean, simba, tonya and Stephen.
TopNotch tennis Academy in Stowe Vt was the BEST tennis experience I’ve had. The program is run so professionally by MILAN, and the pros are all highly experienced. PAULA was our instructor for most of the 5 days we attended. She was highly intuitive and observant & communicated individually to each of us what we needed to work on to improve our game. Her tips were really effective. She’s accurate in her assesments and demonstrates everything so you can really visualize the correct techniques. She has an engaging personality that made the long sessions fly by! We also loved having SIMBA teach us too- he had such a great , positive way about teaching that we had a ball & learned so much! We have played tennis for years – but this was the best time we’ve had in any tennis program.
Pros were professional and offered many tips for improvement. Each day was a focus on a different stroke which allowed plenty of time for fine-tuning and variations. Pros kept it moving and fun for all levels. Extremely friendly staff and incredible views of the mountains were a bonus! The food at the restaurants Flannel and The Roost were outstanding! The entire staff at the resort seems determined to make sure you are having a great time…you will, if you go!
The tennis is terrific but the amenities that are offered as part of the resort including the year round beauty of the surrounding area makes this resort deserving of its name and hard to beat. Always worth the trip which I make in a regular basis.
One of the best level tennis academy in Vermont I start playing with Milan and the rest of team on 2008. Thanks to them , my tennis just got better and better I can’t wait to my next trip to the mountain to book some high level tennis hours .
Make a trip to Stowe for some great tennis instruction. My team comes here every year before our USTA season starts and receive awesome instruction from the basics to stategy (they will tailor it to whatever you want). The pros are great and make it a lot of fun. After some hard work on the courts, you can go spend the day in the beautiful Top Notch Spa!
The pros are what make this resort top notch(pardon the pun)! I learned more in one lesson there than I did all winter at my home club. They really know where to help you improve most in a short time. I rebuilt my entire game within 6 lessons!
My husband and I loooove our vacations at the Topnotch. We use the resort year ’round – in the summer it is tennis and hiking; in the winter it is tennis and skiing (both downhill and cross country). While the skiing is world class, the tennis instruction is even better. The pro’s at Topnotch are so excellent that we have stopped taking lessons back home. I give the tennis pros at Topnotch my highest recommendation, and I have taken lessons all over the country and many different resorts, clubs and camps.
Very strong instructions from pros Milan and Shawn. You get more than your money’s worth of information to improve your game and take it to the next level. Both are expectionally strong at knowing where you were ability-wise during your last visit. Both either have exceptional memories or keep great records of what you worked on last and they can review and build from there.
Great camp for adults to get the competitive edge for all levels of play, from club level to nationals; I’m a USTA 4.0. Also, the best kids program in New England! They have fun while improving there game!
I can only speak about the tennis programs and courts. strengths: This is a place with a friendly staff who run the tennis courts efficiently. The pros are very good. weaknesses: The lighting on the courts is terrible as it is insufficient.
I learned more in 3 mornings at the Academy than I have in 5+ years at my local club. Fantastic instruction, high intensity (read workout) and enthusiasm from the coaches in a beautiful setting & facility. The only downside: I wish there were better players but that’s not a reflection on the staff or the Academy. Highly recommend – you won’t be disappointed.
A great resort, in a wonderful setting. Great tennis courts, we played on the clay outdoor courts, and had excellent lessons from Stephen. high intensity work with great pointers to improve our game. Overall fantastic experience.
Excellent instruction with pros who balance fundamental understanding of tennis instruction with personal skills and attention. Good pro to student ratio as well. Excellent facility. Would highly recommend to players of all ability levels.
Very nice resort with a wide variety of sports. Up-to-date luxury rooms and excellent dining. Northern Vermont also has perfect tennis weather in August. If you like cardio tennis, you’ll love the clinics here, which focus more on running and less on instruction than other places that I’ve been. Biggest weakness for advanced players: Topnotch seems to attract relatively few advanced players (only one other >4.0 during the week that I spent there).
Excellent pro/player ratio – from two to four on a court with a pro – never more enthusiastic knowledgeable pro’s pro shop needs top notch tennis t-shirts
Great coaches who identify the “big band for the buck” things to work on that you can take home and make the most of, rather than try and dramatically change your game. You can have fun, play good tennis, and learn some things that will make you a better player without feeling frustrated and overwhelmed (as I, at least, have been in past tennis camp experiences)
I just got back from 3 days at the Topnotch Tennis Academy and was very happy with my experience. The first day I had an instructor who was very nice and upbeat, although she was used to coaching juniors so the drills were pretty basic. I was then lucky enough to receive 2 days of instruction from Shaun, who was incredible. He gave a lot of personalized attention and was extremely motivational. I met some wonderful people, and you can’t beat the beautiful mountain setting. I will definitely be returning.
Great coaching and programs. I always have a fun time playing there.
Best pros I’ve ever had! Milan, Sean, Simba – they are all great. They are super friendly and enthusiastic – high energy all the time. The ratio is never more than 4 players per pro. And they give you individual attention and can work with any level if player. I started as a beginner last summer, worked on my game over the year, then returned again this summer for the 3-day clinic and really had a blast and learned valuable corrections that will really improve my game. Can’t wait to come back!
Excellent instruction with instructors we Have developed a positive relationship with over the course of a decade or more. A very special place that we continue to go back to year after year.
Great pros, high-energy, positive attitude, strong teaching
Our family visited many tennis resorts in U.S. and overseas and Top Notch is by far the best experience overall. Exceptionally professional approach by staff who are highly qualified and dedicated to improve your game. I am a 4.0 player and my kids are highly ranked in junior tennis. On par with many pro camps.
TopNotch has OUTSTANDING tennis instruction, a wide variety of lesson formats including customized instruction programs, and a spacious modern tennis facility which is set in an idyllic mountain retreat location! With skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer to round out your tennis, it’s a great place to go all year round.
The very best tennis instruction. Truly “top notch”. All of the pro’s are a cut above. Complete dedication to their craft, to the art of teaching in general, and to the overall success of their students. Having this indoor/outdoor tennis facility holistically woven into the resort is also a huge benefit given that extraordinary recreational options available not only at the Topnotch resort but also within the larger Stowe community. Stowe, VT: where there are more tennis courts per capita than anywhere else in the US! Definitely a must for a tennis enthusiast. Can’t recommend this enough.
Milan runs a great tennis program! My friends and I have been going there once or twice a year for several years. The resort is absolutely beautiful. Shaun Zemanek is the head pro and we absolutely love his teaching style and enthusiasm. We come away with something new every time.
We absolutely loved Top Notch on our first visit. The tennis instruction was amazing-the best I have ever received on vacation. We decided to visit after reading the amazing rating in the USTA best tennis resorts. I truly learned some wonderful tips that I implemented on my serve and forehand. Milan runs an amazing program. Loved Simba Happy-he worked me hard and taught me a ton. Our girls ages 5 and 8 absolutely loved the kids’ tennis program. We hope to return.
TopNotch never disappoints! This was our 4th Fall visit to the resort for the Tennis Academy program. Milan Kubala (director)and Shaun Zemanek (pro from Australia) delivered, once again, an extremely rewarding 9 hours of tennis! Shaun’s energy is unrivaled and he had us moving and hitting like we never have before. His teaching will bring anyone’s game up a “notch, or two!”
As for the rest of the resort: the spa services, pools, hot tubs, waterfuall are all amazing. The restaurant (Norma’s) was our home for the majority of our meals. The staff, across the board, from tennis, to spa, to front desk, to concierge were very attentive and friendly. We look forward to being welcomed back by them for our 5th visit next year!
This is my third time back to Topnotch. I took advantage of the US Open package and packed my 4 day stay with private lessons for my self and my 8 year old. Milan runs a consistent and fantastic program. Shaun is the best pro I have ever worked with especially when it comes down to breaking down swing mechanics. He was able to really take both our games to the next level. I have done the academy in the past and will continue to make this place a repeat visit.
great instructors. beautiful setting
I recently spent 4 days at Topnotch. The tennis program was excellent as advertised. Milan runs a superb program. The 3 hour clinics were focused and fun. My lesson with Charlie was a huge help in focusing on the technical aspects of my game. . Overall, Topnotch was an excellent resort. Great pool and Norma’s provided a truly enjoyable dining experience. I will return soon.
Outstanding tennis and spa. Head pros Milan and Sean hospitable and excellent. Enjoyed 4 lessons with Charlie in my week and game benefitted meaningfully. Repeat customer who will definitely return. Weakness: because of timing of Academy could not schedule morning 90 minute lessons. Fine restaurant lacks simple menu to complement fine fancy fare.
I signed up for the adult morning tennis academy and the kids for the children’s morning academy for 5 days. I am still a beginner and knew that the academy is really more for players around the 3.0 level. After speaking with the staff and the pros at home, it seemed like it would probably work out. I knew I could make adjustments in the program if I needed to as well.
The head pro Milan and staff do an amazing job with assessing players and forming groups. On the first two days I was grouped with another player who had similar weakness and it was very valuable to watch her. On other days when there were not as many players and he was unable to group me, he proposed a 1.5 hour private lesson and also suggested a family academy for a day. The three of us had very different needs and they did a fantastic job of making sure we could all benefit from a tailored tennis program. I think the quality of the instruction was exceptional.
I can’t really think of any weakness except that most of the children’s program took place on the indoor courts. It was hot out and my daughter preferred it, but my son would have liked to play outside for a bit.
Topnotch is a top choice for a tennis vacation and a relaxing getaway all at the same time. Milan runs a terrific program for adults and juniors. All of the pros are well equipped to work with any level of player and can help them make progress. They really focus on turning “hitters” into “players”. They’re personable, fun and eager to get you to work and smile while you are learning and sweating.
The 3 hour youth and adult academy classes are excellent and they match you up with players of similar ability. The private lessons hone your skills even more.
On top of everything, you are playing and hopefully staying in an idyllic setting. The resort is beautiful, friendly and relaxing.
We spent a 1-week tennis vacation at the resort and we wished we had stayed longer. Everything exceeded our expectations. The tennis facility director, Milan Kubala, and his staff of instructors provided the best tennis instruction , by tailoring the classes to fit the needs of the players at each level of ability. The swimming pools and the spa were also beautiful, as were the surroundings and the food. Only one weakness: it would be nice if unlimited court time ( whenever courts are not taken by classes) were included in the tennis package. We checked with the front desk and currently it is not (though Tennis Resorts online states it is included) [Editor’s Note: The reviewer is correct and that information has been updated to on TRO to reflect the current policy].
I cannot recommend the facility at Topnotch Resort and its professional staff highly enough. It is a beautiful resort and its tennis facility is impeccably maintained. The head pro Milan runs a full, well organized instructional program. A particular expression of thanks to Matt Bacon for working with me so expertly for my four day stay. I will definitely be back.
We just recently came back from Topnotch. Did 2 days for 5 hours each. The 9a-12p was intense and very instructional. And the match play from 2-4p was helpful. My kids,(they are tournament players) 15 & 12 had a great time. They were given contructive advise on how to be a better player. We would totally go back and do a week instead of just 2 days next time.
The instructors at the tennis clinic were great! I learned more in 2 days than I’ve ever learned. It was great!
We thoroughly enjoyed our long weekend at Topnotch. Marlin and his team have a wonderful 3 hour academy clinic every day, my husband and I were originally signed up for two days – we had so much fun the first day that we planned to do a third day. However, our travel plans changed unexpectedly and Marlin was instrumental in helping us out with our last minute cancellation, which goes to show that the customer service is truly “topnotch”.
Hotel was very comfortable, we enjoyed the spa, pool, and fitness center. We also had some very memorable dinners, largely due to the great recommendations from the tennis academy staff and fellow students.
All in all a great time and with it being a short 45 min flight from NYC, we are looking forward to returning soon!
My family and i went to Topnotch without any expectations except to have fun and introduce our 5 1/2 year old daughter to tennis. What a magnificent surprise. Milan presence is ubiquitous; every pro reflects his passion and professionalism. While there is a distinct process and format it is not cookie-cutter. Everyone gets individualized attention and made to feel special. Meghan was brilliant with our daughter after three 1:1 lessons and now loves the game. Will definitely return soon. Best vacation ever.
We just returned from Topnotch Tennis Academy and will definitely be back! The instruction was excellent and fun. We met some wonderful people and had a great time. The proshcooks in need of some cosmetic upgrades, but overall the facilities and setting are wonderful.
We just returned from our third visit to Topnotch’s tennis program and resort and are thrilled to report that it’s as wonderful as we remembered it from two years ago. Head Pro Shaun is a gift coach and a highlight of this program, although he’s accompanied by a great team of coaches who are all led by Milan in a very professional and organized program that caters to all levels. The program offers small group instruction that is consistently excellent.
We’ve been to other camps and Topnotch remains our hands-down favourite. It helps to be nestled in the beautiful town of Stowe and supported by a resort with excellent amenities, a fantastic spa, and outstanding service. Great tennis, wonderful resort, beautiful location…. what else is there?
Wow, what a wonderfull pet friendly resort. Super tennis, great food, attentive staff, casual low key atmosphere. We came for the tennis and loved that and everything else.
Topnotch was excellent. Milan and his staff gave wonderful attention to each person in my group. They managed to cover everyone’s needs in the two days we were there. They gave each of us something to go home with to work on. I would definitely have my team go back there again.
I had a superb time while staying at Topnotch Resort & Spa. The food was great, the staff were friendly and welcoming, but what I was most impressed by was the Tennis centre. They have got fantastic pros working there. I had two lessons with a delightful young lady called Meghan and she helped my game improve greatly and I cannot explain how happy I am with her teachings. Overall, I recommend Topnotch. I plan on going again this summer.
This place is FABULOUS – our tennis team goes every year in March/April for some great tennis instruction which is SUPER DUPER and then the resort and spa makes the trip complete. After 3 hours of great tennis drills and working with Pros specific to our team’s needs, my team is ready for some relaxation and treatments at the Spa. In six years I’ve had 12 treatments that have all been ABOVE AND BEYOND! We stay in the condos which are always homey, comfortable, clean and have everything you need.