You don’t need to spend more than a few minutes in the modest pro shop or around the courts at Tops’l to begin to sense an almost palpable enthusiasm for the game and its players. Drop in unannounced, and the first question someone is likely to ask is not “Can I help you?” but “Are you looking for a game?” You’re made not simply to feel welcome but wanted, even needed. Without actually stepping on the courts you can sense that tennis matters there, and despite competition from an alluring beach, you find yourself nonetheless being drawn back to the racquet club just to be part of the action and camaraderie.
Depending on your perspective, Tops’l is either a tennis resort with a beach or a beach resort with tennis, but either way there is no competition from golf or any other recreational amenity. That alone underscores the high value the resort puts on tennis. But it’s one thing to offer tennis as an amenity, quite another to ensure that guests take advantage. And the entire staff, from tennis director Joe D’Aleo on down behaves as if the racquet club were not so much a workplace as a second home. Their enthusiasm and personal attention helps make Tops’l a haven for vacationers who themselves want to spend hours on the court.
Tops’l opened in 1985 on 52 beachfront acres adjacent to the Topsail Hill State Preserve. The architectural motif throughout is toned down Mediterranean, with rough cream-colored stucco and red tile rooms. There are numerous one- and two-story condos to either side of the entrance road and around the tennis courts. Most of the development, however, is concentrated along the beach, where several tall towers rise behind the primary dune line. These overlook another stretch of magnificent Gulf Coast beach, all white and high dunes. The newest of those towers has 164 2- and 3-bedroom units with balconies and oversize windows. Between it and beach is very large pool with an expansive deck, private bathhouses, and cabanas, whirlpools, and a small poolside restaurant called the Pavilion for lunch and snacks. All of this is linked by an on-property shuttle.
Although I’d prefer not to look up from the beach and see that cluster of monoliths, I am otherwise a huge fan of Tops’l. Part of its appeal is directly attributable to the genuine enthusiasm of its tennis staff, and part to the resort’s focus on tennis. There is no golf course here to divert attention from what’s happening at the 12-court tennis complex. And in fact because that complex also has an exceptionally well equipped and well staffed fitness center—which includes indoor and outdoor swimming pools—the courts are a more than usually appealing place to hang out.
The tennis complex and clubhouse consists of 12 Rubico courts (a kind of clay), one of them a small stadium, and 10 of them with lights. All have been laid out on a series of terraces each protected from the wind by the surrounding townhouses and pine trees. Recent renovations to the club have included a new Club Tiki bar and restaurant next to the club pools. The interior of the clubhouse also received attention in the form of an updated steam room and sauna. Walkways, grass, and shrubs separate one pair of courts from the next. And each pair of courts has a patio covered by a large blue awning for shade and furnished with chairs and tables and water coolers. The club has some 650 members, about 100 of whom live locally.
Tennis Staff: Joe D’Aleo the Director of Tennis has been on staff at TOPS’L for over 19 years. He has an affable personality and devotion to the game, which ensures a great atmosphere and enthusiasm for tennis and tennis players. A USPTA-certified elite professional who played for Georgia Tech, he brings both teaching and playing skills to the position. “TOPS’L is all about tennis and making sure that all of our tennis guests feel like they are members,” he says of his approach. “We always go the extra mile to make sure all of our guests get all the tennis they need during their stay.” Sharing his enthusiasm and approach is head pro Sam Vickroy and Assistant pro Tyler Marengo.
Tennis Programs: Tops’l has a tennis desk whose staff devotes much of their time to setting up games. During the busy summer, there is also an active weekly calendar of clinics, drill sessions, and round robins, including a Play with the Pro clinic and a very well attended Saturday morning mixed social round robin. That last event draws as many as 40 players and is successful because D’Aleo does not simply throw players together but instead invests time and effort in trying to match everyone according to their level. In the spring and fall, TOPS’L has been very successful in recruiting league teams to come down for long weekends by offering a combination of clinics, round robins and tournaments. These have proven to be very popular. All in all, TOPS’L offers 13 different tennis packages, variously for individuals, groups and teams or they can customize a tennis package to fit your needs.
Courts Fees. None
Off Court
Beach: Those towers notwithstanding, the resort has been sensitive to the natural environment. The tall dunes along the beach remain intact, and so to reach the broad boulevard of white sand you cross over the dunes on a wooden boardwalk. In spring, scrub magnolias bloom right on the dunes as does purple-flowered Florida rosemary.
Golf Courses: A complimentary 18-hole mini course aside, TOPS’L does not offer on-site golf, though arrangements can be made to play locally.
Spa & Fitness Center: The fitness center at the courts has a large, well-equipped, spaciously laid out, and well-staffed workout room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the courts. Other facilities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a racquetball court. Aerobics, yoga, and water aerobics classes are also available. There is a massage therapist on call at the Racquet Club (there are two massage rooms at the tennis center). Just outside the entrance to the resort is the Blue Heron Spa, an independent operation that offers a more extensive array of services.
A lighted fitness trail (much of it asphalt) with 20 Parcours stations runs from 1¼ miles, from the beach condos around the courts and back.
Children's programs: From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Tops’l operates a camp for children ages 5-12. It consists of a variety of activities, mostly outdoors, and runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday (and includes an afternoon junior tennis clinic). Babysitting services can also be arranged.
Dining: The Ocean Club Restaurant at the entrance to Tops’l provides a convenient place for high-quality evening dining, complete with a live band for entertainment. Curiously, however, there is no place on property for breakfast (though the Sandbar Market & Emporium in the TOPS’L Clubhouse does sell some of what you may need to make breakfast), and only one place for lunch, the Blue Dunes Grill next to the pool on the beach. There is also a small outdoor Tiki Bar poolside.
Accommodations
Lodging ranges from suites and studios to 3-bedroom condos variously located on or near the beach or around the tennis courts. Rates vary seasonally, but differ from those in southern Florida by being highest in summer and over Spring Break, lowest in winter.
Getting there
Seasons: High season here is May to Labor Day, when tourists are more prevalent; however tennis teams and groups of players tend to come during spring and fall.
Travel Instructions: By Air: Although there are regional airports in Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport(VPS), 30 minutes west, Pensacola Regional (PNS), 90 minutes west, the new major gateway is Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), roughly an hour’s drive to the east in Panama City. Rental cars are available at all three.
The pros were great. Very encouraging. Wanted to help our team who were there to improve on what we thought we needed. We are a young 2.5 team but they didn’t make us feel in anyway inferior although there were many better players there
MC
My experience at Tops’l was absolutely wonderful. The knowledge, enthusiasm, and professionalism of the tennis instructors was truly first class. The property was beautiful and the courts, pools, beach, landscaping, etc. was just spectacular. I wouldn’t hesitate coming back again and again.
MM
This was the best vacation ever. I love tennis and the beach. This was the best of both. The tennis pro’s were wonderful.They improved your tennis game without trying to change everything. Also, a plus for all three of the pro’s was their personalities.They knew everyone by name and they made you feel like you had known them for years. The clinics were outstanding and the roundrobin was fun and very competetive. I plan to return this fall and would love to purchase a condo and live there 4 months out of the year. ***GREAT FUN AND LEARNED ALOT OF TENNIS!!!!!!!!!!
GH
We always have a wonderful time at Tops’l. There is great fun for the whole family, tennis players and non players.
KL
In the last 15 months, we have made the 8 and 1/2 hour trip to Tops’l 6 times. Our family of 5 loves going. We started out with only 2 of our family playing tennis, and with the help of the tennis pros at Tops’l, we are all on the courts now. The Pros are wonderful and have a variety of clinics. Their customer service, instruction and location on the beach are what keeps us coming back every chance we can get away. No matter what level player you are, you are welcome and there is a place for you to play at Tops’l. We love it and can’t wait to go a 7th time!
FF
Our experience with Tops’l was wonderful. Joe D’Aleo is an excellent tennis director. Also, the staff at the front desk at the tennis center were great. We participated in clinics and round robins and the game matching was well done and easy to make use of. We will be back!
SO
My family and I stayed at Tops’l Resort with friends from our country club.We are “repeat offenders”. My son-in-law is inspired to play again. The tennis was great and the courts are in wonderful shape. We will be going back at the end of July,2009.
SJ
This was my first experience at a tennis resort and TOPS’L was outstanding. The teaching pros were among the best I have encountered at a resort; my son improved his play level with several private lessons. A special thanks to Joe, Sam and Bryon for all the advice given to my son. The courts were in excellent condition and the condos are very comfortable. While my son and I played tennis, my wife and 2 daughters had plenty to do: 4 swimming pools, beach, putt putt golf, basketball, free movies..etc. “Can’t wait to go back!”— I highly recommend TOPS’L
CR
The pros are professional yet personal and friendly. Their instruction is very helpful. They care about making sure you are getting lots of play in while you are there and that you are accomplishing your goals. The courts are very well maintained and the entire facility is very nice. I would highly recommend spending your vacation there.
NP
The staff at Tops’l was exceptional. Our team visited last weekend and learned so much while having a great time. We couldn’t have asked for better instruction from Sam, Byron, and Joe. The Round Robin was also great to play up and improve my skills personally. This trip gave our team a chance to bond and grow as tennis players. Thanks for all the fun!
AR
We played in a tournament at Tops’l last weekend. The tournament was well run, the facilities are great and the condos were very nice. We love it so much that we go back every year. Great time, great tennis, great friends and beautiful weather. What more could you ask for?
MG
We stayed at Tops’l and played the Helen Drake Tennis Tournament for the last 8 years and have had a great time. Joe and his staff were terrific and we will continue coming to the tournament every year.
DP
I have participated in the 4.0 Interstate Challenge for several years and have always had a great time. The pros are great and make every effort to see that everyone has a good time.
AL
I can’t say enough about this resort! The staff is very professional and fun as well. It was a great girls getaway and planning on going back real soon. Thanks for a great week!!
AK
I absolutlely loved Tops’l tennis resort. Joe and Sam make the experience awesome. They are friendly and really interested in helping you better your tennis game. Would love to go back there in the future!
AT
Great facility and good time had by all. Can’t wait to play my match this week to incorporate some of the new strategies I learned in clinic.
DW
Just returned from our annual tennis trip and had a great time at TOPS’L. The pros were a lot of help, and the tennis was great. Round robins, lessons and open play were all well organized. Also, when one of our group could not play the pro set up a substitute for us. Condos were directly on the courts, and a great entertainment area is on a large wharf right accross the street. We are definately planning a trip back next Spring.
LD
Great resort, includes all the amenities, awesome location, great staff
DM
Great tennis and wonderful facilities!
MM
Good lessons and pros, great setting
BR
I would reccomend this resort for families couples and friends. I have returned to Tops’l every year for the Ladies interstate tournament and have always had a blast! The pros, Joe and Sam, are great! Looking forward to next year.
TM
For the past three years I have played in the Helen Drake Tournament held at TOPS’L each year. For this seventy-five year old, who has only been playing seven years, this has been a thrilling and pleasant experience. The facility is stunning and the staff lead by resident pro Joe Daleo provides professional, concerned, friendly support and encouragement.
CM
My parents rented a beautiful condo and we all played plenty of tennis on beautiful clay courts. I loved the fitness center. The grounds were great, the beach was fantastic and there were plenty of things for everyone to do outside of tennis. I definitely will return.
RM
What a vacation as usual! Been to this resort a few times and am never disappointed. Beautiful clay courts, great clubhouse and fitness center, plenty for my kids to do, and wonderful beaches for my wife. Great place, great value.
KM
The Helen Drake Tournament is an outstanding, well run event. Intermediate and advanced players get a chance to compete and also to watch great tennis. The format provides a wide variety of matches featuring outstanding players in divisions ranging from Mixed Doubles to 70+ singles.
JM
The tennis is wonderful from all aspects that include but not limited to lessons, match play arrangement, fun and sanctioned tournaments, accomodations, location, and outstanding personel. For any USTA tournament player, the Helen Drake Tournament is one of the best, if not the best age-division tournament in the Florida and Southern Regions.It has very good players and is planned and conducted as well as any non professional tournament.
DB
My family and I stayed at Tops’l for Spring Break and had a great time. The facilities, the tennis, the beach were all top notch. I also played in the Helen Drake Tournament in April and have for over 10 years. It is the best tournament I play in all year.
SH
One of the best tennis resorts. Terrific pros and programs. One of the best places anywhere to watch tennis. Amazing beautiful beaches. Many, many nearby restaurants, golf courses and shopping. Go to Tops’l. You will love it!
MG
I recently participated in the Helen Drake Tennis Tourney at Tops’l in Destin for the 2nd year in a row. The tournament was run very well and the competition was excellent. I look forward to playing again next year. My only issue was with the scheduling which got very depayed on the second day – they were about 2 hours behind. If they can work out the court schedules better it would be a great experience.
BD
I recently played a the Helen Drake Tournament,my first, at TOPS’L. Joe and everyone on the staff were very friendly and helful.They made a very new situation very comfortable and inviting. My wife and I both enjoyed their and hospitality and the atmosphere they created at TOPS’L .We made new friends and had a most enjoyable experience. Thank You Guys. See you next year.
JM
I played in the Helen Drake tourney 04/09 and it was exceptional. It was first class all the way. A players party with a band that was a blast for all. Strong competion in a wide range of divisions. I will play again for sure!!
BT
Excellent tennis facility. Joe does an amazing job with everything from teaching to running excellent tournaments!!
JM
Staff was knowledgible and friendly. The director, Joe D’Aleo was very accomondating in getting out lesions in and making sure that we learned out tennis lession.
RS
A great tennis faculity with a friendly atmosphere that has given me some great friends and great tennis experiences. Lessons by the Pro’s has made my 2 1/2 months for the past 6 years a fantastic winter retreat.
BP
Excellent resort for doubles tennis! Great lessons! The staff is fantastic and allows you to have fun on the court. Very organized round robins. Will go back and refer my friends.
MS
We recently spent a week and a half at Topsl and recommend it highly. The facilities are excellent as well as the beach and surroundings. The staff is very helpful and go out of their way to make sure you get all the tennis you want while you are there. Joe D’Aleo works very hard to make sure all guests have a great tennis experience. We drive all the way from Minnesota to spend our vacation at Topsl!
TG
My family visited Tops’l for spring break for the second consecutive year. Although we were impressed with our first visit. Our second visit was better. The facilities are great and meticulously maintained. Joe and Sam made certain that we had fun and that we improved our tennis skills. We can’t wait for next year.
EM
A tennis friend and I spent April 1-5 at Tops’l. The resort is lovely, well managed, and the staff is very attentive. The tennis clinics are excellent, run by pros who make you feel good about your game. Pros are friendly, attentive and anxious to help. Tennis villas are located right off the courts for easy access. Gym is well equipped. I would go back tomorrow.
AM
well maintained clay courts,very friendly staff.good social programs bringing people together
MK
Very pleasant and knowledgable teaching pro’s and staff. Courts well maintained. Very good experience.
RA
my wife and myself have been going to tops’l for 13 years ( for 6 to 8 weeks ) each year. we enjoy our time there very much or we would have changed our destination.
MJ
I spent the first week of March in a 3-day tennis clinic at Tops’l. It was an outstanding experience for the second year in a row. I spent the second week of March at Tops’l with my husband and children. Fantastic vacation. My husband and I spent everyday on the court in either clinics, private lessons, or round robins. I left Tops’l with a better game of tennis and a greater appreciation for the game. The facilities are outstanding and there are enough courts that you can almost always get court time. Private lessons are offered in package deals and have a number of pros to choose from. Whenever we talk about a vacation, Tops’l is always top of our list. Check the courts out, you too will have a new favorite tennis or vacation destination!
HB
Tops’l is an all encompassing resort with a complete fitness center which offers a fully equipped work-out room and, in addition, excellent classes in aerobics, yoga, dance, aqua aerobics and strengthening. Instructors are friendly and well qualified. What we enjoy the most is the tennis program. The clay courts are complimentary and kept in excellent condition. Tennis pros offer clinics, fun round-robins and make courts available for group play on specific days of the week. The 3.0 and 3.5 women’s group is especially fun as it is not only good tennis, but social as well. Tennis pros are always friendly and helpful. Golf is a favorite as well and Tops’l makes it easy by offering sign-up times for their guests at nearby courses and at a reasonable rate. The Dinner and Movie evenings are great fun with outstanding food, movies and an opporturnity to meet other guests. The absolutely gorgeous beach is fabulous, always a changing view. The white sand beckons one for a beach walk or relaxing and taking in the view. Our group also enjoyed the delicious lunches at the beach cafe. We love the Summit with its beautiful pool, hot tub and available grills. Housekeeping and maintainance staff are very prompt to be helpful if called upon. I highly reommend Tops’l to all our friends. The amenities cannot be beat!!
GN
This is a first class tennis resort. The condition of the tennis courts and facilities were outstanding. The tennis pros, Joe, Sam and Byron were always available, pleasant and willing to help with our game. We will be returning next year.
JM
Tennis Staff was fantastic. They were skilled, very organized, and fun!
SM
The format was 2 hours of drills, 2 hours of RR each day. Some of the pros were much better than others. Since a pro only spent @ 15 minutes per court before rotating, I didn’t feel like the instruction was comprehensive enough. It felt like going through an assembly line. I enjoyed myself, however, I’ll go into it with lower expectations next time. The pros that were the best were Joe and Sam. They treated all players on the court the same (no favorites) and really offered valid instruction instead of just trying to get through 15 minutes. Also, Sam and Joe really took the time to try and get to know each of us. I really appreciated that. Thanks guys!
MC
The 3.5 Interstate Tournament was so wonderfully run. Joe put so much time and effort into making it happen!! We so enjoyed the great level of tennis and especially the new friends we have made from around the Southeast. The courts are in such fantastic condition. The food for the morning breakfast was superb. The evening dinner was so much fun and was the music ever great to move to. Lunch on the last day was to die for. So much thought and preperation went into this tournament that is showed and showed. Thank you for such a memorable time!
LB
Our ladies 3.5 team has been going to Tops’l twice a year for an interstate tennis tournament. We always have the best time. Joe and Sam and the rest of the tennis staff have everything so organized and it all runs so smoothly. The competition is great and we love making new friends from other states. As soon as we return from our spring trip, we start planning our fall trip. Del in reservations makes it all so easy to book our stay. The pro shop is always well stocked and the staff is so helpful and friendly. We are looking forward to our next trip.
JA
I’m Tennis Coach since 1983 and Tops’l Tennis Director and staff are the best. I took a group of 40 ladies and each one is ready for next year. They care about each person. Just the best in Tennis!
DD
As always Joe and staff did a great job with the Mens 4.5 tournament this last weekend. It was well run and handled to perfection, even down to the weather! Would highly recommend Tops’l as a wonderful tennis retreat or a spot to get high level competition.
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302 Reviews on “TOPS'L Beach & Racquet Resort”
The pros were great. Very encouraging. Wanted to help our team who were there to improve on what we thought we needed. We are a young 2.5 team but they didn’t make us feel in anyway inferior although there were many better players there
My experience at Tops’l was absolutely wonderful. The knowledge, enthusiasm, and professionalism of the tennis instructors was truly first class. The property was beautiful and the courts, pools, beach, landscaping, etc. was just spectacular. I wouldn’t hesitate coming back again and again.
This was the best vacation ever. I love tennis and the beach. This was the best of both. The tennis pro’s were wonderful.They improved your tennis game without trying to change everything. Also, a plus for all three of the pro’s was their personalities.They knew everyone by name and they made you feel like you had known them for years. The clinics were outstanding and the roundrobin was fun and very competetive. I plan to return this fall and would love to purchase a condo and live there 4 months out of the year. ***GREAT FUN AND LEARNED ALOT OF TENNIS!!!!!!!!!!
We always have a wonderful time at Tops’l. There is great fun for the whole family, tennis players and non players.
In the last 15 months, we have made the 8 and 1/2 hour trip to Tops’l 6 times. Our family of 5 loves going. We started out with only 2 of our family playing tennis, and with the help of the tennis pros at Tops’l, we are all on the courts now. The Pros are wonderful and have a variety of clinics. Their customer service, instruction and location on the beach are what keeps us coming back every chance we can get away. No matter what level player you are, you are welcome and there is a place for you to play at Tops’l. We love it and can’t wait to go a 7th time!
Our experience with Tops’l was wonderful. Joe D’Aleo is an excellent tennis director. Also, the staff at the front desk at the tennis center were great. We participated in clinics and round robins and the game matching was well done and easy to make use of. We will be back!
My family and I stayed at Tops’l Resort with friends from our country club.We are “repeat offenders”. My son-in-law is inspired to play again. The tennis was great and the courts are in wonderful shape. We will be going back at the end of July,2009.
This was my first experience at a tennis resort and TOPS’L was outstanding. The teaching pros were among the best I have encountered at a resort; my son improved his play level with several private lessons. A special thanks to Joe, Sam and Bryon for all the advice given to my son. The courts were in excellent condition and the condos are very comfortable.
While my son and I played tennis, my wife and 2 daughters had plenty to do: 4 swimming pools, beach, putt putt golf, basketball, free movies..etc. “Can’t wait to go back!”— I highly recommend TOPS’L
The pros are professional yet personal and friendly. Their instruction is very helpful. They care about making sure you are getting lots of play in while you are there and that you are accomplishing your goals. The courts are very well maintained and the entire facility is very nice. I would highly recommend spending your vacation there.
The staff at Tops’l was exceptional. Our team visited last weekend and learned so much while having a great time. We couldn’t have asked for better instruction from Sam, Byron, and Joe. The Round Robin was also great to play up and improve my skills personally. This trip gave our team a chance to bond and grow as tennis players. Thanks for all the fun!
We played in a tournament at Tops’l last weekend. The tournament was well run, the facilities are great and the condos were very nice. We love it so much that we go back every year. Great time, great tennis, great friends and beautiful weather. What more could you ask for?
We stayed at Tops’l and played the Helen Drake Tennis Tournament for the last 8 years and have had a great time. Joe and his staff were terrific and we will continue coming to the tournament every year.
I have participated in the 4.0 Interstate Challenge for several years and have always had a great time. The pros are great and make every effort to see that everyone has a good time.
I can’t say enough about this resort! The staff is very professional and fun as well. It was a great girls getaway and planning on going back real soon. Thanks for a great week!!
I absolutlely loved Tops’l tennis resort. Joe and Sam make the experience awesome. They are friendly and really interested in helping you better your tennis game. Would love to go back there in the future!
Great facility and good time had by all. Can’t wait to play my match this week to incorporate some of the new strategies I learned in clinic.
Just returned from our annual tennis trip and had a great time at TOPS’L. The pros were a lot of help, and the tennis was great. Round robins, lessons and open play were all well organized. Also, when one of our group could not play the pro set up a substitute for us. Condos were directly on the courts, and a great entertainment area is on a large wharf right accross the street. We are definately planning a trip back next Spring.
Great resort, includes all the amenities, awesome location, great staff
Great tennis and wonderful facilities!
Good lessons and pros, great setting
I would reccomend this resort for families couples and friends. I have returned to Tops’l every year for the Ladies interstate tournament and have always had a blast! The pros, Joe and Sam, are great! Looking forward to next year.
For the past three years I have played in the Helen Drake Tournament held at TOPS’L each year. For this seventy-five year old, who has only been playing seven years, this has been a thrilling and pleasant experience. The facility is stunning and the staff lead by resident pro Joe Daleo provides professional, concerned, friendly support and encouragement.
My parents rented a beautiful condo and we all played plenty of tennis on beautiful clay courts. I loved the fitness center. The grounds were great, the beach was fantastic and there were plenty of things for everyone to do outside of tennis. I definitely will return.
What a vacation as usual! Been to this resort a few times and am never disappointed. Beautiful clay courts, great clubhouse and fitness center, plenty for my kids to do, and wonderful beaches for my wife. Great place, great value.
The Helen Drake Tournament is an outstanding, well run event. Intermediate and advanced players get a chance to compete and also to watch great tennis. The format provides a wide variety of matches featuring outstanding players in divisions ranging from Mixed Doubles to 70+ singles.
The tennis is wonderful from all aspects that include but not limited to lessons, match play arrangement, fun and sanctioned tournaments, accomodations, location, and outstanding personel. For any USTA tournament player, the Helen Drake Tournament is one of the best, if not the best age-division tournament in the Florida and Southern Regions.It has very good players and is planned and conducted as well as any non professional tournament.
My family and I stayed at Tops’l for Spring Break and had a great time. The facilities, the tennis, the beach were all top notch. I also played in the Helen Drake Tournament in April and have for over 10 years. It is the best tournament I play in all year.
One of the best tennis resorts. Terrific pros and programs. One of the best places anywhere to watch tennis. Amazing beautiful beaches. Many, many nearby restaurants, golf courses and shopping. Go to Tops’l. You will love it!
I recently participated in the Helen Drake Tennis Tourney at Tops’l in Destin for the 2nd year in a row. The tournament was run very well and the competition was excellent. I look forward to playing again next year. My only issue was with the scheduling which got very depayed on the second day – they were about 2 hours behind. If they can work out the court schedules better it would be a great experience.
I recently played a the Helen Drake Tournament,my first, at TOPS’L. Joe and everyone on the staff were very friendly and helful.They made a very new situation very comfortable and inviting. My wife and I both enjoyed their and hospitality and the atmosphere they created at TOPS’L .We made new friends and had a most enjoyable experience. Thank You Guys. See you next year.
I played in the Helen Drake tourney 04/09 and it was exceptional. It was first class all the way. A players party with a band that was a blast for all. Strong competion in a wide range of divisions. I will play again for sure!!
Excellent tennis facility. Joe does an amazing job with everything from teaching to running excellent tournaments!!
Staff was knowledgible and friendly. The director, Joe D’Aleo was very accomondating in getting out lesions in and making sure that we learned out tennis lession.
A great tennis faculity with a friendly atmosphere that has given me some great friends and great tennis experiences. Lessons by the Pro’s has made my 2 1/2 months for the past 6 years a fantastic winter retreat.
Excellent resort for doubles tennis! Great lessons! The staff is fantastic and allows you to have fun on the court. Very organized round robins. Will go back and refer my friends.
We recently spent a week and a half at Topsl and recommend it highly. The facilities are excellent as well as the beach and surroundings. The staff is very helpful and go out of their way to make sure you get all the tennis you want while you are there. Joe D’Aleo works very hard to make sure all guests have a great tennis experience. We drive all the way from Minnesota to spend our vacation at Topsl!
My family visited Tops’l for spring break for the second consecutive year. Although we were impressed with our first visit. Our second visit was better. The facilities are great and meticulously maintained. Joe and Sam made certain that we had fun and that we improved our tennis skills. We can’t wait for next year.
A tennis friend and I spent April 1-5 at Tops’l. The resort is lovely, well managed, and the staff is very attentive. The tennis clinics are excellent, run by pros who make you feel good about your game. Pros are friendly, attentive and anxious to help. Tennis villas are located right off the courts for easy access. Gym is well equipped. I would go back tomorrow.
well maintained clay courts,very friendly staff.good social programs bringing people together
Very pleasant and knowledgable teaching pro’s and staff. Courts well maintained. Very good experience.
my wife and myself have been going to tops’l for 13 years ( for 6 to 8 weeks ) each year. we enjoy our time there very much or we would have changed our destination.
I spent the first week of March in a 3-day tennis clinic at Tops’l. It was an outstanding experience for the second year in a row. I spent the second week of March at Tops’l with my husband and children. Fantastic vacation. My husband and I spent everyday on the court in either clinics, private lessons, or round robins.
I left Tops’l with a better game of tennis and a greater appreciation for the game. The facilities are outstanding and there are enough courts that you can almost always get court time. Private lessons are offered in package deals and have a number of pros to choose from. Whenever we talk about a vacation, Tops’l is always top of our list. Check the courts out, you too will have a new favorite tennis or vacation destination!
Tops’l is an all encompassing resort with a complete fitness center which offers a fully equipped work-out room and, in addition, excellent classes in aerobics, yoga, dance, aqua aerobics and strengthening. Instructors are friendly and well qualified.
What we enjoy the most is the tennis program. The clay courts are complimentary and kept in excellent condition. Tennis pros offer clinics, fun round-robins and make courts available for group play on specific days of the week. The 3.0 and 3.5 women’s group is especially fun as it is not only good tennis, but social as well. Tennis pros are always friendly and helpful.
Golf is a favorite as well and Tops’l makes it easy by offering sign-up times for their guests at nearby courses and at a reasonable rate. The Dinner and Movie evenings are great fun with outstanding food, movies and an opporturnity to meet other guests.
The absolutely gorgeous beach is fabulous, always a changing view. The white sand beckons one for a beach walk or relaxing and taking in the view. Our group also enjoyed the delicious lunches at the beach cafe. We love the Summit with its beautiful pool, hot tub and available grills. Housekeeping and maintainance staff are very prompt to be helpful if called upon.
I highly reommend Tops’l to all our friends. The amenities cannot be beat!!
This is a first class tennis resort. The condition of the tennis courts and facilities were outstanding. The tennis pros, Joe, Sam and Byron were always available, pleasant and willing to help with our game. We will be returning next year.
Tennis Staff was fantastic. They were skilled, very organized, and fun!
The format was 2 hours of drills, 2 hours of RR each day. Some of the pros were much better than others. Since a pro only spent @ 15 minutes per court before rotating, I didn’t feel like the instruction was comprehensive enough. It felt like going through an assembly line. I enjoyed myself, however, I’ll go into it with lower expectations next time.
The pros that were the best were Joe and Sam. They treated all players on the court the same (no favorites) and really offered valid instruction instead of just trying to get through 15 minutes. Also, Sam and Joe really took the time to try and get to know each of us. I really appreciated that. Thanks guys!
The 3.5 Interstate Tournament was so wonderfully run. Joe put so much time and effort into making it happen!! We so enjoyed the great level of tennis and especially the new friends we have made from around the Southeast.
The courts are in such fantastic condition. The food for the morning breakfast was superb. The evening dinner was so much fun and was the music ever great to move to. Lunch on the last day was to die for. So much thought and preperation went into this tournament that is showed and showed.
Thank you for such a memorable time!
Our ladies 3.5 team has been going to Tops’l twice a year for an interstate tennis tournament. We always have the best time. Joe and Sam and the rest of the tennis staff have everything so organized and it all runs so smoothly. The competition is great and we love making new friends from other states. As soon as we return from our spring trip, we start planning our fall trip.
Del in reservations makes it all so easy to book our stay. The pro shop is always well stocked and the staff is so helpful and friendly. We are looking forward to our next trip.
I’m Tennis Coach since 1983 and Tops’l Tennis Director and staff are the best. I took a group of 40 ladies and each one is ready for next year. They care about each person. Just the best in Tennis!
As always Joe and staff did a great job with the Mens 4.5 tournament this last weekend. It was well run and handled to perfection, even down to the weather! Would highly recommend Tops’l as a wonderful tennis retreat or a spot to get high level competition.