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.
Great instruction, game arranging and people. Great access to the beach.
TD
Just finished a ladies tournament there. The pros are the best! We love going to Tops’l for the tennis and the beach. I would recommend Tops’l to all my friends that play tennis.
CM
Great instructors and a fun place to go for a girl’s tennis weekend get away.
KF
Great resort! The tennis courts are in great condition, and the pros are awesome! The beach location is perfect in that it is for TOPS’L guests only. The fitness center is centrally located, which is nice.
MA
Awesome!!
SJ
This is the 4th year I have attended Tops’l with the pros from our facility in Atlanta, and we have a blast every year. Joe, Sam and Bryon at Tops’l are very good, and they make our tennis package a lot of fun including exceptional drills and instructions. I look forward to this trip each year!
GS
The Pros are just wonderful and provide an amazing camp. We have been attending for about 5 years now and they have never let us down. Thanks Joe, Sam and Byron!!
KR
Wow! What an experience! I brought my high school tennis team down in February for a weekend visit at Tops’l. It was an amazing experience for me, my other coaches, and most importantly, my players. The tennis instruction was second to none! Joe and his staff brought excitement, motivation, and unparalled knowledge to our clinics. We all left the weekend having improved our tennis technique. I would recommend this facility to anyone looking to advance their tennis skills. The Tops’l facility was also amazing. The pools were great, the tram service was great, and the staff was very helpful. I can’t wait to go back next year!
LB
The strength of Tops’l will always be their staff and impeccable attention to detail. We feel welcome from the time we step on the property and really feel like we are getting a value for our dollar. The complex is well maintained and it will continue to be an annual trip for us.
MD
Tennis was very well structured and planned. Our group time was a lot of fun. The drills we had as a group were very informative. They were different from each other so nothing was overdone, and everything was helpful to my game. The weather was fantastic. The resort provided many other activities – beach, pool, hot tub and shopping! A fabulous time!
AR
I recently took our High School Tennis team to Tops’l for a pre-season tennis weekend together and it was great. This was our second year and hope to continue for many years. I’m a tennis pro and coach them, but, it’s great for them to experience a different atmosphere and different coaching techniques. The weather was great so it was a nice change for us. We will be back next year. I highly recommend Tops’l for any tennis team looking for great instruction and team building. Thanks Joe and Sam!
PM
Tops’l is a great place for tennis, beach, fitness, etc. Good for all ages, families with small children. Separate and private but close to all of the action.
KL
I have taken a team down for the Interstate Team Challenge in October for the past two years and we have a great time! The tennis is great and the resort is beautiful. Joe and his staff put on a great tournament and are very approachable and helpful about any questions we have. My team is after me to plan an April trip!
CE
I have been taking a group of 20 ladies for 24 years for tennis and R & R. We have always had wonderful weather and great help from the tennis program. Joe D’Alea. the head pro, has worked with us every step of the way. We will keep going back even if no tennis is played. Thanks Tops’l. Your great.
SM
Great place to play tennis especially in the Fall. Great accomodations and shopping in the area. The beach is beautiful.
LH
Tops’l continues to be our favorite resort for tennis. I have been going annually for 7 yrs and have found the pros to be exceptional. They offer a wwekly tournament that is highly competitive, as well as customized group activities.
RH
Been visiting this resort on vacation as well as for tournaments for over 10 years. Accommodations were wonderful. The beach gorgeous. The tennis pros engaging, enthusiastic, fun, spirited, involved, educational, and knowledgeable. Game matching was disappointing – was looking forward to playing other doubles’ teams at our own level – not mixed or paired with partners we did not know. All in our group left renewed, refreshed, enlightened, and energetic.
SY
What a tennis program Tops’l has and I think it is all down to Joe and his team. I came in from the UK and hit with Joe for 5 consecutive days (including Sunday where he came in on his day off!). His style is easy, his comments astute and his dedication to improving your game is superb. I have also hit with his other pro’s Sam and Byron and have thoroughly enjoyed it. Joe is an avid sportsman and because of him I have become very interested in YOLO. While at Tops’l I would play tennis in the morning and YOLO in the surf in the afternoon! His support team is superb and they always want you to play tennis. Can’t say enough about this program, may have to buy there to keep up with Joe. Some of our friends from Chicago already have! I have played tennis at resorts and I have yet to find someone as professional, social, friendly and inspirational as Joe! Keep it up
CY
Best tennis pro’s ever. Great attitude toward everyone regardless of level of play. Always upbeat AND they remember names year after year. Good teachers too.
DM
My wife and I and two daughters just got back from a week at Tops’l. We try to go every year as it’s our favorite tennis resort. We try to stay in the ocean front condos, which with its sugar white sands beach is like heaven. The tennis is outstanding with Joe and Sam being excellant pros. Anything you want…..clinics, round robins and game matching is yours for the asking….at a reasonable cost, I might add.
NT
Strengths- Great clinics, nice courts, trouble free registration and check-in, nice facilities Weaknesses- long haul to the beach
LG
fabulous coaches very accomadating to our 12 team members we go every year stay in condos on courts i lke the tennis drills with each coach then switch to another coach after one hour highly recommend the tennis pkgs cant beat the price and to be pampered at same time!!!!!!!!! beach was a must for me nice to cool off after 2 hour clinic in 95 degtee heat nearby shopping at outlest also worth the trip!!!!!!!!
PD
TOPS’L is the best tennis resort because the Tennis Village condos are around the tennis courts, the head pro, Joe Daleo, does a great job with Saturday round robins and the beach is a short shuttle ride away. Some of the condos need updating but most are in excellent shape.
SP
WOW what a great vacation. The tennis was more than i expected and the tennis staff and property staff made us feel welcome at all times. We are scdeduling another trip in four months.
SR
Highly recommend TOPSL Tennis Resort! Great instruction and exceptional customer service!
DG
I love having the condo right next to the courts and being able to take the tram to the beach. We never had to wait long for the tram. The outdoor cafe by the beach is nice. I liked the fact that each of our group had her own account and that the total bill was divided by Tops’l. The tennis instruction was excellent and fun. Having the use of the ball machine in the Fantasy II package was a plus. The facilities are all very nice. I like the patio area and balcony in the condo. The whole experience was great, and being so close to the beach is one reason why. The only possible weakness I can think of is that the condo is not new. The kitchen, den area, and dining room are very nice. It is only the bathrooms that show their age a bit. But it is not enough to keep me from coming back.
EB
First Tennis vacation I took and I’m hooked! Instructors were excellent, professional, fun. Learned so much. Planning to make this our first “annual” tennis trip with our club ladies. Too bad they don’t have golf, or my husband would come. Loved it!
JN
I had lessons with two pros who were both excellent and taught the same methodology. They quickly identified problems with my strokes and worked to correct them.
DR
All the instructors are excellent and consistent with their lessons. The resort and accomodations are first class. We had an outstanding time and learned a lot.
MB
Very attentive staff. consistently do a good job. great facilities.
HH
Joe and Sam are great! We go there every year for the 4.0 women’s tournament. We have a great time and great competition from many other states. TOPS’L is top notch and puts on a great tournament!
DL
We have been going there for the last 10 years and it is always great. The staff is very friendly and the tennis is great.
TE
TOPS’L is all about you as a guest and tennis enthusiest. The location speaks for itself. Local food and entertainment are at your fingertips and a TOPS’L shuttle will personally drive you to the beach (on property). The courts are immaculately maintained and abundant. Joe D’Aleo is a tremendous host and tennis director and his staff is second to none. It is a tennis resort you will visit once and return year after year – we do.
MH
Tops’l is a great tennis resort with fun energetic pros that make sure you have fun while improving your game.
RB
Tops’l offers me everything I need to have a great tennis weekend. The Director of Tennis, Joe D’Aleo, puts in long hours to ensure every detail is covered. Throw in nice rooms and Destin beaches and how can you go wrong?
DH
Tennis program is top-notch. From game arranging to clincs. Staff is impeccable. Grounds and facility are wonderful. And you are right on the white powder beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. Always lots of players(guests and locals) to draw from for play. Only negative might be not enough on-property resturants, but there are plenty within 3 miles.
TB
I played in the Helen Drake invitational tennis tournament in April 2010. As always the tennis competition was exceptional. The event is a well-run machine run by tournament director Joe D’Aleo. We had a great time playing and watching and would recommend it for any tennis enthusiast.
JA
2010 was another great tournament; always the best in Northwest Florida
FC
This has by far been the greatest tennis tournament along with top of the line facility, staff and organization I have played at. Everything was perfect. Thanks to Joe, Sam, Byron, Scott and all the staff for such a great weekend.
RB
They put on a great tournament each April for divisions of all ages. Courts are always well maintained and staff is very friendly.
ST
Joe Deleo ran a great tournament and would love to come back anytime. It was a beautiful place and the courts were in great condition. All the staff should be commended for their great efforts during this tournament.
DM
great facility for all ages, staff helps to set up matches, work out area is a big plus. weakness would be unpredictable weather during winter months
CB
Tennis tournament was well organized and competitive; continental breakfast could add yogurt. Lunch was ok. Food at cocktail party was excellent.
MH
Our team just attended the 3.5 Interstate Challenge for the sixth time, and it’s something our team looks forward to every fall and spring. Joe does a great job with the tournament, and the tennis is great.
MM
Wonderful facility with great instructors. I hope to go there every summer. Would love to own a condo there.
EL
The resort is perfectly located to provide easy access to the tennis, beach, dining and shopping. But once you arrive at Tops’l it is hard to leave the resort. I don’t normally repeat vacation getaways to the same location, but the staff and facilities at Tops’l keep bringing me back. It is nice to return where the Tennis Professionals are the same staff – this says something about the environment created on and off the tennis courts. Thanks again for a great tennis getaway to Joe and all his staff. This year our team is trying to plan to enjoy a 2nd visit in 2010 to play in one of your tournaments.
CF
I just came back from the annual Eagle Watch Tennis trip to TOPS’L Beach & Racquet Resort. We had a wonderful time. The pro’s were awesome with great drills that really worked us out. The weather was outstanding, and there is not a prettier beach around. If you are looking for a great tennis vacation with a fabulous beach this is the place to go. I frequent Hilton Head often, but I really don’t care for the beach in HH. Destin has it all. Thanks Sam for the late check out so we could get even more tennis in before we left!
BP
A great resort that is made even better by the friendly staff and the enthusiasm their members have for the game. It’s really a great place to visit.
JF
Its just awesome, the people are wonderful, as well as the facilities. Its well suited for couples or to bring the whole family! We loved it so much and will definitely return as soon as possible.
AS
Our team just returned from the 3.5 Interstate Challenge, and this is our 7th year to attend. Every year, the tournament gets better and better. As always, my team stayed in 2 condos, right beside the tennis courts (all of the condos in the tennis village open up to the tennis courts) and enjoyed watching good tennis as well as playing. We had so many player amenities this time! Breakfasts, lunch, players’ party, lots of door prizes, and wonderful tennis staff and personnel. Joe D’leo, tournament director, makes everyone feel special, and you’re guaranteed not to play a team from your own State, until the finals. Great and very affordable vacation!!! We got much more than the money we paid. I would recommend this trip to any team; it’s a lifetime experience~
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302 Reviews on “TOPS'L Beach & Racquet Resort”
Great instruction, game arranging and people. Great access to the beach.
Just finished a ladies tournament there. The pros are the best! We love going to Tops’l for the tennis and the beach. I would recommend Tops’l to all my friends that play tennis.
Great instructors and a fun place to go for a girl’s tennis weekend get away.
Great resort! The tennis courts are in great condition, and the pros are awesome! The beach location is perfect in that it is for TOPS’L guests only. The fitness center is centrally located, which is nice.
Awesome!!
This is the 4th year I have attended Tops’l with the pros from our facility in Atlanta, and we have a blast every year. Joe, Sam and Bryon at Tops’l are very good, and they make our tennis package a lot of fun including exceptional drills and instructions. I look forward to this trip each year!
The Pros are just wonderful and provide an amazing camp. We have been attending for about 5 years now and they have never let us down. Thanks Joe, Sam and Byron!!
Wow! What an experience! I brought my high school tennis team down in February for a weekend visit at Tops’l. It was an amazing experience for me, my other coaches, and most importantly, my players. The tennis instruction was second to none! Joe and his staff brought excitement, motivation, and unparalled knowledge to our clinics. We all left the weekend having improved our tennis technique. I would recommend this facility to anyone looking to advance their tennis skills.
The Tops’l facility was also amazing. The pools were great, the tram service was great, and the staff was very helpful. I can’t wait to go back next year!
The strength of Tops’l will always be their staff and impeccable attention to detail. We feel welcome from the time we step on the property and really feel like we are getting a value for our dollar.
The complex is well maintained and it will continue to be an annual trip for us.
Tennis was very well structured and planned. Our group time was a lot of fun. The drills we had as a group were very informative. They were different from each other so nothing was overdone, and everything was helpful to my game. The weather was fantastic. The resort provided many other activities – beach, pool, hot tub and shopping! A fabulous time!
I recently took our High School Tennis team to Tops’l for a pre-season tennis weekend together and it was great. This was our second year and hope to continue for many years. I’m a tennis pro and coach them, but, it’s great for them to experience a different atmosphere and different coaching techniques. The weather was great so it was a nice change for us. We will be back next year. I highly recommend Tops’l for any tennis team looking for great instruction and team building. Thanks Joe and Sam!
Tops’l is a great place for tennis, beach, fitness, etc. Good for all ages, families with small children. Separate and private but close to all of the action.
I have taken a team down for the Interstate Team Challenge in October for the past two years and we have a great time! The tennis is great and the resort is beautiful. Joe and his staff put on a great tournament and are very approachable and helpful about any questions we have. My team is after me to plan an April trip!
I have been taking a group of 20 ladies for 24 years for tennis and R & R. We have always had wonderful weather and great help from the tennis program. Joe D’Alea. the head pro, has worked with us every step of the way. We will keep going back even if no tennis is played. Thanks Tops’l. Your great.
Great place to play tennis especially in the Fall. Great accomodations and shopping in the area. The beach is beautiful.
Tops’l continues to be our favorite resort for tennis. I have been going annually for 7 yrs and have found the pros to be exceptional. They offer a wwekly tournament that is highly competitive, as well as customized group activities.
Been visiting this resort on vacation as well as for tournaments for over 10 years. Accommodations were wonderful. The beach gorgeous. The tennis pros engaging, enthusiastic, fun, spirited, involved, educational, and knowledgeable. Game matching was disappointing – was looking forward to playing other doubles’ teams at our own level – not mixed or paired with partners we did not know. All in our group left renewed, refreshed, enlightened, and energetic.
What a tennis program Tops’l has and I think it is all down to Joe and his team. I came in from the UK and hit with Joe for 5 consecutive days (including Sunday where he came in on his day off!). His style is easy, his comments astute and his dedication to improving your game is superb. I have also hit with his other pro’s Sam and Byron and have thoroughly enjoyed it.
Joe is an avid sportsman and because of him I have become very interested in YOLO. While at Tops’l I would play tennis in the morning and YOLO in the surf in the afternoon! His support team is superb and they always want you to play tennis.
Can’t say enough about this program, may have to buy there to keep up with Joe. Some of our friends from Chicago already have! I have played tennis at resorts and I have yet to find someone as professional, social, friendly and inspirational as Joe! Keep it up
Best tennis pro’s ever. Great attitude toward everyone regardless of level of play. Always upbeat AND they remember names year after year. Good teachers too.
My wife and I and two daughters just got back from a week at Tops’l. We try to go every year as it’s our favorite tennis resort. We try to stay in the ocean front condos, which with its sugar white sands beach is like heaven. The tennis is outstanding with Joe and Sam being excellant pros. Anything you want…..clinics, round robins and game matching is yours for the asking….at a reasonable cost, I might add.
Strengths- Great clinics, nice courts, trouble free registration and check-in, nice facilities Weaknesses- long haul to the beach
fabulous coaches very accomadating to our 12 team members we go every year stay in condos on courts i lke the tennis drills with each coach then switch to another coach after one hour highly recommend the tennis pkgs cant beat the price and to be pampered at same time!!!!!!!!! beach was a must for me nice to cool off after 2 hour clinic in 95 degtee heat nearby shopping at outlest also worth the trip!!!!!!!!
TOPS’L is the best tennis resort because the Tennis Village condos are around the tennis courts, the head pro, Joe Daleo, does a great job with Saturday round robins and the beach is a short shuttle ride away. Some of the condos need updating but most are in excellent shape.
WOW what a great vacation. The tennis was more than i expected and the tennis staff and property staff made us feel welcome at all times. We are scdeduling another trip in four months.
Highly recommend TOPSL Tennis Resort! Great instruction and exceptional customer service!
I love having the condo right next to the courts and being able to take the tram to the beach. We never had to wait long for the tram. The outdoor cafe by the beach is nice. I liked the fact that each of our group had her own account and that the total bill was divided by Tops’l. The tennis instruction was excellent and fun. Having the use of the ball machine in the Fantasy II package was a plus. The facilities are all very nice. I like the patio area and balcony in the condo. The whole experience was great, and being so close to the beach is one reason why. The only possible weakness I can think of is that the condo is not new. The kitchen, den area, and dining room are very nice. It is only the bathrooms that show their age a bit. But it is not enough to keep me from coming back.
First Tennis vacation I took and I’m hooked! Instructors were excellent, professional, fun. Learned so much. Planning to make this our first “annual” tennis trip with our club ladies. Too bad they don’t have golf, or my husband would come. Loved it!
I had lessons with two pros who were both excellent and taught the same methodology. They quickly identified problems with my strokes and worked to correct them.
All the instructors are excellent and consistent with their lessons. The resort and accomodations are first class. We had an outstanding time and learned a lot.
Very attentive staff. consistently do a good job. great facilities.
Joe and Sam are great! We go there every year for the 4.0 women’s tournament. We have a great time and great competition from many other states. TOPS’L is top notch and puts on a great tournament!
We have been going there for the last 10 years and it is always great. The staff is very friendly and the tennis is great.
TOPS’L is all about you as a guest and tennis enthusiest. The location speaks for itself. Local food and entertainment are at your fingertips and a TOPS’L shuttle will personally drive you to the beach (on property). The courts are immaculately maintained and abundant. Joe D’Aleo is a tremendous host and tennis director and his staff is second to none. It is a tennis resort you will visit once and return year after year – we do.
Tops’l is a great tennis resort with fun energetic pros that make sure you have fun while improving your game.
Tops’l offers me everything I need to have a great tennis weekend. The Director of Tennis, Joe D’Aleo, puts in long hours to ensure every detail is covered. Throw in nice rooms and Destin beaches and how can you go wrong?
Tennis program is top-notch. From game arranging to clincs. Staff is impeccable. Grounds and facility are wonderful. And you are right on the white powder beaches of the Gulf of Mexico. Always lots of players(guests and locals) to draw from for play. Only negative might be not enough on-property resturants, but there are plenty within 3 miles.
I played in the Helen Drake invitational tennis tournament in April 2010. As always the tennis competition was exceptional. The event is a well-run machine run by tournament director Joe D’Aleo. We had a great time playing and watching and would recommend it for any tennis enthusiast.
2010 was another great tournament; always the best in Northwest Florida
This has by far been the greatest tennis tournament along with top of the line facility, staff and organization I have played at. Everything was perfect. Thanks to Joe, Sam, Byron, Scott and all the staff for such a great weekend.
They put on a great tournament each April for divisions of all ages. Courts are always well maintained and staff is very friendly.
Joe Deleo ran a great tournament and would love to come back anytime. It was a beautiful place and the courts were in great condition. All the staff should be commended for their great efforts during this tournament.
great facility for all ages, staff helps to set up matches, work out area is a big plus. weakness would be unpredictable weather during winter months
Tennis tournament was well organized and competitive; continental breakfast could add yogurt. Lunch was ok. Food at cocktail party was excellent.
Our team just attended the 3.5 Interstate Challenge for the sixth time, and it’s something our team looks forward to every fall and spring. Joe does a great job with the tournament, and the tennis is great.
Wonderful facility with great instructors. I hope to go there every summer. Would love to own a condo there.
The resort is perfectly located to provide easy access to the tennis, beach, dining and shopping. But once you arrive at Tops’l it is hard to leave the resort. I don’t normally repeat vacation getaways to the same location, but the staff and facilities at Tops’l keep bringing me back. It is nice to return where the Tennis Professionals are the same staff – this says something about the environment created on and off the tennis courts. Thanks again for a great tennis getaway to Joe and all his staff. This year our team is trying to plan to enjoy a 2nd visit in 2010 to play in one of your tournaments.
I just came back from the annual Eagle Watch Tennis trip to TOPS’L Beach & Racquet Resort. We had a wonderful time. The pro’s were awesome with great drills that really worked us out. The weather was outstanding, and there is not a prettier beach around. If you are looking for a great tennis vacation with a fabulous beach this is the place to go. I frequent Hilton Head often, but I really don’t care for the beach in HH. Destin has it all. Thanks Sam for the late check out so we could get even more tennis in before we left!
A great resort that is made even better by the friendly staff and the enthusiasm their members have for the game. It’s really a great place to visit.
Its just awesome, the people are wonderful, as well as the facilities. Its well suited for couples or to bring the whole family! We loved it so much and will definitely return as soon as possible.
Our team just returned from the 3.5 Interstate Challenge, and this is our 7th year to attend. Every year, the tournament gets better and better. As always, my team stayed in 2 condos, right beside the tennis courts (all of the condos in the tennis village open up to the tennis courts) and enjoyed watching good tennis as well as playing. We had so many player amenities this time! Breakfasts, lunch, players’ party, lots of door prizes, and wonderful tennis staff and personnel.
Joe D’leo, tournament director, makes everyone feel special, and you’re guaranteed not to play a team from your own State, until the finals. Great and very affordable vacation!!! We got much more than the money we paid. I would recommend this trip to any team; it’s a lifetime experience~