TOPS'L Beach & Racquet Resort

This expansive resort complex offers plenty of peaceful spots to have fun in the sun. The brief walk to the quiet and private white sand beach is a lovely jaunt past small dunes and nicely landscaped grounds, including a small lake. If there is a center of activity, it’s the beachside tiki bar, which serves food and libations throughout the day. The fitness complex also is popular, with free yoga and aerobics classes as well as sauna and steam facilities. The three pools are consistently busy with families, especially when free “dive-in” movies are offered on some evenings. Live music at the resort’s more upscale restaurant also draws crowds on the nights it’s offered. The adjacent nature preserve is a great place to take a hike in an unspoiled, wooded waterfront environment. Wherever you go at this resort, the focus is on casual, laid-back relaxation.

The hotel is located on Highway 98 east of Destin, and stretches all the way to the beach, though some units are a three- to five-minute walk from the water. (There's also a beach shuttle for those in the units farther from the beach.) The quiet, peaceful resort is located adjacent to the Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and near other condo complexes, hotels, and vacation residential units. Some restaurants and shops are a few minutes’ away on foot, but most options are more easily accessed by car. And many attractions are within easy reach along Highway 98. 

• Five-minute drive to Silver Springs Premium Outlets 
• 13-minute drive to Henderson Beach State Park
• 16-minute drive to Big Kahuna Water Park
• 19-minute drive to Destin Harbor
• 38-minute drive to Pier Park
• 48-minute drive to Panama City Beach
• One-hour drive to NW Florida Beaches International Airport

The resort offers six different lodging choices in 235 total units, including the three-bedroom Sierra Dunes townhomes with screen porches and private pools in some. The Tennis Village includes two- and three-bedroom units with fireplaces and covered parking. Two high-rise towers feature condos with up to five bedrooms. All units contain full kitchens, except for the Studio units in the Summit Tower, which have kitchenettes with mini-fridges. Most also have washers and dryers. Many units offer sleeper sofas, and at least one flat-screen TV. Views from the patios or balconies can include the ocean, adjacent nature preserve, pools, or the grounds.

Rooms at this resort are all individually owned and their styling and decor varies a bit. Pastel colors are used in many units to reinforce a beach theme, frequently in shades of blue, yellow, green, pink, and bright white. Artwork and photos often have nautical or beach themes as well. Furniture tends to be of a casual yet quality variety, and some rooms have wicker-and-glass tables. Neutral carpeting is used sometimes, but beige-tile floors are more common. Guests report that most units are homey, clean, spacious, and well maintained, but there have been some complaints of outdated furniture and mattresses, stained carpeting, and broken showers and sleeper sofas. Some units feature decidedly upscale touches such as granite counters and vanities, glass-enclosed, walk-in showers next to oversize whirlpool tubs, and stainless steel appliances. 

This resort has ample features that cater to outdoor activities, both active and entirely passive, like lolling around on the sands of its private beach. Umbrellas and chairs are available for a daily fee, and the beachside tiki bar and grill serves drinks and casual fare during the lunch and dinner hours. A nicer restaurant is open for dinner and serves steak and seafood as well as live music on some evenings. 

Three pools and adjacent whirlpools are scattered throughout the complex, including an indoor/outdoor pool and indoor whirlpool that's part of the fitness center. Other fitness center features include sauna and steam facilities, cardio and weight-training equipment, and free weights. Personal trainers and massage therapists are available, and free yoga and aerobics classes are offered. There's also a huge tennis complex with 12 Rubico clay courts (10 of which are lighted), a pro shop, and certified instructors. Other recreational offerings include an indoor racquetball court, an outdoor basketball court, and a free mini-golf course. Supervised children’s activities are offered several times weekly, including some free events like poolside movies. Babysitting can also be arranged. 

The resort operates a free shuttle service throughout its 52-acre complex, including service to its private beach. Ample free parking is available, and some of it is covered. Event space for up to 200 people is available, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort. There's also a gift shop, gas grills, and free guest laundry facilities for those who don't have in-unit washers and dryers. The resort is gated and has 24-hour security. Note that the property is non-smoking and pets are not allowed.