NE Tennis Holidays
#1 U.S. tennis camp; VT/FL/NH Cape Cod;Fine dining/lodging
netennisholidays.com
Here's what others have had to say about Topnotch Resort and Spa and Topnotch Tennis Academy.
"I've been to several Tennis camps over the years.Most of them good ones.however after coming to Topnotch for the first time a few years ago i won't go to any other.
Milan and his staff are amazing.Each instructor Shaun,Nick,Tony and the rest of the pro's bring something unique to the table.without changing anything major in my game each year when I return home my game is at a new level.Most importantly it's great fun."—C.R., Adv. Int., August 2010
"Great place for tennis. The variety of offerings, and level instruction was excellent. I would go back for the tennis alone. Resort was so-so. Half of it was good. Half not so good."—R.S., Adv. Int., August 2010
"This was at least my fifth time visiting Topnotch. Milan and his staff run an outstanding tennis program for players of all levels. The instruction by the pros, Shaun and Tony and the rest, is exceptional. They can take anyone to the next level. And, it is impossible to beat the beautiful setting of the resort."—R.G., Adv. Int., August 2010
"I had an awesome experience at Top Notch during 3 days this summer. Everything was perfect. A very special recognition for coach Tony, such a character, impressive mentor, tremendous personality....he truly makes a difference! Expensive resort, but very good value for money.I would not hesitate to recommend Top Notch to all my tennis pals."—C.P., Int., August 2010
"Outstanding location with excellent accomodations, terrific tennis professionals and an overall relaxed atmosphere. Tennis program was well run and we were able to customize lessons/clinics to fit our schedule. All of the instructors operated at a high energy level and did a great job. The facilities were truly "top notch" and many other activities were available both on and off site."—K.E., Int., July 2010
"My friends and I have been going to Topnotch for years now, and we have never been let down. The pros are fantastic, the resort is spectacular, the yoga is wonderful, and the pools and spa are beautiful. Norma's Restaurant is a favorite, and the service is great. Truly a lovely get away.
Shaun and Tony were our pros this time. We have had Shaun for several years, and his enthusiasm and knowledge is outstanding. Tony is a great addition! The two pros from down under made a fantastic duo, both educationally and in terms of entertainment. One of our best visits! Thanks guys. :)"—L.T., Adv., July 2010
"Our tennis team comes each spring for a tennis clinic and spa weekend. We have a great time, and learn a lot of tennis too. We'll be back next year for sure."—K.W., Int., April 2010
"Love TopNotch. There is not a better way to spend along weekend but with friends playing fabulous tennis. The Pro's are knowledgable and teach by positive re-inforcement. Great camp for all level. A must go to every year!!Truely no negatives about this place."—M.K., Adv., April 2010
"Simply stated--perfect! Milan Kubala and his staff put in the extra effort to provide individualized, fun and challenging instruction that always exceeds expectations. And of course,the spa is the absolute best way to recover from 3-5 hours of tennis. We WILL be back again next year for sure!"—C.C., Adv. Int., April 2010
"My tennis team went for an end of the season experience, which was in April, the off season at Top Notch. Initially we did not get the rooms we expected, but the response of the staff was tremendous, open and accomodating. Although we were there off season, the staff attention was tremendous. The spa facility lovely, the staff professional, and the experience, rejuvenating. The tennis pros were talented and positive. We would definitely recommend this resort!"—M.S., Adv. Int., April 2010
"Milan and his team were amazing as was the resort. Will definately make this a yearly adventure. Check out the Challenge Tennis Package and then add on spa treatments for the ultimate nirvana!!!!"—C.S., Adv. Int., April 2010
"A wonderful adventure in a lovely place. The tennis was great. Instructors were professional and courteous. Supportive and thorough in stroke work, clinics and game suggestions. I plan to return."—P.B., Int., April 2010
My first clue that things had changed dramatically since my last visit was the missing swimming pool. Not missing, actually, but relocated to be closer 
to the spa and adjacent to Norma's, a new open-kitchen restaurant. Also gone was the old wing of rooms (no loss), reducing the total to 76, not counting the 40 or so resort homes back up the hill. I'd read about Topnotch's makeover, but this was my first chance to see it and I really liked what I saw.
This rambling 120-acre estate perches on a rise 5 miles from the village of Stowe. I arrived to find a few guests having afternoon tea in the livingroom-like lobby, an expansive space with comfortable sofas and chairs dominated by a central fireplace and walls of glass framing the ski slopes of Mount Mansfield. My check-in formalities took place in a library-like alcove lined with books. From there, I followed a meandering hallway past the casual Buttertub Bistro and a guest with a dog (they're allowed) to my room, a cheerful space with a country manor decor.
That style and intimacy aside, the wonder of Topnotch is the breadth of its facilities. Central to its appeal, at least for tennis players, are its 10 hard and clay courts, four of which are indoors and constitute the largest indoor complex of any resort in the Northeast. No less impressive, however, is the range of other amenities, including a newly expanded and enhanced 35,000-square-foot European spa, an equestrian center, summer children's programs, and two restaurants, chief among them Norma's, whose regionally inspired cuisine always includes several low-calorie, low-cholesterol spa options. There are also options to golf, hike, and bike in the area. Tennis is only the beginning.
Pro Shop: 802-253-9649
The resort has a long history of devotion to tennis, including at one time hosting the Head Classic, a men's professional tournament. More recently, it was the site of the 2007 Fed Cup match between the U.S. and Russia. That tennis mystique still contributes to its allure. It is home to a well-run academy, under the direction of Milan Kubala. And it has been one of the earliest to embrace new technology, including Dartfish, digital video software that can be used to analyze strokes.
Tennis Staff. Kubala joined Topnotch as assistant director in August 2004 then moved up to the top spot early in 2005. He had previously been the director at the Midland Community Tennis Center in Midland, Michigan. A ranked junior in his native Czech Republic, he later played for Northwoods University in Midland, where he had a Top 20 ranking in NCAA Division II. He heads a staff of international pros, and there is a sports psychologist on staff for private consultations in mental toughness.
Tennis Programs. After several years of tweaking what was already a solid program, Kubala revamped the curriculum with the avid player in mind. The morning session now runs three hours rather than two, and guests have the option of an additional two-hour session in the afternoon. 
That extra hour each morning allows a more thorough orientation and the expanded program provides space to incorporate more strategy and videotape analysis. The overall theme of the academy is "Play to Win," which adopts three components: Technique to Win, Train to Win, and Think to Win. Each session is structured as an independent module, so you can arrive any day for as many days as you like without feeling that you've missed crucial information. The pros focus on a combination of technique, footwork, and strategy. "We build a game around a player's strengths and make them a better player, not just a better hitter," says Kubala of their approach.
Personal attention remains a focus, so the student:pro ratio never exceeds 4:1 and is often less. "I or my head pro call them the night before to verify their playing level and just to make contact," Kubala told me. A half-hour private lesson is bundled into every three days of workshops. And Kubala and his staff are continually experimenting with ways to make use of their high-tech Dartfish software, a computerized videoanalysis system. Its features include a Telustrator and the ability to superimpose images. Campers have the option of going home with a CD-ROM of their strokes and the critique that went with them.
The camp typically begins with an overview and demonstration of that day's topic—say, volleys, overheads, and doubles strategy. From there campers are divided by level, and although everyone works on the same topic, the on-court work itself differs depending on the skills of that group, with more technical instruction for intermediates and more play simulation and intensity drills for the advanced players. Campers keep the same pro throughout their session, while Kubala roves from court to court—including the junior courts—in order to personally work with all the groups. Campers there for a few days get to work with several different pros.
During the busy mid-May to mid-October tennis season, there is also a Saturday evening pro exhibition with hors d'oeuvres, wine, beer, and cheese. "We use it as instruction," Kubala told me. "We also encourage them to heckle the pros." The package also includes morning stretching sessions in the spa, unlimited court time, use of the ball machine, and access to the spa. Tennis teams can either join the regular program or have the staff tailor one to their specific needs. And with 11 USTA league teams of its own, Topnotch can also set up team matches with appropriate levels.
For juniors, Topnotch runs morning clinics from 9 a.m.-noon for those ages 4-18. Those coincide with the adult clinics (the juniors often use the indoor courts), making it easy for parents to attend the adult sessions.
Guests who choose not to sign up for the tennis program can opt for a 90-minute clinic scheduled twice a week. Game matching, on the other hand, has not been what it once was, not because staff cares less but because they often don't have the available courts.
Courts & Fees. There are two pairs of Har-Tru courts below the swimming pool between the inn and road. The pro shop, fully equipped, has decks on three sides and overlooks one pair of courts. Kubala's dog is often there and eager to make friends. There are another two outdoor hard courts in the trees behind the inn and an additional four in a barnlike building across the road near the equestrian center. Court Fees: $20/hour but included in tennis-clinic packages.
Golf Courses. Topnotch does have not a golf course of its own; however it does arrange for guests to play on the 18-hole championships course at the Stowe Country Club.
Spa & Fitness Center. Now expanded to 35,000 square feet, the spa at Topnotch have become an even more central amenity. The first and most obvious feature is a 60-foot indoor exercise pool beneath expansive skylights and framed now by attractive flagstone decking. Otherwise, guests have some 140 treatments to choose from. The most talked about feature is a Jacuzzi with a waterfall: Guests are encouraged to stand beneath it. There's also a whirlpool, 30 treatment and therapy rooms, an aerobics studio, a beauty salon, a well-equipped fitness center with separate weight-training (featuring Cybex equipment) and a cardiovascular rooms, an aerobics studio, and locker rooms with fireplaces, saunas, and steam rooms. Personalized fitness programs, and nutritional and lifestyle assessments are also available.
Horseback Riding. The equestrian center just across the road from the inn 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.
Biking & Jogging Trails. Across Rte. 108 from the inn, 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 near the indoor complex.
And ... In addition to the indoor spa pool, there is a new heated outdoor pool and a outdoor hot tub, both surrounded by flagstone decking and stonework. And in winter, there is skiing at nearby Mt. Mansfield.
The resort runs its own "Topnotch Adventurers" program that departs from the usual arts, crafts, and games to introduce children ages 6-15 to the joys of the mountainous outdoors. During the summer and autumn, the all-day sessions take kids sailing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking, sometimes camping out overnight. Babysitting service is available for younger children through the concierge.
Lodging at Topnotch consists of 76 inn rooms, 8 of them suites, and 40 one-, two- and three-bedroom resort homes. No two rooms are exactly alike except in their fondness for reproduction antiques, white window louvers, and well-chosen country manor furnishings.
Norma's, a bistro with an open kitchen, focuses on locally grown organic ingredients. It is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and includes choices for the spa-conscious on its diverse menu (including some dishes Kubala recommended be added for tennis players). Its terrace tables have views of Mt. Mansfield. Early risers will find coffee in the livingroom-like lobby, and then in the late afternoon the staff sets out tea service.
Topnotch belongs to a small family of tennis inns remarkable for the extent of their other dimensions. Among the others in this category are:
If the dimensions matter but you can forego the tennis clinics, look at:
Topnotch has both rooms and suites in the inn and more than two dozen 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom townhouses. Several tennis packages are offered, all of which include a choice of accommodations, breakfast daily, unlimited court time, access to the fitness center and more. The Tennis Academy offers the option of 3 or 5 hours of daily drills.
Seasons. The inn is open year-round. The tennis program also operates year-round but attendance reaches its peak during the summer and fall seasons from June through September.
Travel Instructions. By Air: The nearest airport is Burlington, VT, roughly an hour's drive away. By Car: Take Exit 10 off I-89 and follow Route 100 
North for 10 miles into Stowe. Turn left at the blinking light onto Mountain Road—a.k.a., Route 108. Topnotch is roughly 5 miles farther along on the right.
General Tourist Information. Visit the Stowe Area Association website or contact them at P.O. Box 1320, Stowe, VT 05672; 802-253-7321 or 800-24-STOWE. Or for general information about travel in Vermont, visit the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing website or contact them at 6 Baldwin Street, Drawer 33, Montpelier, VT 05633-1301; Phone 800-VERMONT (800-837-6668).