At Ocean Reef we know that many of our guests are devoted to the game of tennis. You can usually spot these avid Destin tennis fans on the road with vanity license plates like; 1oS NE1, NE1 410S or ILUV10S! It is a wonderful sport which provides players with an excellent cardio workout and a great tan. Tennis originated in France way back in the 1500s when it was played indoors, without racquets, much like Handball is played today. Later in England, racquets were introduced, but it was still played indoors and resembled today's version of Racquet Ball. In fact, King Henry VIII played this game as his favorite sport, (in between marrying and then disposing of wives!) By the late 1800s in what was now the United Kingdom, the sport was moved outdoors and called Lawn Tennis. The first championship game was held in 1877 at Wimbledon, a neighborhood in London. It really caught on with Victorian aristocracy and then spread to the country club set, before becoming widespread everywhere.

Many of Ocean Reef Resort's private vacation rental residences and condominiums have tennis courts for complimentary use during our guest's stay. They include properties at the Amalfi Coast, Avalon Beach, Destiny, Gulf Place, Marvilla, Mediterranea and Silver Shells. They are all located near the beach in Destin, Miramar Beach and along the Beaches of South Walton, so you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the Gulf of Mexico afterwards. Most are also lighted for night play, in case it gets too hot to play on summer days.

In addition to our accommodations with free tennis, guest discounts are available through our special Amenity Program for the Destin Tennis Club at Seascape Resort. We are fortunate to have this facility available, since it has received a national five star rating in various tennis publications. You are in good hands as the Director of Tennis, Mr. Fernando Guarachi and his staff, are members of the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA). Tennis rates are only $9 per hour with our guest discount. Private lessons are available from the pros for $70 per hour, (before discount), and most beginners can be playing with only two hours of play. The Destin Tennis Club also provides an extensive instructional program with clinics, tournaments and exhibitions. One of the most popular events for kids under 18 is called Kid's Night Out. They provide supervised tennis games, instruction, a racquet as well as tennis balls for use and even a pizza or sub sandwich dinner for $30 each. For the adults, there is a fun Welcome Exhibition and Happy Hour every Monday night at 5:30 which runs March thru October. Here, the public is invited to gather with staff and other guests to have cocktails while watching the pros play on Center Court. Adult Round Robin Singles and Doubles are played Monday thru Saturdays from 9 to 11:30am and on Sundays from 2 to 4:00pm. The entry is only $15 each and it is a great way to meet other tennis players to see old friends and make some new ones. A popular, economical way to learn or improve your game is to attend one of The Destin Tennis Club's open clinics with a group. The rate is only $30 for two people or $15 each before guest discount. These include: the "Novice Group" Monday thru Wednesday 9 – 10am; "Intermediates" Monday thru Wednesday 10 – 11am; the "Grand Slam Production" for work on spins, footwork and strategies Tuesday thru Thursday 10 – 11am; "Competition Doubles and Edge Drills" Tuesday thru Thursday 11am – 12:00pm and Saturday 8 -9am and the "Stroke of the Day" at 8am Monday thru Friday which focuses on volley, forehand, backhand, serving overhead and review.

Not far away, at the Sandestin Golf, Tennis and Beach Resort, there is a new tennis complex near the marina and the Village of Baytowne Wharf. The gray shingled Club House has covered decks which look out upon fifteen different courts. Twelve of these have the traditional, classic clay surfaces and three have the regular hard surface. Tennis Director, Chris Petty heads the pro staff here providing daily group clinics and also personal, private instruction. The setting is lovely with a backdrop of newly planted palms and flowering oleanders on a lush tropical lagoon. This beautiful, Country Club House environment and use of their tennis courts are available to the public for $12 per hour. Men and women's tennis mixers as well as tournaments are held on weekends.

It is our pleasure to provide you with such excellent Destin accommodations with free tennis on site at many locations or special guest discounts at The Destin Tennis Club. Wherever you decide to spend your vacation, Ocean Reef Resorts is pleased to "serve!"  Tennis anyone?