St. Regis Estates Brings Timeless Luxury and Heritage to California’s Newport Beach with Pelican Hill as the First Estate

Published on December 3, 2025

The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach, California, is set to become the first of the exclusive St. Regis Estates, a groundbreaking brand expression that will redefine luxury retreats for today’s travelers. Set within the heart of Southern California’s pristine coastline, the property will blend the iconic St. Regis legacy with modern elegance, offering guests an unparalleled experience of heritage, privacy, and extraordinary service. St. Regis Estates represents an evolution of the brand’s commitment to grand living spaces and exceptional experiences, offering a sanctuary for those seeking a deeper connection to the places they visit.

Introduction: A New Era of Luxury at The Resort at Pelican Hill

In the heart of Newport Beach, California, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts has unveiled a bold new venture with St. Regis Estates, a collection of the world’s most storied luxury properties. This new chapter for the brand will begin with The Resort at Pelican Hill, A St. Regis Estate, which will open in 2027. Designed to offer an intimate, residential-style experience with historical resonance and stunning natural beauty, St. Regis Estates seeks to redefine what it means to experience a luxury retreat. Inspired by the legacy of the Astor family, whose lifestyle epitomized elegance and refined living, this estate will bring together generations of luxury traditions in a contemporary setting.

The decision to launch St. Regis Estates stems from a growing demand for privacy, authenticity, and immersive cultural experiences among luxury travelers. It marks a significant shift from the traditional hotel model, offering instead bespoke luxury estates surrounded by history, nature, and extraordinary amenities. Guests can expect expansive grounds, heritage-rich properties, and a sense of residential intimacy, elevating every aspect of their stay to an unforgettable experience.

St. Regis Estates offers more than just accommodation. It is a destination shaped by character and legacy, designed to evoke a strong emotional connection to place. Each estate will feature refined luxury interiors, curated experiences drawn from local history, and an exclusive range of activities designed for extended stays. Guests will enjoy not just service, but a deep sense of belonging to the rich legacy of each location, whether it be through local cuisine, cultural activities, or wellness offerings that complement the surrounding landscape.

The Resort at Pelican Hill: A True St. Regis Estate

Located on 504 acres of breathtaking coastal land in Newport Beach, The Resort at Pelican Hill is poised to become the first official St. Regis Estate in California. The Pelican Hill estate will open in 2027 after undergoing a grand transformation that blends the property’s established elegance with new St. Regis sensibilities.

Here are the key highlights of what guests can expect:

• Historical Resonance and Natural Beauty: The estate is deeply rooted in the Southern California landscape. Guests will be able to explore olive-tree-lined pathways, enjoy sweeping ocean views, and experience rolling coastal hills, all while staying in a 16th-century Italian Renaissance-style estate.
• Refined Residential-Style Bungalows and Villas: Inspired by the desire for intimacy and privacy, St. Regis Estates offers bungalows and villas that evoke a residential feel, giving guests an unparalleled level of comfort. These spaces are designed to be long-term retreats for travelers who wish to fully immerse themselves in their surroundings.
• Signature Culinary Experiences: Guests will be able to experience a new Chef-led dining experience at Pelican Hill, alongside a Signature Bar and Lobby, offering the finest in California-inspired cuisine. Local ingredients will be sourced for every meal, bringing the true taste of the region to every plate.
• The Iconic Coliseum Pool: The legendary Coliseum Pool, one of the estate’s most iconic features, will be updated for an even more luxurious experience. Surrounded by Roman-style columns and offering a stunning view of the Pacific, the pool area will be a place for guests to relax in style.
• Wellness and Relaxation: The Spa will undergo enhancements, including the addition of a Bella Vista Pool Caffè and Social Club, creating a perfect environment for relaxation and rejuvenation during long, leisurely stays.
• Exclusive Butler Service and Signature Rituals: True to St. Regis’s legacy, Pelican Hill will offer signature Butler Service and special rituals like Afternoon Tea and Sabrage. These iconic services will be reinterpreted through a distinctly local California lens, enhancing the overall guest experience.

St. Regis Estates: The Concept and Vision

• A Focus on Heritage and Culture: St. Regis Estates focuses on properties whose history has shaped their identity, preserving their legacy while adding the brand’s modern interpretation. The estates will be chosen for their historical significance, architectural character, and their ability to offer cultural and culinary experiences that connect guests to their surroundings.
• A Celebration of the Astor Family Legacy: The Astor family, founders of St. Regis Hotels, believed that true luxury was found in private estates, where they could retreat from the city and enjoy time with loved ones in settings full of natural beauty and heritage. St. Regis Estates brings this vision to life, offering guests a similar opportunity to step away from the fast pace of modern life and embrace the tranquillity of expansive estates steeped in history.
• The Rise of the Leisure Traveler: Today’s luxury traveler is seeking more than just luxury accommodations; they are looking for authentic connections to place. St. Regis Estates capitalizes on this desire by providing an experience that is both deeply personal and culturally enriching. Whether through bespoke dining experiences or curated activities, each estate aims to deliver a unique, soul-stirring journey.

A New Standard in Luxury Retreats

• Heritage and Character: Every St. Regis Estate will be chosen for its narrative power, character, and expansive setting, making it stand out as a destination in its own right. Rather than following trends or showcasing grandeur for its own sake, these estates are defined by historical significance, artistic flair, and a sense of belonging.
• Exclusive and Intimate Experiences: Guests will have the opportunity to indulge in rare, estate-only moments, whether it be a private dinner overlooking the ocean, a private wine-tasting event, or a bespoke tour of the estate’s grounds. The focus will be on creating an environment where guests can truly slow down and enjoy the pleasures of leisure, beauty, and connection.
• Sustainability at the Core: Each estate will also focus on sustainability by using eco-friendly practices and focusing on local resources, ensuring that every experience is as enriching for the environment as it is for the guest.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Luxury Travel

St. Regis Estates marks the beginning of a new era for luxury travel. The first estate, The Resort at Pelican Hill, will redefine what it means to retreat into nature while enjoying the finest in service, food, and accommodations. By blending the heritage of the Astor family with the needs of today’s luxury travelers, St. Regis is creating a new expression of exclusive estate living that honors the past while embracing the future.

For travelers seeking a more intimate, luxurious, and culturally connected experience, St. Regis Estates promises a lifestyle that feels rooted, soulful, and enduring. It’s a true sanctuary, where guests can enjoy the beauty of nature, indulge in refined luxury, and build lasting memories in a setting that feels truly their own.