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St. Regis Hotels & Resorts is my favorite brand in the Marriott Bonvoy® portfolio. The hotels are elegant, refined, and a pleasure to call home for a few days. The Ritz-Carlton brand (also part of Marriott Bonvoy®) released its own offshoot brand in 2008 with The Ritz-Carlton Reserve. There are nine of these properties around the globe. Now, St. Regis has introduced St. Regis Estates, which is a highly selective “ultra-exclusive brand expression reserved for legacy-rich, leisure-led estates.” In other words, these estates represent the most exclusive tier within the St. Regis portfolio and are defined by historic significance, expansive natural settings, and exceptional amenities. I first wrote that Southern California would be getting a St. Regis property back in May 2024 and now we know it’s something a bit extra.
St. Regis Estates draws inspiration from the House of Astor’s tradition of establishing extraordinary homes in both urban and countryside settings. These retreats embodied refined living, natural beauty, cultural immersion, and meaningful celebration. The new St. Regis Estates bring that legacy into the modern era and reflect a growing desire among luxury travelers for privacy, authenticity, and destinations that feel soulful rather than performative.
Each property selected as a St. Regis Estate is chosen for its historical importance and exceptional surroundings. The brand then reimagines the estate through its distinctive lens, blending architectural grandeur with a warm, residential character. Guests will experience culinary and cultural offerings rooted in local stories, estate-specific moments designed for long and leisurely stays, and service distinguished by the Astor family’s philosophy of warmth, discretion, and polished refinement.
The inaugural St. Regis Estate will open with the rebranding of The Resort at Pelican Hill on the Newport Coast in 2027. This will mark a new chapter for one of Southern California’s most renowned coastal destinations. Encompassing more than 500 acres, the estate is defined by its serene landscape of olive-tree-lined walkways, sweeping ocean views, and rolling coastal hills. Its 16th-century Italian Renaissance-inspired architecture sets the stage for Bungalows and Villas designed to evoke elegant residential living.
As part of its transformation, the resort is undergoing a meticulous renovation. Enhancements include elevated experiences at the Tom Fazio-designed 36-hole golf courses, a complete reimagining of all Bungalows and Villas with refined new interiors, and the addition of a world-renowned chef-led culinary program. A new Signature Bar and Lobby will further elevate the estate’s ambiance and create a retreat shaped as much by its heritage and natural setting as by its design.
The transformation extends to many of Pelican Hill’s beloved features. The Coliseum Pool will be revived, while The Spa will be anchored by a Roman-inspired colonnade. New concepts such as the Bella Vista Pool Caffè, Social Club, and an enhanced Villa Clubhouse are being designed to encourage longer stays and deeper immersion in the estate’s tranquil environment.
True to the St. Regis legacy, the estate will introduce hallmark rituals and services, including signature Butler Service, Afternoon Tea, and Champagne sabering. Each will be adapted to reflect the character and culture of Southern California. The reimagined Pelican Hill bar draws inspiration from the iconic King Cole Bar and will feature a commissioned mural that captures the distinctive sense of place that defines the Newport Coast.
George Fleck, Senior Vice President & Global Brand Leader, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, said:
For the Astors, the founding family of the St. Regis brand, the ultimate luxury was retreating from the city to their country estates, where time with loved ones could be savored with exquisite ease amid settings rich in heritage and a rare sense of belonging. That ideal profoundly resonates with today’s luxury traveler. With St. Regis Estates, we honor that legacy by celebrating each estate’s origins and creating escapes that bring people together to embrace beauty, connection, and the simple pleasure of slowing down. Each estate is chosen for its narrative power, architectural character, and expansive, cinematic setting, offering a more enchanted and deeply residential resort experience.”
No word has been released around participation in the Marriott Bonvoy® program, benefits, etc. I would venture to guess that it will be treated similar to The Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties in that members can earn and redeem points, get credit for elite nights, and not expect too much else.
Anthony’s Take: With the debut of St. Regis Estates, the brand is taking it up another notch. It will be interesting to see how many more of these properties fall under this flag and where they are in the world.
(Image Credits: Marriott.)
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
2 comments
Primary reason for this is because Pelican Hill is a v. different hotel to every other one in the St. Regis’ portfolio. Almost guaranteed if there are redemption opportunities they’ll be v large
Marriott’s announcement has to be the most ridiculous marketing copy ever. That aside, what this really means is St. Regis now a conversion brand for “luxury” hotels.