The Resort at Pelican Hill, a St. Regis Estate

Pelican Hill, the Newport Coast resort that opened in 2008, is becoming the first property in St. Regis Estates, a new top tier Marriott announced in December 2025 for historic, leisure-led estates with large grounds. From 2027 it will trade as The Resort at Pelican Hill, a St. Regis Estate, after a sitewide renovation.

The setting

The resort covers about 504 acres above the Pacific in Newport Coast, with architecture inspired by the Italian Renaissance and 36 holes of ocean-view golf on two Tom Fazio courses. It has held five-diamond status since 2009, and its spa is Forbes Five-Star rated. Marriott took over management from The Irvine Company in 2024.

Rooms and suites

Accommodation is in residential-style Bungalows and Villas rather than a main hotel block. Every one of them is getting new interiors. The brand has not published updated room or villa counts. The Villa Clubhouse, which serves villa guests on longer stays, is also being upgraded.

What it means for advisors

The planned changes read like a checklist of St. Regis signatures with a California accent:

• Butler service, afternoon tea and the evening sabrage ritual
• A new chef-led restaurant plus a Signature Bar and lobby
• A bar inspired by the King Cole Bar, with a commissioned mural
• A renewed Coliseum Pool and a new Bella Vista Pool Caffè and Social Club
• Refreshed golf courses and a Roman-style colonnade at the spa

It suits golf trips, multigenerational families who want villa space and Southern California itineraries that pair Orange County beaches with Los Angeles. As a Marriott property, it sits in the Bonvoy ecosystem. The bigger point for advisors is learning the new Estates tier: expect Marriott to position it above standard St. Regis hotels.

Opening status

The resort remains open, but its renovation programme begins on 2 November 2026 and the resort says some spaces, amenities and services will be unavailable while work is under way. The rebrand to a St. Regis Estate is announced for 2027, with no month given. Check exactly which facilities are closed before booking stays from November 2026 onward.

Sources: pelicanhill.com, ocbj.com, luxurytraveladvisor.com, hospitalitynet.org