Pelican Hill Is Becoming Southern California’s First St. Regis Resort — And That’s a Big Deal for Newport Coas

In 2027, The Resort at Pelican Hill will officially become the first St. Regis resort in Southern California, marking a major milestone not just for luxury hospitality, but for the entire Newport Coast community.

For locals, homeowners, and buyers watching the area closely, this is one of those changes that quietly signals long-term value.

What’s Actually Happening at Pelican Hill

Pelican Hill isn’t closing or being replaced. Instead, it’s being elevated.

The resort will be reintroduced as The Resort at Pelican Hill, a St. Regis Estate, part of a new ultra-luxury category within the St. Regis brand. This designation is reserved for exceptional, large-scale properties with a strong sense of place — and Pelican Hill checks every box.

Planned updates include:

• Renovated villas and bungalows with refreshed interiors

• New chef-driven dining experiences

• Redesigned lobby, bar, and social spaces

• Enhancements to the spa and Coliseum Pool

• Continued investment in the Tom Fazio–designed golf courses

• Elevated service standards, including classic St. Regis touches like personalized butler service

The goal isn’t to modernize for the sake of it. It’s to lean into what Pelican Hill already does well while layering in a globally recognized luxury brand.

Why the St. Regis Name Matters

St. Regis is one of the most respected names in luxury hospitality worldwide. Their resorts are known for discretion, service, and a residential feel rather than flash.

Bringing that brand to Newport Coast does a few important things:

• It puts the area on the radar for international luxury buyers and travelers

• It reinforces Newport Coast’s position as a top-tier coastal destination

• It strengthens long-term perception of quality, exclusivity, and value

This isn’t a short-term trend. Resorts like this tend to attract a very specific audience — the same audience that often becomes buyers.

What This Means for Newport Coast Real Estate

Luxury resorts and real estate move together. When a globally recognized brand invests heavily in a location, it usually reflects confidence in the area’s future.

For Newport Coast homeowners, this kind of development often supports:

• Stronger long-term property values

• Increased demand for nearby homes, especially ocean-view and gated communities

• Continued interest from out-of-area and international buyers

Neighborhoods like Pelican Hill, Pelican Crest, Crystal Cove, and surrounding Newport Coast communities already benefit from location and views. A St. Regis Estate next door only reinforces that appeal.

Looking Ahead to 2027

While the official rebranding is still a couple of years away, these changes don’t happen overnight. Planning, renovations, and branding shifts will unfold gradually — and locals will start seeing the impact well before opening day.

If you’re considering buying or selling in Newport Coast, this is the kind of long-term development worth paying attention to.

Luxury real estate is as much about lifestyle and perception as it is about square footage. The arrival of Southern California’s first St. Regis resort is a clear signal that Newport Coast remains one of the most desirable coastal markets in the state.