The Return of the Grand Estate, Reimagined by St. Regis

There is a certain romance to the idea of an estate. Not merely a grand property, but a place shaped by time, ritual, and lived memory. With the introduction of St. Regis Estates, St. Regis Hotels and Resorts leans into that romance, unveiling a rarefied new expression reserved for properties defined by legacy, landscape, and a slower, more intentional way of inhabiting luxury.

St. Regis Estates emerges from a growing desire among travelers for privacy, authenticity, and a deeper emotional relationship with place. It draws inspiration from the House of Astor, whose historic estates were never designed for spectacle alone. These were retreats shaped by nature and culture, settings for gatherings that felt meaningful rather than performative. In translating that sensibility to the present, St. Regis Estates proposes a vision of hospitality that favors character over trend and heritage over excess.

Each Estate is chosen for its historical significance and extraordinary natural surroundings, then carefully reinterpreted through the St. Regis point of view. The result is an experience that feels residential in spirit yet unmistakably grand. Architecture is allowed to speak to its origins, while interiors are refined with a contemporary hand. Culinary and cultural experiences are rooted in local narratives, drawing from the land and its traditions. Moments are designed for long, unhurried stays, and service reflects the Astor legacy of warmth, discretion, and quiet finesse. Rather than rewriting history, St. Regis Estates seeks to honor it, elevating the vision of founders and long time stewards while allowing the estate to evolve naturally.

The first expression of St. Regis Estates will debut in 2027 at The Resort at Pelican Hill on the Newport Coast, ushering in a new chapter for one of Southern California’s most iconic coastal retreats. Spanning more than 500 acres, the estate unfolds across rolling hills and ocean facing vistas, where olive tree lined pathways lead toward architecture inspired by 16th century Italian Renaissance forms. Residential style bungalows and villas are set gently into the landscape, offering a sense of privacy that feels both expansive and intimate.

In preparation for its transformation, the resort is undergoing a thoughtful renaissance. Its celebrated Tom Fazio designed golf courses are being elevated, while all bungalows and villas are reimagined with refined interiors that balance comfort with restraint. A new chef led culinary experience will anchor the estate, complemented by a signature bar and a redefined lobby that invites both arrival and lingering. The intent is not reinvention for its own sake, but a deepening of identity, allowing design, lineage, and landscape to exist in quiet conversation.

Additional enhancements extend this philosophy of considered living. The Coliseum Pool is being renewed, while a Roman inspired colonnade will anchor the spa, lending a sense of classical calm. The Bella Vista Pool Caffè and Social Club will introduce a more relaxed rhythm to daytime gatherings, and an elevated Villa Clubhouse will cater to guests who choose to stay longer and settle in more fully. Signature St. Regis rituals, including Butler Service, Afternoon Tea, and Sabrage, will be introduced with a distinctly Californian sensibility. Even the bar, inspired by the legendary King Cole Bar, will feature a commissioned mural that reflects the character and spirit of Pelican Hill itself.

St. Regis Estates is less a brand extension than a philosophy made visible. It speaks to travelers who value continuity, context, and the quiet confidence of places that have endured. In these estates, luxury is not announced. It is felt, slowly, through space, service, and the subtle power of history allowed to breathe.