St. Regis Estates: A Legacy of Heritage and High-End Real Estate Market Sophistication

In a bold step that fuses the heritage of hospitality with the vision of tomorrow’s ultra-luxury travel, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts has unveiled its latest brand expression: St. Regis Estates. Launching in 2027, this curated collection of landmark properties redefines what it means to retreat in elegance, offering a deeply residential resort experience rooted in history, nature, and elevated living.

This move comes at a pivotal moment for the global real estate market, as the demand for branded residences and historically resonant properties continues to surge among Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNWI). According to recent reports, the global population of UHNWIs surpassed 427,000 in 2024, and real estate continues to dominate their portfolios, comprising nearly 25% of their total wealth allocation.

A New Chapter in the Legacy of Luxury

Inspired by the Astor family’s tradition of escaping to countryside estates, the new St. Regis Estates brand is designed for those who seek more than a destination—they seek a story. Each estate will be hand-selected for its architectural character, narrative power, and rarefied setting.

The first in this exclusive portfolio is The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach, California. Reimagined as The Resort at Pelican Hill, A St. Regis Estate, the property will undergo a comprehensive transformation to reflect the new brand ethos. The resort spans over 500 acres and offers a deeply immersive experience, with architecture modeled on Andrea Palladio’s 16th-century designs, olive and cypress groves, and unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean.

The Art of Living in History

Set to undergo renovations that elevate both design and amenities, the estate will introduce new bungalows and villas, each reflecting the exquisite craftsmanship synonymous with St. Regis. Expect refined interiors, a reimagined King Cole Bar-inspired Pelican Hill Bar, and a heightened culinary experience—all curated to offer a slower, more meaningful pace of life.

Signature features will include:

Private terraces, limestone fireplaces, and handcrafted terra cotta details.
New Bella Vista Pool Caffe and Social Club.
A transformed Villa Clubhouse.
Enhanced Tom Fazio-designed 36-hole golf course.
An updated Coliseum Pool, lined with over 1 million hand-cut mosaic tiles.

This quiet grandeur is designed for the 1%—those who value discretion, timeless beauty, and the enduring emotion of heritage.

A Strategic Investment in the Real Estate Market

The St. Regis Estates announcement comes as branded residences continue to outperform the broader real estate market. According to Knight Frank, branded residences command a 30% price premium on average globally. Properties with legacy value—especially those offering a blend of privacy, natural setting, and design pedigree—are gaining increasing attention from UHNWIs seeking both lifestyle and capital appreciation.

With over 300 million new luxury consumers expected by 2030 (Bain & Company x Altagamma, 2025), the long-term outlook for experiential, story-driven properties remains robust. These estates offer not only a physical sanctuary but also a powerful cultural asset—a collectible form of real estate where tradition and luxury converge.

The Future of Country Estates for the 1%

As global UHNWIs look beyond metropolitan high-rises toward exclusive estates that offer peace, privacy, and provenance, the St. Regis Estates collection answers this desire with poetic precision. Each property will be chosen not only for location and luxury, but for its ability to transport—to offer a portal into a slower, richer world filled with narrative and nuance.

Kevin Kelly, General Manager of Pelican Hill, captured the essence of this vision: “The new designation celebrates the resort’s ethos as a true sanctuary—a place where guests can experience the rhythm of Southern California through art, nature, and gastronomy, elevated by the craftsmanship and service synonymous with St. Regis.”