The Resort at Pelican Hill is entering a new chapter—one that honors its legacy while embracing the future of luxury. As the flagship of the St. Regis brand, the Resort will undergo a thoughtful transformation that enhances its iconic character and introduces refined modernity across the property.
Inspired by the harmony and elegance of the Italian Renaissance, The Resort at Pelican Hill was envisioned as a timeless retreat along Southern California’s coast. Drawing from the architectural ideals of Andrea Palladio, the Resort opened in 2008 and quickly earned acclaim for its natural splendor, classical design, and exceptional service.
This fall, the Resort will embark on a renaissance that reimagines its most beloved spaces while preserving the spirit of its original vision. From refreshed interiors to elevated guest experiences, elements and usher in a new era of timeless luxury and allow this crown jewel of the Southern California coast to shine with renewed brilliance.
Resort Enhancements & Overview
The projects will focus on refining iconic spaces, modernizing interiors, and elevating guest experiences while preserving the timeless Palladian architecture that defines Pelican Hill.
All details subject to change and will be updated regularly.
Key Milestones
Restaurant reopening
st. regis flagging
Renaissance
Completion
Timeline of Projects
All details and timelines subject to change.
November
’25
– February
’26
February
’26
– May
’26
May
’26
– July
’26
July
’26
– October
’26
Projects Pending Timeline
Outlets & Amenties
Villa Pool
September – October
2025
completed
Availability & Continuity
All Villa guests are invited to enjoy the Coliseum and Bella Vista Pools located at the Main Estate. The Villa Clubhouse will remain open, continuing to provide daily breakfast, as well as bar service throughout the day.
FAQ
Will there be a lot of noise during this project?
We anticipate that the most disruptive work will be during the demolition, when the pool tiles are being removed. This is projected to last 8 days from Sept. 9 – 17. Work will occur on weekdays between 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. during demolition.
On days that are not scheduled for demolition, work will commence at 8:00 a.m. and continue through 5:00 p.m. Work will not occur over the weekend.
Will Villa guests continue to have daily breakfast at the Clubhouse?
Yes, we will offer daily breakfast throughout this project; charges may apply. Villa breakfast will be relocated for one day to Coliseum on Monday, Oct. 6th.
On days that are not scheduled for demolition, work will commence at 8:00 a.m. and continue through 5:00 p.m. Work will not occur over the weekend.
Can Villa guests use the Kids Pool or Hot Tub during this project?
Yes, we anticipate the Kids Pool and Hot Tub will be open periodically during the project. Starting Oct. 7th, they will be available regularly.
Are the Villa Pool Cabanas available to be reserved?
Yes, the Villa Pool Cabanas will be available to rent periodically throughout the project and after Oct. 7th.
Coliseum Pool Complex
The perfectly circular Coliseum Pool (136 feet in diameter, three feet deep throughout, ~380,000 gallons) was designed as a jewel of Roman inspiration, with the water held at a constant, comfortable temperature year round.
What’s Changing
Coliseum Pool & Grill
Pool resurfacing, deck, and cabana updates (pool size /shape unchanged).
Bella Vista Pool
Pool resurfacing.
Main Estate
Pelican Hill’s public spaces echo Palladio’s love of symmetry and procession—multistory rotundas, corniced columns, arches that frame sea views—and an emphasis on authentic materials (hand-carved Italian limestone, lime-based Italian plasters, wrought iron lighting) selected and tested to achieve a patina of timelessness
Floor plans remain largely unchanged; the goal is a refined expression of our established Palladian aesthetic—elevating finishes, furnishings, and guest flow while safeguarding the sense of arrival and sea oriented vistas
What’s Changing
Upper Estate
The Main Estate Lobby, The Great Room, and Caffè & Marketplace undergo enhancements (aesthetic refreshes, layout continuity preserved).
Andrea
A deeper refinement of the Andrea restaurant and adjacent bar/patio is planned later in the enhancement sequence.
Golf & Pelican Grill
November – October
2025-2026
active work
Designed by Tom Fazio, our Ocean North and South courses are woven through coastal terrain with sweeping Pacific vistas.
Course Sequencing & Availability
The upcoming renewal—led by Brian Curley (Curley‑Wagner Golf Design) with McDonald & Sons—focuses on full bunker reconstruction, tee‑box leveling and sodding, cart‑path repairs, and refreshed landscaping to preserve the classic design while meeting modern conditioning standards.
November 3, 2025 – February 8, 2026
South Holes 1–9 closed
South Holes 10–18 open (9‑hole rounds)
Staff escort to #10
South Course tee times must be made through Reservations by calling 855-212-9677; online booking will not be available.
North 18‑holes open
North Course tee times can be booked as usual via Reservations or online
February 9, 2026 – May 3, 2026
South Holes 10–18 closed
South Holes 1–9 open (9‑hole rounds). Forecaddie included and required, except for Gold and Platinum Members. Tee times must be made through Reservations by calling 855-212-9677; online booking will not be available.
North 18‑holes open. Tee times can be booked via Reservations or online.
May 4, 2026 – Jul 26, 2026
North Holes 4–12 closed
North 9‑hole loop open (Holes 1–3 & 13–18). Forecaddie included and required, except for Gold and Platinum Members. Guests must call Reservations at 855-212-9677 to book a tee time; online reservations will not be available.
South 18‑holes open. Tee times can be booked via Reservations or online.
Jul 27, 2026 – October 18, 2026
North Holes 1–3 & 13–18 closed
North 9‑hole loop open (Holes 4–12). Forecaddie included and required, except for Gold and Platinum Members. Guests must call Reservations at 855-212-9677 to book a tee time; online reservations will not be available.
South 18‑holes open. Tee times can be booked via Reservations or online.
From October 19, 2026
Both courses fully open; guest fee rates TBD
Spa & Fitness
The Spa draws on Greco‑Roman bath culture—the Roman‑inspired Acqua Colonnade, soaring volumes, and Palladian symmetry—to perfect a state of calm.
What’s Changing
The Spa
Discreet enhancements across the Men’s and Women’s Lounges, Salon, and Spa Boutique; layout remains unchanged. Services remain uninterrupted.
Fitness (Main Estate)
To undergo enhancements; guests may enjoy Fresh Air Fitness classes or the Villa Clubhouse Fitness during this period.
Accommodations
Bungalows
Terraced along private lanes near the Coliseum Pool, our Bungalows echo a Tuscan village—expansive layouts, fireplaces, oversized tubs, and private terraces oriented to sunsets and sea.
What’s Changing
Enhancements focus on new furniture, carpet and artwork to elegantly modernize interiors; floor plans remain unchanged.
Villas & Villa Clubhouse
Our Villas are private estates with generous indoor/outdoor living, attached garages, and panoramic terraces—an enclave overlooking the North Course and the Pacific.
What’s Changing
The Villas
Enhancements focus on furnishings, textiles, and art; floor plans unchanged.
Villa Clubhouse & Fitness
Clubhouse and fitness enhancements; scope includes an elegantly modern update to interiors plus a new bar & dining concept, library, and social space.
Meetings
Events
Weddings
The Resort’s architecture, courtyards, and sea‑view lawns create a cinematic backdrop for celebrations—Italian inspiration, crafted in California.
Availability & Continuity
Events continue uninterrupted in designated spaces away from active work. For availability, contact sales@pelicanhill.com (meetings) or weddings@pelicanhill.com (weddings).
What’s Changing
Indoor Spaces
Sophisticated textiles and appointments; floor plans unchanged.
Outdoor Venues
Enhancements to outdoor venues, layouts remain unchanged.
FAQs
Will the Resort remain open?
Yes. Enhancements are sequenced to preserve a serene guest experience; work is confined to weekday daylight hours with buffer zones and pristine guest pathways.
How will check‑in work while the Main Estate lobby is refined?
Guests may check in at the Villa Clubhouse or at Allegra, our elegantly reimagined temporary lobby within the Main Estate; both provide the same thoughtful service standard.
What about noise?
Active work occurs Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; we maintain quiet hours and protective buffer zones to safeguard guest comfort.
Will layouts change?
Guest‑favorite layouts remain unchanged across Bungalows, Villas, meeting rooms, and key venues; enhancements focus on interiors, finishes, and guest comfort.
Which pools are available?
During Coliseum and Bella Vista work, all guests may enjoy the Villa Pool with convenient transportation from the Main Estate.
Can I still book golf?
Yes. At least one 18‑hole experience will remain available at all times, with 9‑hole loops during phased closures on the other course. Guests booking tee times for the 9-hole golf course must call Reservations at 855-212-9677. Guests booking tee times for the 18-hole golf course can book through Reservations or online. Both courses fully re‑open Oct 19, 2026 (target)
Are meetings and weddings affected?
Events continue uninterrupted in designated spaces away from active work. For date‑specific availability, contact sales@pelicanhill.com (meetings) or weddings@pelicanhill.com (weddings).
Where can I get coffee or casual dining during the Main Estate refresh?
Coffee: Allegra (off the Main Drive) and the Villa Clubhouse.
Bar/afternoon refreshments: Villa Clubhouse or Pelican Grill.
What fitness options are available during the Main Estate Fitness closure?
Enjoy Fresh Air Fitness classes or the Villa Clubhouse Fitness; after reopening, Villa guests may also use the Main Estate Fitness Center 24/7.
How will guests be transported between areas?
Transportation is readily available from the Main Estate to the Villa Pool and Clubhouse during related enhancements. Shuttle service to Crystal Cove beach will also remain available on request.
