Major upgrades coming to The Resort at Pelican Hill are expected to touch every part of the 504-acre property—from the bungalows and villas to the golf course.
The enhancement project comes as Marriott International settles in as the resort’s new property manager, a role the Irvine Company previously handled.
At the time of the management shift in July 2024, the Marriott said the 332-key hotel would add the St. Regis flag to its name as part of the transition. Last December, the company announced that The Resort will officially be the first property in a new luxury portfolio known as St. Regis Estates.
By 2027, it will be called The Resort at Pelican Hill, a St. Regis Estate.
The new Estates collection was inspired by St. Regis’ founding family, the Astors, according to Senior Vice President & Global Brand Leader George Fleck. The included properties will be “legacy-rich, leisure-led estates – rarified hotels defined by significant history, expansive grounds, and extraordinary amenities,” St. Regis said in a statement.
“We are proud that Pelican Hill will set the tone for the Estates collection, each hotel distinct in its history yet united by the same spirit of elegance, warmth, and care,” Managing Director Kevin Kelly, recently promoted from general manager, said in a statement.
To prepare for the brand update, the resort has begun a year-long renovation project that will modernize its interiors without losing its original Italian design influences.
Upgrades to the Villa Pool were finished in October and now the resort’s golf courses are under renovation. The courses and Golf Club are being updated by veteran architect Brian Curley of Curley-Wagner Golf Design, who has designed over 150 courses around the globe.
The main estate is next in line with the Coliseum pool complex, clubhouse and spa to follow.
The Resort at Pelican Hill will also add amenities such as a butler service, afternoon tea and sabrage—the opening of a champagne bottle with a saber.
“We want to make sure that we’re honoring the legacy that has already been established so firmly in this market with The Resort at Pelican Hill and really taking that to the next level as we transition the resort. Having the time and thought to do that in the most appropriate way is extremely important,” new General Manager Shannon Gilbert told the Business Journal.
New General Manager on Board
Gilbert, who has 20 years of experience working at Ritz-Carlton properties, was tapped as GM in November after Kelly’s promotion.
She began her hospitality career as a hostess at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage while finishing college. Gilbert said she found her groove after shifting from food service to hotel sales and marketing.
She told the Business Journal that she’s already familiar with the Orange County luxury market thanks to 10 years at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel.
“It’s one thing to be in a beautiful location and provide beautiful offerings, but to provide deeply rooted experiences that last with our guests is extremely meaningful to me,” Gilbert said.
Still in the early days of her new job, Gilbert said the current repositioning of The Resort has been critical to her understanding of the hotel.
“I think with the Marriott brand now behind it and the St. Regis Estate brand announcement, it’s just going to continue to further elevate us in terms of not only distribution, but awareness. And also providing those distinct experiences within the hospitality community,” Gilbert said.
