St. Regis and Ritz-Carlton in Newport Beach: Why Luxury Brands Are Betting on the Lifestyle
Cassie French October 21, 2026
Cassie French October 21, 2026
Newport Beach has always given people a reason to dream a little bigger. Ocean views, harbor sunsets, beautiful neighborhoods and dinner just minutes from the coast—it is a lifestyle that makes an ordinary Tuesday feel a little like vacation.
Now, two major luxury names are becoming part of its next chapter: Pelican Hill is preparing to debut as the first St. Regis Estate, and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Newport Beach is planned near Fashion Island.
As a Newport Beach homeowner, Realtor and interior designer, I see these projects as a vote of confidence in something residents already appreciate: the experience of living here.
According to Marriott’s current resort information, The Resort at Pelican Hill will begin its next phase of enhancements in November 2026 and is expected to debut as the first St. Regis Estate in fall 2027.
Set across 504 coastal acres, Pelican Hill already brings together Italian-inspired architecture, spacious bungalows and villas, ocean-view golf, dining and spa experiences. Its transition introduces the St. Regis name to an established Newport Coast destination.
For those of us who love Newport Beach, the significance is exciting: our coastline will be home to the inaugural property in this new expression of St. Regis hospitality.
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Newport Beach is planned as a 22-story luxury condominium tower at 900 Newport Center Drive, on the VEA Newport Beach hotel property near Fashion Island.
The project website highlights views, amenities and Ritz-Carlton service. The public planning record describes up to 159 residences, with amenities including a pool, spa, event lawn and fitness center.
One location detail matters: this is separate from the Big Newport movie theater redevelopment. The Ritz-Carlton project is associated with the VEA property.
It is also a branded residential development by Newport Center Residences, LLC, using the Ritz-Carlton name under license—not a tower owned or developed by Marriott itself.
For buyers interested in luxury condos in Newport Beach, the appeal is easy to understand: a home near shopping, dining and coastal attractions, paired with the service expectations associated with a globally recognized brand.
My interpretation of these luxury brands choosing this Orange County city are because these projects reflect confidence in Newport Beach’s appeal to luxury travelers and homebuyers. The residential project’s own marketing emphasizes the beaches, Balboa Island and shopping. Pelican Hill’s positioning centers on its coastal setting, architecture, space and privacy. The lifestyle is part of their offering.
And that is exactly what I talk about with buyers. A beautiful kitchen matters—I am an interior designer, so you know I have opinions—but the surrounding community shapes how you enjoy that home every day. Newport Beach offers different versions of coastal living, from Newport Coast to Corona del Mar, Newport Heights and the harbor communities. The right fit depends on how you want your days to feel. At times, the Newport Beach lifestyle supersedes the actual home and amenities provided.
As a resident, I want Newport Beach to remain clean, welcoming, well-maintained and thoughtful about growth. Beautiful surroundings need ongoing care, and new development should come with serious attention to traffic, infrastructure and neighborhood character.
The City’s February 2026 update identifies public safety as a top priority and describes continued planning for stronger public safety infrastructure. Its April General Plan update emphasizes balancing housing needs with quality of life and coastal resilience. That is a more accurate picture than saying Newport Beach will never become denser. The city is evolving. For me, the goal is to protect the qualities residents love while making thoughtful decisions about its future.
These projects add to Newport Beach’s luxury story. They do not automatically raise the value of every nearby home, but they are meaningful developments to watch as the city’s hospitality and residential offerings evolve.
For buyers, the question is personal: which neighborhood, property and lifestyle fit the way you want to live? For sellers, the opportunity is to communicate the full experience of your location, along with the design, condition and presentation of your home.
Thinking about buying or selling in Newport Beach? I’m Cassie French, a Realtor with The Agency and the owner of Classy AF Interiors. I combine local real estate knowledge with design and staging expertise to help you see the possibilities—and make your next move with a clear strategy.
Newport Beach already has the lifestyle. Its next luxury chapter is giving us even more to talk about.
Cassie French
Cassie French is a top real estate agent serving Newport Beach and North Tustin, specializing in helping homeowners maximize their home's value through strategic preparation, expert staging, and results-driven marketing. As a member of The Agency Orange County and owner of Classy AF Interiors, she combines real estate expertise with professional design experience to position homes for stronger buyer demand and top-dollar sales. With a hands-on, client-first approach and experience renovating over 100 homes, Cassie is trusted for her market knowledge, attention to detail, and proven ability to deliver exceptional results for sellers.
Enthusiastic, upbeat, and energetic, Cassie French's passion for the Newport Beach & North Tustin community shines through every interaction and transaction. Part of The Agency Orange County, Cassie's fresh perspective pairs beautifully with her commitment to excellence and extensive knowledge of the area to provide clients with unmatched guidance and care.
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