Open as of 1 August 2024, The Dunlin, part of the prestigious Auberge Resorts Collection, offers an elegant retreat within the exclusive Kiawah River community. Named after a charming local shorebird, this resort epitomises the essence of a timeless Southern summer home, blending whimsical charm with unparalleled natural experiences.
Spanning 2,000 acres of waterfront, the resort features interiors designed by Amanda Lindroth, welcoming guests to indulge in the tranquil beauty of Charleston’s Sea Islands. The resort includes 20 miles of waterfront, scenic trails, lush marshlands, two Auberge dining venues, event spaces, and a destination spa, all celebrating the rich heritage of South Carolina.
Located just a 40-minute drive from downtown Charleston, The Dunlin offers a serene escape where guests can immerse themselves in the rhythms of nature. Designed by renowned architect Robert Glazier, the resort harmonises a modern take on a Southern summer home with the pristine ecosystem of the Kiawah River. The architecture features generous porches, gabled roofs, and open spaces, creating timeless settings for both solitude and socialising. Interiors by Amanda Lindroth showcase classic island-style design with bright batik prints and soothing undertones.
The family-friendly luxury resort offers 72 cottage-style guest rooms and suites, each embodying the laid-back Lowcountry aesthetic with wicker, wood, textured linen, white-washed hues, mint-green accents, and honey oak floors. Spacious porches offer the perfect morning coffee or evening relaxation spots with stunning river views. Suites, nearly double the size of guest rooms, include large living areas, dining nooks, and in-room soaking tubs with river vistas. The signature Sweetbay Suite features a wraparound porch, an indoor fireplace, and an outdoor tub, which is available as a private two-bedroom cottage. The resort also plans to offer 19 private residences for sale in 2024.
The Dunlin’s accommodations are set in intimate guest house settings, providing easy access to the resort’s array of amenities. The main River House, with its wraparound porch and the atmospheric Willet Room bar, invites guests to unwind, while the signature restaurant, Linnette’s, offers panoramic river views.
Under the guidance of Executive Chef Michael DeCicco, The Dunlin celebrates Southern culinary traditions with offerings like oyster roasts, whole hog BBQs, Lowcountry boils, and riverside picnics. Linnette’s, the signature restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring coastal cuisine prepared with local ingredients. Highlights include seafood from Barrier Island Oysters and produce from Kiawah River’s neighbouring farms.
The Willet Room, located beneath Linnette’s, offers a cosy riverside lounge for cocktails, rare whiskeys, and Southern hospitality. The Cove provides poolside dining with a 1950s beach-club ambience, perfect for enjoying classic lunch dishes and refreshing cocktails.
Aster, an Auberge Spa, offers a range of rejuvenating treatments inspired by the healing properties of honey. The spa menu includes botanical treatments and advanced French beauty rituals, along with fitness classes and workshops. Guests can also enjoy poolside treatments, ensuring wellness extends beyond the spa walls.
The Dunlin connects guests of all ages to the joys of river life with a variety of activities. Guests can explore the Kiawah River’s estuary on coastal safaris, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing workshops. On land, over 20 miles of nature trails offer biking and hiking opportunities. The resort also provides unique experiences like oyster harvesting, cheese-making excursions, and visits to local farms.
The Dunlin is also poised to become the premier destination in South Carolina for weddings and events, offering picturesque backdrops, coastal dining, and an expert events team. Event spaces range from green fields under oak trees to the versatile River Barns. The resort has partnered with event designer Bronson van Wyck to offer a curated wedding closet with linens and tabletop items for loan.
To find out more about The Dunlin and book, visit the links below:
The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection
6000 Kiawah River Dr
Johns Island 29455
South Carolina
United States
Web: aubergeresorts.com/the-dunlin
Tel: +1 855 923 7912
Online Booking: reserve.aubergeresorts.com
Instagram: @dunlinauberge
Facebook: @dunlinauberge