The Dunlin, a member of the Auberge Resorts Collection, is a new coastal escape on Kiawah River in South Carolina. Named after a beautiful local shorebird, this charming getaway is the first of its kind in the area—a stylish luxury retreat that feels like an eternal Southern summer home, embodying whimsical charm and unparalleled nature experiences. Located along the Charleston coastline within an exclusive 2,000 acre waterfront community, the property’s Amanda Lindroth-designed interiors invite guests to experience the bliss of coastal living in Charleston’s Sea Islands. With twenty miles of waterfront, scenic nature trails and abundant marshlands rich in native flora and fauna, The Dunlin celebrates the rich heritage of South Carolina alongside the simple wonder of life on the river.

Effortlessly draped in the essence of this serene natural landscape, each of the resort’s seventy-two cottage-style guest rooms and suites are delightfully appointed. The cottage-inspired, Lowcountry aesthetic features wicker, wood and textured linen combined with white-washed tones, mint-green accents and honey oak floors. Outside, the porches in each room are the perfect place for morning coffee, paging through a good book, or a nightcap with spectacular riverfront views. Almost double the size of the generously-proportioned guest rooms, suites feature large living rooms, dining nooks, and in-room soaking tubs with river views. The signature Sweetbay Suite with its wraparound porch, indoor fireplace, and outdoor tub for bathing in nature is the standout among the property’s accommodations.  An ideal destination for families or friends traveling together, the resort offers a variety of rooms and suites that can be seamlessly configured to accommodate couples, families or groups of any type. 

More than a personal getaway, The Dunlin features thoughtfully designed wedding and events spaces, making it an ideal destination for both business and leisure that celebrates both the rich heritage of South Carolina and the simple wonder of life on the river. 

A Celebration Of Coastal Southern Cuisine

Helmed by Executive Chef Michael DeCicco, The Dunlin celebrates soulful Southern cooking across its dining venues and through unique culinary experiences—from oyster roasts and whole hog BBQs to Lowcountry boils and riverside picnics.  The resort’s culinary journey is intended to be destination-defining, bringing elevated cocktail and dining experiences to the region with local and seasonal ingredients at the forefront.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Linnette’s is the hotel’s signature restaurant, paying homage to the heritage of Johns Island with familiar and comforting coastal cuisine prepared with wit and sophistication. The open kitchen serves up woodfired dishes from a seafood-forward menu, with ingredients sourced from local fishermen. 

Nestled just beneath Linnette's, is the Willet Room, the riverside lounge bar serving up the perfect iced tea, all-day bites, cocktails and rare whiskeys with a side of southern hospitality. The perfect perch for a morning coffee and pastry, a post-adventure refreshment and pre-dinner drink or nightcap, the space is the ideal hangout from sun-up to sun-down.

And not to be overlooked, The Cove is a sun-drenched setting amongst swaying palms and rustling marsh grasses that offers poolside dining year-round. The charming,1950s- inspired, bygone-beach-club evokes the perfect atmosphere for enjoying lunch classics and refreshing cocktails lounging in private cabanas. Sunbathers should be on the lookout for surprise and delightful deliveries of spirited popsicles, a roving snow cone cart or a visit from a poolside oyster shucker. 

A Destination for Riverside Relaxation

A sanctuary dedicated to self-nurturing and wellness, Aster, an Auberge Spa, is the resort’s house of beauty and rejuvenation. Inspired by the natural healing potential of honey—particularly Aster honey sourced from local apiaries—the spa menu includes advanced French beauty rituals by Biologique Recherche as well as botanical treatments inspired by Farmaesthetics Fine Herbal Skincare.  Hive-to-table experiences include a Healing Honey Body treatment which features locally harvested Midnight Honey Oil, while garden-inspired treatments such as the Milk & Buds Facial incorporate local flowers and essences designed to reconnect guests to the natural world. Poetry in the Garden, Breathing for Beauty, Cooking with Flowers and The Romance of Teas and Tinctures are just a few of the wellness workshops offered. Bringing wellness beyond the walls of the spa, poolside treatments available to guests include an Aster Foot Rub, Radiant River waterless facial and more. And for those desiring to optimize wellbeing, daily fitness classes and a program of visiting specialists are offered.  

A Natural Playground for Adventure & Leisure Pursuits

The Dunlin connects like-minded individuals of all ages through the joys of river life and unrivaled experiences on the water. Guests can embark into the Saltmarsh to get up close with wildlife in an exhilarating coastal safari that explores Kiawah River’s protected estuary thronging with roseate spoonbills, great blue herons, sea turtles and dolphins. In this natural paradise, boaters, kayakers and paddleboarders can connect with tidal patterns and explore the mirror-like waters at different times of the day with a one of a kind “Going for Grits” morning kayak ride to a Southern breakfast picnic or “Moonrise Paddle” full moon guided-kayaking adventures. A popular Lowcountry pastime is taught in The Dunlin’s “Gone Fishin’” workshop, allowing guests to learn a variety of fishing technique like net casting, crabbing and bait lining with a local expert.

On land, more than twenty miles of nature trails invite biking and hiking through moss-covered oaks and pines via creeks, ponds and masses of golden marsh grasses along the water’s edge. Learn new techniques or gain hands-on experience with natural ingredients through our oyster harvesting workshops, cheese-making excursions to the local Goatery, and experiences on the heirloom cattle ranch. For family adventures, younger guests can enjoy “Minnows Camp” and toy boat races as well as a visit to a neighboring farm where guests of all ages can collect eggs, feed chickens, milk cows, and interact with friendly farm animals. Primed to be the village hang out, the resort will bring families and neighbors together over bonfires, communal seafood feasts, whole hog BBQs, and an annual Summer kids club to form lifelong memories. In close proximity to Charleston, the city’s cobblestone streets, historic homes and captivating blend of charm and cultural richness await an easy drive away from the resort. Come both relax and explore nature—just a short flight away.