The Dunlin
Lowcountry summer camp for grown-ups. Think wicker furniture, batik prints, screened porches, and a color palette borrowed from the salt marsh. It's not slick or corporate — it's deliberately slow, residential, and Southern.
Request a room directly facing the river — worth specifying at booking
Why It Matters
Michelin One-Key designation; voted top resort in South Carolina by Travel + Leisure readers; Johns Island's first full-service hotel; Auberge's first South Carolina property; set inside an active agrihood with a working goat farm, cattle ranch, and CSA program; Amanda Lindroth interiors; nature activities including moonrise kayaks and dolphin safaris.
The Dunlin opened August 1, 2024 as Johns Island's first full-service hotel — and Auberge's first property in South Carolina. Designed by architect Robert Glazier with interiors by Amanda Lindroth, the resort sits on the banks of the Kiawah River inside a 2,000-acre conservation community, 20 miles from downtown Charleston. Rooms are cottage-style with honey oak floors, mint green accents, and private porches facing the marsh.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Dunlin Double Queen
The double queen option, well-suited for families or friends traveling together. Same cottage aesthetic as the Riverfront King — whitewashed walls, honey oak floors, wicker accents, mint green details. Accessible configurations are available with roll-in showers, grab bars, and TTY phone indicators.
Two Queens
Riverfront Bungalow
The newest addition to the property (opened 2026), designed by Amanda Lindroth continuing the whitewashed coastal aesthetic with textured fabrics. Doors open to transform the living space into a wide furnished porch with waterfront views. Includes a fully equipped kitchenette and breakfast table. Direct river access and a fenced yard — suited for families or guests wanting maximum privacy.
Riverfront King
The entry-level room, but the views make it feel far from basic. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a private terrace face the Kiawah River. Whitewashed walls, honey oak floors, mint green accents, and wicker touches throughout. Bathroom has a double vanity, walk-in rain shower, and soaking tub. Double closets and an in-room seating area with sofa.
KingSaltgrass Suite with Tub
At 740 sq ft, roughly double the size of the standard rooms. The standout feature is the in-bedroom deep soaking tub positioned to frame sweeping river views — a genuinely romantic setup. Living room with dining nook and fireplace, private terrace with riverfront views, and a spacious bathroom with double vanity and walk-in rain shower. Can connect to another king bedroom to form a two-bedroom.
KingSweetbay Suite (One Bedroom)
The flagship one-bedroom suite — nearly 2,000 sq ft of living space designed to feel like a private summer home. Wraparound wicker porch with river views, outdoor soaking tub for star-gazing baths, indoor fireplace, and a roomy living and dining area. Amanda Lindroth's signature sunny batik prints and coastal palette throughout.
KingSweetbay Two-Bedroom Cottage
The Sweetbay Suite configured as a fully private two-bedroom cottage at 1,605 sq ft. A dining table for six, a comfortable living room around a fireplace, wraparound wicker porch, outdoor soaking tub, and complete privacy from the main resort. Perfect for multi-generational families or two couples traveling together.
Two KingsThe Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The property's Kiawah River setting is outstanding for shorebird observation. The Dunlin is literally named after a local shorebird. Herons, osprey, roseate spoonbills, and dozens of species visible from the marsh paths and river.
Cattle ranch visits and experiences within the Kiawah River agrihood community surrounding the resort.
Visits to the on-site goat farm within Kiawah River's working agrihood. A popular activity with kids and adults alike. The resort is set within one of the few 'agrihood' communities in the region, with cattle, a CSA program, and multiple working farms.
Hands-on workshops with local ingredients — clam harvesting and cheese-making are flagship offerings. Pimento cheese workshop led by the executive chef is a newer addition, teaching guests to make and pair the Lowcountry staple.
A fleet of complimentary bikes available for guests to explore the resort grounds and surrounding Kiawah River community. Frequently cited by reviewers as a highlight.
Multi-hour excursion through Kiawah River's protected estuary in search of roseate spoonbills, great blue herons, sea turtles, and dolphins. One reviewer noted alligators are present — real Lowcountry ecosystem, not a zoo. The guided kayak version runs approximately 3 hours and is widely cited as the standout activity on property.
Guided evening kayak trip timed to the moonrise across the mirror-like Kiawah River. A genuinely special experience for couples or small groups.
More than 20 miles of nature trails through moss-covered oaks, pine forests, creeks, ponds, and golden marsh grasses. Guided naturalist walks available in addition to self-guided hiking.
Summer kids' programming for younger guests, making The Dunlin a genuinely family-friendly resort rather than just couples-oriented.
Communal outdoor food events open to hotel guests and Kiawah River community members. Riverside oyster roasts, Lowcountry boils, whole hog BBQs, and outdoor movie nights with Southern snacks and local beer are part of the regular social calendar.
Self-guided or instructed paddleboard and canoe sessions on the Kiawah River. Equipment available through the resort.
Guided fishing excursions for local game fish — redfish, flounder, and more. The hotel offers both a fishing school for beginners and full charter excursions. Catch can be prepared at a riverside picnic by the chef.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
In-room dining available from 7am–10pm daily. Breakfast 7am–11am, all-day menu 11am–10pm.
Multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces including The Shippon (airy riverfront ballroom), Lime House (waterside meeting room with fireplace), River Cottage (for bridal parties or intimate gatherings), and outdoor green fields under giant live oak trees. 3 dedicated meeting rooms. Partnership with event designer Bronson van Wyck for a curated wedding closet.
Dedicated fitness building (Spring House) with gym equipment. Home base for the resort's daily fitness class programming.
Dogs welcome in guest rooms and general areas including the Willet Room porch. Not permitted in the Aster Spa, pool areas, or indoor dining. Pet bed and two bowls provided. No weight or breed limits. Additional fees may apply.
The Cove riverfront pool is the main one — cabana-flanked with mint-green loungers and a 1950s beach club atmosphere. Reviewers note the pool runs on the smaller side. Hot tub also available.
Private cabanas available at The Cove pool area for rent.
The resort has a no single-use plastic policy throughout the property, complementing its position inside a conservation-focused agrihood.
On-request shuttle around Kiawah River community and select nearby areas. Advance booking recommended. The hotel can also assist with broader transportation arrangements.
The hotel has a fleet of Mercedes available to rent for guests exploring Johns Island and the surrounding area.
Located in the Spring House fitness building — separate from the main spa but part of the wellness offering.
BUILD YOUR THE DUNLIN, AUBERGE COLLECTION PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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