The Dunlin opened on August 1, 2024 in the Kiawah River community on Johns Island, Auberge's first resort in the Charleston area. It has 72 cottage-style rooms and suites, interiors by Amanda Lindroth, a restaurant built around local seafood and a river-facing pool.
The essentials
Group Auberge Resorts Collection
Opening August 2024
Rooms & suites 72 rooms and suites
Segment Luxury
Designer Amanda Lindroth (interiors), Robert Glazier (architect)
Entry rate From $750 Learn more → The place 6000 Kiawah River Drive, in the Kiawah River community on Johns Island, about 20 miles from downtown Charleston and a short drive from Kiawah and Seabrook islands.
The concept The Dunlin opened on August 1, 2024 as the first Auberge Resorts Collection property in the Charleston area. It is a new-build resort of cottage-style rooms and suites with gabled roofs, screened porches and long marsh views, designed by architect Robert Glazier with interiors by Amanda Lindroth in wicker, wood, textured linen and mint-green accents. Alongside the 72 rooms and suites sit 19 branded residences.
The resort is part of the Kiawah River development by The Friedkin Group with The Beach Company and McNair Interests, which brings 20 miles of waterfront and nature trails, a riverfront pool, an events space called The River Barns, and activities from kayaking and fishing to farm experiences. Aster, an Auberge Spa, offers Farmaesthetics and Biologique Recherche treatments.
Dining & wellness Linnette's is the signature restaurant, with a wood-fired, seafood-forward menu using local oysters and produce from the neighbouring Kiawah River farm community. The Willet Room is a riverside lounge bar, and The Cove serves poolside.
Our take The Dunlin trades on atmosphere rather than spectacle: low-slung porches, marsh light and an unhurried pace that suits golf and beach trips to Kiawah better than a city break. The distance is the trade-off, since Charleston's restaurants are a 40-minute drive away and the 'agri-hood' setting rewards guests who actually want to stay put. Rates from about $750 make it a serious luxury commitment.
Google guest reviews 4.6/5 · 137 reviews
We absolutely loved every single detail at The Dunlin!!! This hotel was so well thought out and designed I was blown away at all the little things which created such a wonderful experience for myself and husband for our anniversary. We were upgraded to a River View Room which was incredible. The staff took such good care of us from check-in to checkout. They were always so attentive at the pool, amazing drink and food service. Linette’s had incredible food breakfast, lunch, and dinner were each fantastic. The spa had such a lovely vibe and the staff equally as friendly and helpful. Spa was pure perfection. We will definitely return!
We were so impressed by The Dunlin! It is truly one of the most beautiful hotels we have ever stayed at. The property feels peaceful, luxurious, and thoughtfully designed, with gorgeous marsh views and so many special details throughout the rooms. Our room had a screened in porch with a fan which was truly lovely, and was very practical and spacious
We stayed for our anniversary, and the staff made the occasion feel incredibly special. They surprised us with a handwritten note, dessert, and champagne, which was such a thoughtful and memorable touch.
Everything was exceptionally clean, modern, and comfortable. We were also fortunate to use the hotel’s Mercedes-Maybach during our stay, which was such a unique and enjoyable experience.
Our visit was short, but we enjoyed every minute and only wished we could have stayed longer. We would absolutely return and highly recommend The Dunlin to anyone looking for a peaceful, romantic, and special getaway near Kiawah Island.
We had a tremendous stay at the dunlin this week. The rooms are beautiful and well designed. The staff were friendly and attentive but with a welcomed light touch. The restaurant was great - actually great food that is worth the trip if you are in the area. The resort is small boutique format and is actually high end by any objective standard.
We moved over to the sanctuary on kiawah to be directly on the beach and i greatly regret the move. The Dunlin is a legit luxury hotel with high standards and high execution.
I recommend emphatically
We recently stayed at The Dunlin, Auberge Resort for our babymoon and left feeling completely relaxed and grateful. The property is stunning — serene, beautifully designed, and perfect for a peaceful coastal escape.
From the moment we arrived, the thoughtful touches stood out: a complimentary bottle of non-alcoholic sparkling wine, a handwritten note, and the sweetest goat stuffed animal waiting in our room. Our suite felt luxurious yet comfortable — we especially loved the in-room tub and fireplace.
The Astor Spa was a highlight. It’s calm, immaculate, and thoughtfully designed, and our massages were the perfect addition to a restful stay. We also enjoyed the heated pool and hot tub, fire pits, and easy access to water activities. Being able to text the concierge directly and use the complimentary Mercedes-Benz service made everything seamless.
Dining at Linnette’s was excellent — warm service and beautifully prepared dishes (don’t skip the goat ice cream).
Overall, the staff was welcoming and attentive, and the atmosphere felt polished yet relaxed. We would absolutely return — next time with our kids and our dog. If you’re looking for a refined, peaceful Lowcountry retreat, The Dunlin delivers.
Kristina “kakrueger23” Forte · 5/5 Me and my wife, we had a fantastic time over there. Almost everybody went the extra mile to make us very happy and satisfied. Room service, a special thanks to Mary. The pool ladies as well did a very good job. The housekeepers were amazing. The restaurant people, a special thanks to Felicia. She was very, very nice with us. The only reason why we didn't give a five star, it was because on our last day, on a Saturday, on the pool, the bartender Chris was extremely rude with us. I asked for a shot of tequila and after pouring my glass, he said that for $56 a shot, he will never drink nothing like that. I pretended that I didn't hear that and went with my wife to the jacuzzi. When we were at the jacuzzi, he was cursing the F word nonstop. After hearing that for the many times, I politely asked him to stop cursing because families were around and kids were around and that it was inappropriate. He responded saying, okay, okay, whatever. Very impolite, very rude, and we feel bad because I know that besides him, everybody went to the next mile to make us happy, but he just made us leave with a bad taste in our mouth. we would consider coming back.
See more reviews → 