Some trips are exactly that: trips. Tour of Europe. Taking the kids to Disney. But a getaway to The Dunlin, a coastal escape nestled along the Kiawah River, is a vacation. You’ll feel it as soon as you turn onto the road that winds gently toward the riverfront resort. Everything slows, matching the rhythms of Johns Island. The sun sparkles on the marsh. Shorebirds crisscross the sky.
Named after one of those shorebirds that calls the marsh home, The Dunlin is a recent addition to the Auberge Resorts Collection and is located about 40 minutes from Charleston. The luxury destination blends relaxed Southern hospitality with the natural wonders of the coastal marsh. With miles of waterfront and natural trails for walking and cycling just outside the resort’s doors, it’s easy to get lost in another world.
That said, it’s equally easy to tuck a book under your arm, mosey down to The Dunlin’s shimmering riverfront pool and get lost in the particular bliss of a lounger in the sun. Breezy cabanas and scalloped umbrellas offer a break from the rays. The Cove, a playful poolside club, serves up refreshments alongside swaying palms.
The Dunlin Way
Now since this is a vacation, why not begin as I did: with a rum swizzle in the welcoming lobby bar, called the Willet Room. Take a moment to enjoy the views—inside and out. Designer Amanda Lindroth, famed for her island interiors, marries the serenity of the river surroundings with warm Lowcountry style in her approach to The Dunlin’s design. The interiors feel crisp yet charming, rendered in a palette of fresh greens that echo the lush scenery outside. In the guest rooms, layered textiles, spacious porches, and deep soaking tubs invite you to stay a while.
Dinner reservations at Linnette’s, the resort’s signature restaurant, beckon. Led by Executive Chef Michael DeCicco, The Dunlin’s culinary program emphasizes seafood and fresh ingredients from neighboring farmers, while nodding to the region’s rich heritage. Linnette’s was named after a local bird, but the bartenders told me they like to imagine Linnette as a fun-loving Johns Island local, the quintessential Southern host. When crafting a seasonal cocktail or welcoming guests for dinner, they ask themselves, What would Linnette do? After dinner, stop by the firepit for s’mores and stargazing. Linnette would.
Adventures await the rest of your stay. Kayaking, fishing, and guided boat cruises offer stunning views of the landscape and wildlife. Pickleball and tennis courts are perfect if you’d like to work up a sweat, while others may prefer to do their exploring in a mixology class. However you choose to pass the time, be sure to block some idyllic hours for Aster, the resort’s sanctuary of a spa. Local honey stars in many of the hive-to-table experiences, along with results-driven treatments from Biologique Recherche. When you emerge, glowing and restored, your inbox may feel as distant as the moon.
Eventually, you’ll have to return home, to your email, your calendar—but for now, you’re at The Dunlin. You’re on vacation.
River Rhythms
The Dunlin is defined by its backdrop, the glittering Kiawah River, a tidal river that runs between Kiawah Island and Johns Island. Exploring this protected estuary through a river adventure is one of the resort’s highlights. The guided boat cruise, in particular, draws guests right into the river’s rhythms.
Our experienced captain schooled us in the rich history of the area, identified various birds, and shucked an oyster—pulled straight from the water. Dolphins like to hang out in the river, and if you’re lucky, as we were, you might witness them swimming alongside you.
The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection, 6000 Kiawah River Dr., Johns Island, SC. aubergeresorts.com/the-dunlin. Rates start at $749.
