You don’t have to travel across the world to find the perfect, sun-filled island escape. All you need is a flight to Charleston, South Carolina. Because just 20 miles from the city is The Dunlin, an Auberge collection resort on Johns Island, the largest island in the Palmetto State. The Dunlin’s location facing the Kiawah River, and its extraordinary peaceful decor makes it the perfect refuge from urban chaos and daily stress. In fact, we can almost guarantee that your blood pressure will lower instantly upon arrival at The Dunlin. And if it doesn’t, the onsite spa will certainly help to get you there.

Accommodations

The Dunlin is keeping things somewhat intimate with only 74 accommodations on site, ranging from simple 490-square-foot guestrooms to a 1,605-square-foot cottage. That means that whether you stay at the Dunlin with your better half, a couple of friends, or your small family, there will be accommodations to suit your needs. 

Recently, the resort expanded to add two riverfront bungalows to its accommodation offerings. These allow guests to have exceptional views of the surrounding landscape from their own private home for the duration of their stay at the resort. The two 503-square-foot bungalows have kitchenettes, furnished porches, and fenced-in yards, so guests can stay in their own comfy cocoons without having to share space with anyone else.

While we love the privacy and the vistas that the new bungalows offer, the decor is tame. It’s very cute, with very elegant country cottage vibes, but it’s not as eye catching as the other accommodations on site. The guestrooms, suites, and the cottage are equally sophisticated, but they are all more colorful and homey than the bungalows. In them, designer Amanda Lindroth has turned up the Southern charm to the max. The abundance of gingham textiles, rattan furnishings, and pastel blues and greens keeps the spaces simple, fresh, yet refined and whimsical. 

Amenities 

The Dunlin is a calming resort. The location and decor alone should have you breathe easier. But if you want to maximize the feeling of wellness, pay a visit to the Aster spa. Massages, facials, and other body treatments should relieve you of any remaining tensions.

For those who like to stay active during their vacation, there are yoga and pilates classes, kayak and paddleboard rentals, tennis courts, and 15 miles of trails around the property if you feel like going for a run, bike ride, or a long walk in nature. 

The Cove is the on-site pool and Jacuzzi area. It has tasteful loungers and cabanas that are perfectly placed, so you can admire the views of the marsh. Better yet, you can order crab cake sliders, lobster rolls, and shrimp cocktails while you relax poolside. 

Beyond the food and drinks offerings at The Cove, there’s also Linette’s, the resort’s signature restaurant. There, you’ll enjoy Southern coastal cuisine for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch. For the obligatory iced tea, coffee, pastries, or a refreshing cocktail, there’s the Willet Room. This lobby venue also serves wood fire-grilled oysters when the time is right.

Retreats

If you want to take your self-care up a notch, The Dunlin organizes wellness and fitness retreats led by experts throughout the year. From pilates to gardening and farmaesthetics, check out the calendar for the retreat that speaks to you. 

Experiences 

While we highly recommend that you take advantage of your time at The Dunlin to unwind, know that if you’re not the kind of person who likes to stay idle, the resort can keep you very busy. The Dunlin offers a vast range of experiences to its guests, including but not limited to, birding and fishing expeditions, sea kayaking tours, naturalists-guided treks, yacht rides, safari tours, fly-tying and candle-making workshops, and more. Just make sure to book ahead to avoid disappointments. 

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FAQs

Q: When did The Dunlin, Auberge Collection, open?

A: The Dunlin, Auberge Collection, opened on August 1, 2024.

Q: Where is The Dunlin, Auberge Collection, located?

A: The address of the Dunlin is 6000 Kiawah River Dr, Johns Island, SC 29455, United States.

Q: How far is The Dunlin, Auberge Collection, from Charleston?

A: The resort is only 20 miles away from Charleston, SC.