Review: The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection

Why book?

For transformative Kiawah River immersion and mouthwatering Southern cuisine—all wrapped up in Coastal Grandmother style.

Set the scene

On rugged John’s Island 40 minutes outside of Charleston, Auberge’s Lowcountry debut deftly centers the coastal charm of the South Carolina sea islands—the second most bioactive habitat in the world, after only the Amazon Rainforest. Aptly named for a ploving shore bird, the property is made up of 72 cottage-style guest rooms and suites, plus 19 standalone villas.

There’s transformative wildlife immersion abound over the 2,000 acres, from dolphin and seabird safaris amid the towering piles of massive oysters that make up the meandering coastline (and will be fresh on your plate come dinner time), to an onsite farm and 20 miles of waterfront hiking trails to work up a sweat on before sinking into a bedroom soaking tub overlooking the marsh. Guests are chic Southerners (plenty of Texans) and transplants here for the relaxing natural setting, spa treatments, and wine-paired food in between hikes and dolphin cruises. The setting is intimate and the visitors friendly, so you’re likely to strike up a conversation with a babymooning couple at the pool or a girls-trip group in Lily Pulitzer shift dresses by the birdcage-themed bar.

The backstory

Auberge’s first Lowcountry venture was designed by architect Robert Glazier (also of Rosewood, Montage, and Four Seasons properties across the globe) with a focus on Sea Island architecture—which you might recognize if you’ve ever spent time in the Lowcountry or have just seen The Notebook: Focuses include gabled roofs, airy porches, and wide-open natural spaces that flex both sustainability and socializing. Interiors are by Amanda Lindroth Design, and skew playful yet grounded by mixed patterns and textures from colorful gingham and wild-bird prints to rattan, canvas, and straw matting in the paneled rooms.

The rooms

The 72 summer-cottage style rooms and central pool deck are Coastal Grandma-chic, with scalloped sun umbrellas, wicker furniture, and mint-hued gingham making every inch of the place feel like an ethereal-yet-timeless summer home.

Food and drink

Truly mouthwatering Lowcountry cuisine in the open-air restaurant, Linnette’s, is the cherry on top; wood-fired local oysters and fresh-caught fish are paired with an expert cocktail program (don’t miss the cucumber-forward Slow Burn with green chili from the property’s garden and dapples of infused oil) and impressive international wine list; house-made pastries or dense biscuits and farm-fresh eggs make for screen-porch breakfasts you’ll dream of each night. Can’t miss bites include anything oysters from the restaurant and a wine pairing with whatever fresh-caught fish special you spring for.

The neighborhood/area

The largest of the area’s 16 barrier islands, St. John’s is a nature haven with a laid-back ethos that’s attracted plenty of northern snowbirds and far-flung transplants (expect traffic on the drive from downtown Charleston if you’re setting out at commuting hours when lots of the new, post-Covid-locals crowd is heading into or home from the city).

The service

Buttoned up and warm, but still figuring things out on our visit in the early months after the initial 2025 opening—some logistics and concierge issues included a very delayed room upon arrival (although there was plenty of property to explore in the meantime). Dinner reservations were also required for Linnette’s on my visit, but sometimes the restaurant hosts didn’t use the reservation system on quieter nights—which could muck up a Resy app attendance record. The spa and pool-service staff shine, however, are quick with an umbrella set up and a drink recommendation, and will remember your name for the rest of your trip. And on nature activities, guides and outdoor experts radiate a clear love of the ecosystem in the area, which will blow you away on a boat or kayak tour where they can almost guarantee you get within sight of dolphins, pelicans, and jumping fish.

Eco effort

Rooms are energy efficient thanks to the landscape and property design, which aids natural airflow from the wide-open marshes and takes advantage of natural shade from the abundant trees and moss-strewn greenery. Porch doors have sensors on them which halt the air conditioning inside any time the room isn’t sealed, and a beautiful collection of glassware and picnic items left in your room guarantee nary a single-use plastic.

The spa

Treatments at the central spa, too, flex the sustainability of the property, with organic materials like local honey taking center stage. Spring for a scrub and a massage for extra relaxation, and unwind in the lounge afterward for snacks and tea to refuel before jumping back into activities like birdwatching, kayaking, and lawn games.

Accessibility

Walkways and paths on the property are paved and wheelchair accessible, as are the rooms and dining venues.

Anything left to mention?

Aptly named for the ploving sandpiper, The Dunlin is the perfect marriage of Southern sophistication and nature’s bounty—and a special occasion getaway for those looking to slow down in a quiet yet alive setting you won’t soon forget.