News

Gulf Stream Construction’s site work laid the foundation for The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection, SC’s Sea Islands Coastal Escape, which now proudly opens its doors.

August 1, 2024

Auberge Resorts Collection’s modern riverfront retreat welcomes guests to Kiawah River, just 20 miles outside of Charleston, to experience the bliss of coastal living through premier river and nature-inspired adventures.

Auberge Resorts Collection is thrilled to announce the opening of The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection, a new coastal escape on Kiawah River in South Carolina. Named after a beautiful local shorebird, this charming getaway is the first of its kind in the destination– a stylish luxury retreat that feels like an eternal Southern summer home, embodying whimsical charm and unparalleled nature experiences that enliven the explorer within. Located along the Charleston coastline within the exclusive 2,000-acre waterfront community of Kiawah River, the Amanda Lindroth-designed interiors invite guests to experience the bliss of coastal living in Charleston’s Sea Islands. With 20 miles of waterfront, scenic nature trails, abundant marshlands rich in native flora and fauna, two Auberge dining and drinking venues, dedicated wedding & events spaces and a destination spa, The Dunlin celebrates the rich heritage of South Carolina and the simple wonder of life on the river.

“We are thrilled to welcome guests to discover the natural wonderland of the Sea Islands as we open our doors at The Dunlin,” said Michael DeCanio, general manager, The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection. “The timeless beauty and peace of life on the river are showcased through incredible offerings that celebrate our Lowcountry heritage and make The Dunlin unlike any other hospitality experience on the East Coast.”

Just a 40-minute drive from downtown Charleston, The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection feels utterly removed from the everyday– a place where nature’s rhythms and the movement of light and tides have inspired every detail. Renowned architect, Robert Glazier, was tasked with harmoniously integrating a modern take on a Southern summer home into the pristine ecosystem of the Kiawah River. The Dunlin’s architectural design is a testament to his creativity and commitment to quality and sustainability. Marrying whimsical Southern style with modern coastal living, the resort carefully respects both Sea Island architectural character– generous porches, gabled roofs and open space preservation– with the site’s natural features, to offer timeless spaces for seclusion and socializing alike. Classic, island-style interiors by acclaimed designer, Amanda Lindroth, feature sunny batik prints and soothing undertones reminiscent of the most elemental original Sea Island homes.

Effortlessly imbued with the essence of this serene natural landscape, each of the resort’s 72 cottage-style guest rooms and suites are delightfully appointed. The cottage-inspired, Lowcountry aesthetic within features wicker, wood and textured linen combined with white-washed tones, mint-green accents and honey oak floors. Outside, the porches in each room are the perfect place for morning coffee, paging through a good book, or a nightcap with spectacular riverfront views. Almost double the size of the generously-proportioned guest rooms, suites feature large living rooms, dining nooks, and in-room soaking tubs with river views. Various suites and rooms can be flexibly combined to accommodate families and friends traveling together. The signature Sweetbay Suite with its wraparound porch, indoor fireplace, and outdoor tub for bathing in nature can also be booked as a private, two-bedroom cottage. The resort will also feature 19 privately owned Dunlin branded residences, which are set to debut for pre-sale in 2024.

All accommodations are set in intimate guest house settings, while providing easy access to the resort’s array of exceptional amenities. These include the main River House with its wrap-around porch and atmospheric Willet Room bar designed for unwinding and the signature restaurant, Linnette’s with sweeping river views. Nearby, The Cove riverfront pool and the signature Auberge, Aster spa offer total relaxation.

A Celebration Of Coastal Southern Cuisine

The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection’s culinary program is poised to be destination-defining in the Charleston Sea Islands. Celebrating soulful Southern cooking across its dining venues and through unique epicurean experiences, Executive Chef Michael DeCicco brings elevated cocktail pairings and presentations to oyster roasts, whole hog BBQs, Lowcountry boils and riverside picnics with local and seasonal ingredients at the forefront.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Linnette’s is the hotel’s signature restaurant, paying homage to the heritage of Johns Island with familiar and comforting coastal cuisine prepared with wit and sophistication. The open kitchen serves up woodfired dishes from a seafood-forward menu, with ingredients sourced from local fishermen, such as Barrier Island Oysters, and Kiawah River’s ‘agri-hood’ of neighboring farmers, including Storey Farms. Diners can delight in shareable bites like ‘Linnette’s Cocktailers’, a craveable platter of country ham, deviled eggs, smoked fish spread, pimento cheese, and dilly beans, as well as fresh and hearty dishes like the ‘Pressed and Pickled Watermelon’ salad and the ‘Seared Golden Tilefish’ with Sea Island red peas and braised greens topped with crispy bacon.

Nestled just beneath Linnette’s discover Willet Room, The Dunlin, Auberge Resort Collection’s riverside lounge bar serving up the perfect iced tea, all-day bites, cocktails and rare whiskeys with a side of southern hospitality. The perfect perch for a morning coffee and pastry, a post-adventure refreshment or pre-dinner drink or nightcap, the space is the ideal hangout from sun up to sun down.

A sun-drenched setting amongst swaying palms and rustling marsh grasses, The Cove offers poolside dining year-round. The charming, 1950s- inspired, bygone-beach-club evokes the perfect atmosphere for enjoying lunch classics and refreshing cocktails lounging in private cabanas. Sunbathers will be on the lookout for surprise and delight deliveries of boozy popsicles, a roving snow cone cart or a visit from a poolside oyster shucker.

A Destination for Riverside Relaxation

A sanctuary dedicated to self-nurturing, Aster, an Auberge Spa is the resort’s house of beauty and rejuvenation. Inspired by the natural healing potential of honey– particularly Aster honey sourced from local apiaries– the spa menu includes botanical treatments by Farmaesthetics and advanced French beauty rituals by Biologique Recherche, along with rejuvenating full-body therapies and customized experiences designed to reconnect guests to the natural world. Hive-to-table treatments include Farmaesthetics harvested Midnight Honey Oil featured in the Healing Honey Body massage, while garden-inspired treatments such as the Milk & Buds Facial incorporate local flowers and essences. Poetry in the Garden, Breathing for Beauty, Cooking with Flowers and The Romance of Teas and Tinctures are just a few types of workshops that will be offered. For the chance to optimize wellbeing, daily fitness classes and a program of visiting specialists are offered, kicking off with Michelle Kuhnreich, a New York-based fitness instructor and founder of international digital movement platform “BootybyMich.com”. Bringing wellness beyond the spa walls, poolside treatments will be available to guests including an Aster Foot Rub, Radiant River waterless facial and more.

A Natural Playground for Adventure and Leisure Pursuits

The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection connects like-minded individuals of all ages through the joys of river life and unrivaled experiences on the water. Guests can embark Into the Saltmarsh to get up close with wildlife in an exhilarating coastal safari that explores Kiawah River’s protected estuary thronging with roseate spoonbills, great blue herons, sea turtles and dolphins. In this natural paradise, boaters, kayakers and paddle boarders can connect with tidal patterns and explore the mirror-like waters at different times of the day with one of a kind Going for Grits morning kayak ride to a Southern breakfast picnic or Moonrise Paddle full moon guided-kayaking adventures. A popular Lowcountry pastime is taught in The Dunlin’s Gone Fishin’ workshop, allowing guests to to learn a variety of fishing techniques like net casting, crabbing, and bait lining with a local expert. On land, more than 20 miles of nature trails invite biking and hiking through moss-covered oaks and pines via creeks, ponds and masses of golden marsh grasses along the water’s edge. Learn new techniques or gain hands-on experience with natural ingredients through our oyster harvesting workshops, cheese-making excursions to the local Goatery, and experiences on the heirloom cattle ranch. For family adventures, younger guests can enjoy “Minnows Camp” and toy boat races as well as a visit to a neighboring farm where guests of all ages can collect eggs, feed chickens, milk cows, and interact with friendly farm animals. Primed to be the village hang out, the resort will bring families and neighbors together over bonfires, communal seafood feasts, whole hog BBQs, and an annual Summer kids club to form lifelong memories. In close proximity to Charleston, the city’s cobblestone streets, historic homes and captivating blend of charm and cultural richness await an easy drive away.

Weddings and Events Infused With Southern Hospitality

The premier destination in South Carolina for weddings and gatherings, The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection is primed to be the social hub of the region with picturesque backdrops, epicurean coastal dining, and an expert in-house events team dedicated to fulfilling wishes to create a dream event. Expansive event spaces range from green fields under giant live oak trees to The River Barns, a timeless and versatile collection of indoor riverfront venues including The Shippon, an airy light-filled ballroom, the Lime House, a waterside meeting room complete with a signature fireplace, and the furnished River Cottage, perfect for bridal parties or intimate gatherings. A special amenity for couples getting married on-property, The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection has partnered with renowned event designer Bronson van Wyck on a curated wedding closet outfitted with coveted linens and tabletop items. All available for loan, items from the closet can be used to set or enhance the perfect table for intimate celebrations. Rates start at $749.

To make a reservation, or for additional information, please visit aubergeresorts.com/the-dunlin/.