The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection - Johns Island, South Carolina

asterlingview

This is our 4th Auburge property we've visited (with two more in the pipeline) and the brand is always a winner. We had a wonderful stay at The Dunlin for our babymoon—an unforgettable escape that beautifully blended luxury and Lowcountry charm. The property is exquisitely decorated, from the serene guest rooms to the inviting shared spaces. Everything feels thoughtfully curated and quietly luxurious, creating the perfect setting to relax before welcoming a baby.||||One of our favorite parts of the trip was the coastal safari, which was both peaceful and full of flora sightings. We also had a fantastic morning with kayaking guide Morgan, whose knowledge of the marshes and warm energy made the whole experience feel intimate and special. And we loved the “going for grits” breakfast experience—cozy, delicious, and quintessentially Southern.||||A special thank-you to Emily from Guest Experiences, who made us feel genuinely cared for. Every detail was handled with grace and warmth, making our babymoon feel even more special.||||If I had one wish, it would be for more dining options on property. What’s available is beautifully executed, but given how remote the location is, having a bit more variety would elevate the stay even further.||||Still, this is a place we’d return to in a heartbeat. A quiet gem on Johns Island, perfect for couples, nature lovers, and anyone looking to truly unplug.

Charlotte D.

Went to the Dunlin for a mini moon right after our wedding, everything was perfect! The service is amazing there is not one moment where you are in need everything is taken care of for you. Also food is amazing we pretty much ate the whole time we were there and didn’t have one bad meal. My husband loves cars and he was amazed you can use the Mercedes fleet on property free of charge, was definitely the highlight of his stay

lucky7m7

If you’re looking for the most gorgeous boutique hotel in the Charleston area, this is IT! Situated right on the river and oriented to enjoy the gorgeous natural landscape, this hotel is just beyond lovely. The decor is both cozy and elegant and with such an incredible attention to detail, it feels like you’re staying at the home of your most sophisticated southern friend’s vacation home. The staff is OUTSTANDING- anticipating your needs, offering bottles of water, hustling to get your car, and stopping to suggest a great restaurant and have a chat. The restaurant on property, Linettes, is also superb - the food is inventive and delicious and the wait staff is top notch. The Willett Room has the best lattes and scones and wonderful, creative cocktails- ask for Darrel, who will take fine care of you and suggest the perfect signature cocktail to suit your fancy. We never wanted to leave and will certainly be back as soon as possible!

Ann H.

First, the staff was friendly and helpful. The food was very good but the menu choices were very limited.
Be aware that the location includes a residential community that is relatively large compared to the hotel itself. There is only one restaurant for hotel guests and residents, making last minute plans difficult.
The food at Linette's featured locally available ingredients prepared in the southern style.
Location feels rural. The trip into historic Charleston can take 30 minutes or 50 minutes depending on the time of day.
Walking trails and wetland views were very relaxing.
Not sure that I would consider this a five star experience, and barely a four star. The hotel needs to upgrade towels, sheets, a more diverse menu, and a larger lounge area than the Willet.
I would recommend a short stay there, but probably no more than a couple of nights.

Ralph F.

This review is based on a professional and personal experience at The Dulin, which I believe speaks well of how an establishment is being run. Had a meeting with Emily Turner - Extremely personable, professional, asked the right questions and was engaged the whole time. Came back for an early dinner the next day - Daryl was amazing company and the type of personality you'd appreciate in this setting. Will definitely be making my way toward this side of the island more often now that they are here.

SandyD0108

The Dunlin in South Carolina is a beautiful property with stunning natural surroundings, but it falls short of the high expectations expected at an Auberge property. While the setting is serene, the lack of indoor common areas to relax is noticeable. ||||The biggest drawback is the limited dining options—having only one restaurant on the entire property means the menu should offer more variety to justify the exclusivity. Additionally, while the food is excellent, the value for the price isn’t quite there. The pool is well-maintained, albeit small, and the poolside service is a highlight. The gym and spa facilities are lovely, but the gym, which technically belongs to local residents, requires staff assistance for access, which is an inconvenience.||||The rooms themselves are beautifully designed, with elegant decor, comfortable beds, and lovely bathrooms. However, since the rooms are all located outside, inclement weather—like the rain we experienced—makes the trek to and from the main areas less than ideal.|||| The staff at The Dunlin is incredible, but there simply aren’t enough of them to provide the level of service expected at a resort of this caliber. While it is understandable that this is the low season, the limited staffing is still noticeable. That said, the biking and walking areas are truly stunning, offering a great way to explore the property. Overall, The Dunlin has a lot of potential but still needs to refine its offerings, particularly in dining and overall guest accessibility. With some adjustments, it has the foundation to become a standout destination, but for now, it has a few kinks to work out.

Katie11071984

What a fabulous property with even more fabulous staff/service! I stayed 3 nights with my pup (all Auberge properties allow dogs which is what drawn me to it) last week. Wonderful newer resort with amazing amenities. I think the best parts were relaxing in the soaking tub, having my pup visit the local farm animals (a 0.5 walk away), and enjoying cocktails at the Willet room. This property is PERFECT to bring your pup…so many walking trails, as well as a dog park. Also, bring the fam. Plenty of activities to do. It’s about a 30 min easy drive to Charleston. I have zero complaints about any part of my stay. Sam at valet is a true gentleman who gave impeccable service and recommendations.

sarahpr0

The beautiful accommodations, exceptional service, and delicious dining exceeded my expectations, and I truly felt welcomed and celebrated throughout my stay. Your kindness and attention to detail did not go unnoticed, and I appreciate all the effort that went into making my visit so wonderful. Kudos to having an all-star team, that make such special memories for your guests. | |Thank you again for an unforgettable experience—We look forward to returning soon!

paigef472

Wonderful and professional staff! Each person excelled in their work and was attentive to our stay. They made us feel welcomed and appreciated. The property is beautifully decorated and thoughtfully curated. We have already highly recommended The Dunlin to several friends. We made wonderful and unexpected memories during our trip and stay there. Our youngest daughter loved Camp Dunby and the staff. What a clever and perfect mascot (the cutest rattan puppy)! |Meals were thoughtfully prepared and carefully presented. We loved the nightly 'smores option, turn down services, food, drinks, views, daily activities, and bike rides. The farms were also unique and a lot of fun and learning. The staff on the farms are experts and take great pride in their work. The playground was so well done! Our daughter thoroughly enjoyed the zip line and playground equipment. It's all in the details and the Dunlin has details down. We also appreciate the complimentary car service on the one night we went to dinner. There is little need to leave the property but it was a great option if you like!

asterlingview

This is our 4th Auburge property we've visited (with two more in the pipeline) and the brand is always a winner. We had a wonderful stay at The Dunlin for our babymoon—an unforgettable escape that beautifully blended luxury and Lowcountry charm. The property is exquisitely decorated, from the serene guest rooms to the inviting shared spaces. Everything feels thoughtfully curated and quietly luxurious, creating the perfect setting to relax before welcoming a baby.||||One of our favorite parts of the trip was the coastal safari, which was both peaceful and full of flora sightings. We also had a fantastic morning with kayaking guide Morgan, whose knowledge of the marshes and warm energy made the whole experience feel intimate and special. And we loved the “going for grits” breakfast experience—cozy, delicious, and quintessentially Southern.||||A special thank-you to Emily from Guest Experiences, who made us feel genuinely cared for. Every detail was handled with grace and warmth, making our babymoon feel even more special.||||If I had one wish, it would be for more dining options on property. What’s available is beautifully executed, but given how remote the location is, having a bit more variety would elevate the stay even further.||||Still, this is a place we’d return to in a heartbeat. A quiet gem on Johns Island, perfect for couples, nature lovers, and anyone looking to truly unplug.

Holycityfitblonde

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Dunlin on John’s Island is an absolute gem! Every detail of the resort feels luxurious and thoughtfully designed. Our room was gorgeous—loved the elegant canopy bed, soft linens, and the spacious bathroom with double sinks, a large walk-in shower, and beautiful decor. The screened-in patio was huge and perfect for relaxing with a morning coffee or evening glass of wine.

One of the standout perks was the amazing car service—they offer guests access to some seriously nice rides! We took a convertible out for the day, and they also had a Maybach, a Mercedes sedan, and a G-Wagon available. Such a fun and unique amenity. The resort also offers bikes, kayaks, and paddleboards to explore the beautiful Lowcountry surroundings.

The pool area was pristine with fantastic drinks and service poolside. I had an incredible Swedish massage at the Astor Spa—one of the best I’ve ever had! We also loved the cozy vibe and delicious coffee in the Willet Room—such a great way to start the day.

If I had to mention a downside, it would be Linnette’s restaurant. We tried breakfast, lunch, and dinner multiple times and unfortunately didn’t enjoy any of the meals. I also wish there was a more curated gift shop that matched the rest of the resort’s upscale charm.

Even with those minor things, this is still a five-star stay! The Dunlin is peaceful, stylish, and packed with thoughtful touches that make for an unforgettable getaway.

Follow me on Instagram @holycityfitblonde for more great reviews on restaurants, hotels, boutiques, and much more!
Big thanks to @flightoffancytravel on Instagram for booking us the perfect stay!

Charlotte D.

Went to the Dunlin for a mini moon right after our wedding, everything was perfect! The service is amazing there is not one moment where you are in need everything is taken care of for you. Also food is amazing we pretty much ate the whole time we were there and didn’t have one bad meal. My husband loves cars and he was amazed you can use the Mercedes fleet on property free of charge, was definitely the highlight of his stay

lucky7m7

If you’re looking for the most gorgeous boutique hotel in the Charleston area, this is IT! Situated right on the river and oriented to enjoy the gorgeous natural landscape, this hotel is just beyond lovely. The decor is both cozy and elegant and with such an incredible attention to detail, it feels like you’re staying at the home of your most sophisticated southern friend’s vacation home. The staff is OUTSTANDING- anticipating your needs, offering bottles of water, hustling to get your car, and stopping to suggest a great restaurant and have a chat. The restaurant on property, Linettes, is also superb - the food is inventive and delicious and the wait staff is top notch. The Willett Room has the best lattes and scones and wonderful, creative cocktails- ask for Darrel, who will take fine care of you and suggest the perfect signature cocktail to suit your fancy. We never wanted to leave and will certainly be back as soon as possible!