A mere 20 minutes south of Charleston, John’s Island bleeds into the banks of the Kiawah River to create a maze of marshland and tidal flats teeming with life. Here, in this picturesque, one-of-a-kind setting, The Dunlin in South Carolina welcomes guests for weekend getaways, family vacations, destination events, and any other occasion for celebration, gathering, retreat, or exploration.
This premiere resort embodies the very essence of Southern hospitality and charm. With interiors by designer Amanda Lindroth that marry traditional Southern style with a dash of whimsy, The Dunlin enchants even as its white-washed rooms, oak floors, light green accents, and linen fabrics soothe.
72 guest rooms and suites offer guests a range of accommodations from which to choose. There are four versions of The Dunlin guest room: Village King, Sawgrass King, Riverfront King, and Dunlin Double Queen. All guest rooms, which start at 490 square feet, have private, furnished terraces. Many of the terraces have riverfront views. In each room, expect a beguiling Southern cottage-style interior.
The other lodging option, suites, include at least 740 square feet of living area. The suites offer guests a space that feels like a home away from home. Choose between a one- or two-bedroom suite. Regardless, expect to discover spacious living and dining rooms and (here’s where things get really dreamy) outdoor soaking tubs. These tubs are perfect for relaxing amid the sounds of the marsh and in the light of the stars. In addition to one- and two-bedroom suites, The Dunlin in South Carolina also offers a private two-bedroom cottage called Sweetbay, where expansive windows and a wraparound porch blend outdoor and indoor, and a fireplace promises maximum comfort and coziness.
Amenities
Outside the rooms, a world of wonder awaits guests of all speeds, ages, and interests. The Dunlin offers a range of guided outdoor experiences. This includes charter fishing, fishing introduction, a private boat to island beach excursion, sunrise and moonrise paddles, maritime forest treks, and Lowcountry discovery sessions focusing on estuary ecosystems or coastal birding.
There are also Classes and events for the less outdoor-inclined. The roster includes a mixology class, candle making workshop, Friday afternoon socials, and local live music performances. Plus, The Cove, which is The Dunlin’s take on a Palm Springs swim club, guarantees unadulterated relaxation. Adjacent to The Cove, The Dunlin’s spa, Aster, awaits the guest who craves restoration and revitalization. Indulge in a massage, sink into a botanical body treatment, or elevate your beauty routine with a facial.
Dining at The Dunlin
Engaging activities and comfortable quarters can make for a memorable trip. However, cuisine is often what tips a trip from memorable to extraordinary. At The Dunlin, there are two primary dining options: Willet Room and Linnette’s. Willet Room is the place to visit for a light lunch, afternoon sweet tea, or evening cocktail and hors d’oeuvres. Picture deep couches, plush armchairs, white shiplap walls, more green accents, and a terrace overlooking the Kiawah River. Linnette’s also capitalizes on expansive river views and coastal breezes with tall windows and a terrace, but here guests will find a more robust menu encompassing breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Seafood-forward, down-home, and modern, Linnette’s dishes draw from the water just beyond the door, as well as neighboring farms to craft fresh, local comforts for every season.
In visiting The Dunlin, guests find an oasis so immersive that it’s hard to believe Charleston is less than half an hour away. At this home away from home, to retreat means to reconnec—with people, with stillness, with adventure, with coastal wildlife, with Southern tastes—and, in doing so, discover the power of being present.