The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection

Pros: - aesthetically beautiful property and interiors - high quality details and elements - wonderfully comfortable beds and bedding Cons: - $1,150 a night for a suite was very overpriced - one pullout fridge drawer in the room filled with mixed variety of drinks to be purchased and NO COLD FREE WATER - we like to stay hydrated and would have preferred an unlimited supply of free water - we ended up purchasing water at the local CVS and removing the excess drinks from our beverage drawer and adding the water in - beverage /coffee bar in the room was small and crammed - We spent a lot of money to stay here because of the walking and biking trails and this was THE BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT - The trails were absolutely awful, the BIKES are junky and not made for the trails here. The trails were sandy, muddy, bumpy, and unmarked. The cruiser bikes on these trails Were AWFUL!!!!!! - walking the trails would also be confusing because there are no signs, and you need terrain shoes. - FORGET walking early in the morning or later in the evening because there are alligators . We were not told this upon our arrival and went for a walk at 6:30 pm and saw signs for alligators well into our walk and retreated quickly back, - Overall the place is beautiful and picturesque but extremely overpriced and not at all ready with full amenities. For 3 nights at over $3,300 we expected a good experience with accessible trails and at least access to free cold water. - the place is new and working things out and notable items::::: : no full length mirror in the bedroom/bathroom : no chair in the bedroom : no free breakfast or coffee (espresso in room) : no cold water in the rooms : terrible bikes, (some were damaged, some gears didn’t work, some handle bars bent, terrible tires, very uncomfortable) : not very much complimentary, not all inclusive for 1,150 a night : only place for a women to get ready was a small oval mirror in the bathroom and crowded vanity

My wife and I had to pivot our honeymoon plans last minute due to Hurricane Milton. On a friend’s recommendation, we decided to book a stay at The Dunlin for the week. Having never stayed at an Auberge Resort before, we didn’t know what to expect. Shortly after booking, we received a call from the Dunlin team, who helped us plan our itinerary for the week, making us feel welcomed before arrival. When we arrived, Ainsley greeted us with a smile, gave us a tour of the Dunlin, and we were pleasantly surprised with an upgrade to a suite that offered a stunning view of the Kiawah River. The valet staff took care of everything, bringing our bags to the room while parking our car. They also gave us maps for our on property biking adventures. Upon arrival at the room, we found the cutest basket with plums, sweet tea, and waters—and getting refills of sweet tea was a breeze! When I forgot a razor, the staff promptly delivered a shaving kit within minutes. The housekeeping team did an excellent job keeping our room tidy each day, replenishing waters, and providing turndown service every night. The Linnette’s staff was fantastic. We dined there for both breakfast and dinner, and they surprised us with complimentary champagne (special thanks to Heather at breakfast and Melissa at dinner), along with a thoughtful card wishing us a wonderful marriage from the entire team. The bartenders crafted delightful cocktails, and the chef prepared such delicious food that we’re still craving it! The Cove staff took great care of us all week, bringing us buckets of water, setting up umbrellas, and delivering our cocktails and food (special shout out to our fellow Boston girl, Julia!). Thanks to them, we were able to fully unwind and enjoy some poolside sunshine. Speaking of relaxing, we took advantage of the Aster Spa. The staff was incredibly kind, guiding us to our lockers and letting us unwind in the waiting room both before and after our massages. Special thanks to Nicole for the unforgettable massage! Lastly, we enjoyed the partnered adventures through Coastal Expeditions. The Into the Salt Marsh tour was an incredible way to explore the Kiawah River and take in the stunning Lowcountry scenery and wildlife. We even spotted a few playful dolphins around our boat! Big thanks to Captain Nick from Coastal Expeditions for an unforgettable experience. We also biked to Rosebank Farm and picked up some treats! The Salt Meadow Social was a great opportunity to meet fellow guests—we ended up playing cornhole together. And the Shindig on Friday evening was a blast, with fantastic music on the property! Bottom line is we were beyond impressed with the Dunlin staff throughout our entire stay. Every team member we interacted with was kind, welcoming, and attentive to every detail. Their hospitality made us feel genuinely cared for and appreciated all week long. What began as a last-minute change of honeymoon plans has turned my wife and i into lifelong fans of The Dunl

5/5 We spent two wonderful nights in a suite at The Dunlin. The resort is located at the end of Johns Island, a 7 minute drive from Kiawah Freshfields. We are local, so this was a mini-staycation. From the moment we arrived we felt like we had left the everyday behind. Firstly the drive up to the property is beautiful, upon arrival we were met by a valet, who whisked away our car and luggage whilst we checked in. We arrived early, at around 12midday, so our room wasn’t ready, so we took a light lunch and a glass of wine on the beautiful porch overlooking the marsh. Everything about the decor of The Dunlin says coastal elegence. Our suite was beautiful complete with a screened porch overlooking the marsh and a gas fireplace for cosy ambiance. The only thing missing was a magnifying make-up mirror in the bathroom. Otherwise I could not find fault- just beautiful! The pool area is serviced from 11am to 6pm ( I think). There are plenty of sun loungers and cabanas for guest use. There are some hotel rooms located directly above the pool area, as music is played all day at the pool, these rooms would not be my first choice - they could be annoyingly noisy. The one let down was Linette’s Restaurant. Linettes ambiance and decor is lovely. The food ingredient quality excellent, farm to table. However we found the food to be a very expensive 7 out of 10 experience. We would not eat dinner at Linettes again - we would go over to Freshfields on Kiawah where there are plwnty if very good restaurants to choose from. Also had a 2 hr facial at the Aster Spa, a wonderful experience! I’d highly recommend booking spa treatments during your stay! Would we go back and stay at The Dunlin again? Absolutely!! An excellent new Auberge property that I think outshines The Sanctuary on Kiawah

As someone who travels roughly half of the year for work, resort stays can begin to feel very transactional. Auberge has always bucked that trend, and their newest offering in The Dunlin is no exception. The Dunlin personifies southern hospitality at every turn. You would think this property has been around for a decade, not opened in August. It starts prior to your arrival with a call from the team aiming to enhance your itinerary to your maximum enjoyment. The bedding, linens and views provide tranquillity…..and then there is the restaurant. World class seafood is a must, but do not skip the BLT for lunch or the great conversation on the patio following morning coffee. Between the bikes, tennis, pickleball, hikes and guided tours there is something for everyone. My wife and I can’t wait to experience The Dunlin with our family soon.