The Dunlin Review: A Girls' Weekend at Kiawah River's Auberge Resort
The Dunlin is pretty. Not "trying to impress you" pretty, but genuinely charming in that soft, Southern coastal way that makes you want a long breakfast and a group text that includes the word "robes." Set on Kiawah River at Johns Island, South Carolina, as part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, it's girly without being fussy, inviting without trying too hard, and has the kind of energy that immediately makes you want to plan the next trip before you've even unpacked.
We were all obsessed with the design. Everything is beautiful, and it smells the way you want a hotel to smell like clean linen and a life with less emails. Auberge credits the interiors to designer Amanda Lindroth, and it absolutely tracks.
We went for a girls' weekend in February, fully aware it would be cool. What we got was a cold front that felt personal. Not "bring a sweater" weather, more like "why does stepping outside feel like an act of hostility?" weather. So while we didn't exactly live our poolside dreams, we got a good read on what the property feels like when you're actually spending time inside, which honestly might be more useful.
What it's actually like to stay at The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection
Dining at Linnette's: the crown jewel of The Dunlin
The breakfast room and signature restaurant, Linnette's, was the star of the stay. Breakfast was excellent. The kind that makes you linger over coffee and debate a second pastry.
Dinner our first night was genuinely delicious, and the servers were fantastic: knowledgeable, engaged, and the kind of people who can make a recommendation without sounding like they're reciting a script. That always matters more to me than a perfectly timed plate drop.
What to order at Linnette's:
Crab dip
Caesar salad
Crispy Brussels sprouts
Radiatore
Fried chicken
We ordered most of the menu and didn't regret a single thing. If you stay at The Dunlin, plan on eating at Linnette's more than once. It's that kind of place.
Pools, hot tubs, and weathering a Kiawah cold front
The pool area looked inviting. The hot tubs were calling our names. And the weather made it mostly a scenic tour. I can already tell this is a completely different hotel in spring and summer. The outdoor spaces are made for long afternoons and late swims. We just happened to visit during a week when nature chose violence.
Playing tennis at Roy Barth: The Dunlin vs. Roy Barth Tennis Center
We paired The Dunlin with three days of tennis at the Roy Barth Tennis Center at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Or at least, that was the plan. Day three got cancelled because the courts actually froze. As in, the tennis center called us and said, "The courts are literally frozen, this isn't happening." I respect the honesty.
So we got two days instead of three, but those two days were excellent.
The Pros: They were so much fun. They made us feel like we're better than we are while also actually making us better.
The Vibe: The energy was upbeat, the facility is legitimately impressive, and it felt like a real tennis destination, not an "also we have courts" situation.
Worth noting: The Dunlin has its own courts, which half our group used on that frozen third day while the rest of us lingered over an hours-long breakfast. So even when serious tennis plans get derailed by weather, you're not stuck.
If you're planning a Kiawah Island tennis trip, the Roy Barth Tennis Center is worth building the whole weekend around. Just maybe not in February during a polar vortex. Highly recommend.
Luxury amenities: mahjong, spa, and complimentary house cars
Mahjong logistics (beautifully handled)
After dinner the first night, we asked the hotel to set up two tables for mahjong. They nailed it. Everything was ready, it looked pretty, and it was effortless, which is exactly what you want on a girls' trip. No rearranging furniture, no hunting down extra chairs, no one spiraling about lighting. Just handled.
The spa and on-property activities
The spa appointments were fully booked, which is usually a good sign. I was a late add-on and didn't get in, but my friends who did said their massages were excellent. If spa access is a priority for your trip, my guide to luxury spa retreats with private suites covers properties where availability is never an issue.
The hotel also offers a solid mix of on-property activities: cake classes, nature walks, and tours to see wild dolphins. It's the kind of programming that feels genuinely appealing, especially if you're traveling with a group or with kids, and not like someone assembled it from a "boutique hotel activities" checklist.
The free cars: ridiculous, then genuinely fun
When we arrived, we laughed at the complimentary car program. There's a G-Wagon, a Maybach, and a few other luxury options you can take out for up to four hours. On paper, it sounds like a gimmick. The kind of amenity that usually photographs better than it functions.
In practice? It was really fun.
We used the cars to drive to Freshfields Village for shopping and to Wild Olive for dinner (also highly recommend). It was convenient, made logistics easy, and gave the weekend a little extra sparkle. We even found frozen rosé at Freshfields, which felt exactly right for the assignment.
Turns out, taking a ridiculous car to run errands is exactly the right amount of absurd for a girls' trip.
The verdict: is The Dunlin worth it?
Yes. Definitely. There were a few minor service glitches, nothing dramatic, but the team was warm and helpful, and the hotel feels like it's still finding its rhythm. I'd absolutely go back for another girls' weekend, a couples' trip, or with my husband and son, and I suspect six months from now those small gaps will be gone.
I'd also love to return in warmer weather when the pools and outdoor spaces can really shine, because you can tell that's when The Dunlin is fully in its element.
This is the hotel for people who want Southern charm without the stuffiness, a property that feels polished but not fussy, and a weekend that pairs beautifully with serious tennis. If you're the kind of person who packs mahjong tiles for a girls' trip and actually uses the tennis pro, this is your place. If you're weighing it against a beach week, my school break destination guide covers timing and options for every season.
Planning a girls' weekend, a tennis trip, or a long weekend on Kiawah? As a Virtuoso and Fora advisor, I book The Dunlin with preferred partner perks including upgrades, property credits, and breakfast, at no extra cost to you. There's no planning fee. You pay the same rate as booking direct, with better perks and someone who's actually stayed. Let's plan your trip.
FAQ
Where is The Dunlin located? The Dunlin is located within the Kiawah River community on Johns Island, South Carolina. It is part of the Auberge Resorts Collection and offers a riverfront coastal experience about 45 minutes from downtown Charleston.
What is the best restaurant at The Dunlin? Linnette’s is the signature restaurant and a highlight of the property. It serves excellent breakfast and dinner, with standout dishes like the crab dip, radiatore, and fried chicken.
Is The Dunlin good for a girls' trip? Yes, it is ideal for a girls' weekend. The design by Amanda Lindroth is charming and "girly without being fussy," and the hotel easily handles group logistics like setting up mahjong tables or arranging spa treatments.
Does The Dunlin have a spa? Yes, the property features a full-service spa. It is highly popular and often fully booked, so it is recommended to make reservations well in advance of your stay.
Are there complimentary cars at The Dunlin? Yes, the resort offers a fleet of luxury house cars, including a G-Wagon and a Maybach, which guests can take out for up to four hours for local errands or dining at nearby spots like Freshfields Village.
Can you play tennis while staying at The Dunlin? The Dunlin has its own on-site courts. Additionally, guests often pair a stay here with the world-class Roy Barth Tennis Center at the nearby Kiawah Island Golf Resort.
