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Introducing The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection – A New Luxury Retreat at Kiawah River

Auberge Resorts Collection recently announced plans for a new coastal escape in South Carolina with The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection at Kiawah River. With the groundbreaking planned for January 2022, The Dunlin will be a charming, family–friendly getaway that invites guests to take in the simple pleasures of an authentic sea island lifestyle upon its opening in 2024.  

With a commitment to quality and sustainability, The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection was thoughtfully designed to be consciously harmonious with the ecosystem that Kiawah River calls home. Renowned architect Robert Glazier was chosen to design the resort. His repertoire of hotels, resorts and spas carefully respect both the local architectural character and natural site features. Acclaimed designer Amanda Lindroth of Lindroth Design has been selected to lead the interior design of the property. Lindroth will inject a whimsical, layered aesthetic through classic, island-inspired interiors, sunny batik prints and soothing undertones to create accommodations reminiscent of the most elemental sea island homes of another era. The Dunlin’s serenely hospitable resort and community embody the vision of Kiawah River’s development partners, The Beach Company and McNair Interests, to curate a one-of-a-kind experience at one of South Carolina’s most cherished destinations.  

 “The Dunlin will offer an unforgettable escape where guests can immerse themselves in the pristine natural setting of Johns Island and the culturally rich attractions of Charleston,” said Dan Friedkin, chairman, Auberge Resorts Collection. “We are delighted to be working with The Beach Company and McNair Interests to provide an unmatched Auberge experience in this unique and dynamic South Carolina community.”  

 Currently planned with 72 cottage-style guest rooms and suites and 19 villas, the scenic grounds will feature a main lodge with a spacious wraparound porch, great rooms designed for unwinding and a library lounge. Resort amenities will include a pool with inviting cabanas, a full-service spa, a community farmstead providing dining destinations with local bounty, nature excursions, access to the community’s Spring House and a riverfront swim and fitness facility. 

“We are pleased to partner with Auberge Resorts Collection to create The Dunlin, which will be one of the most remarkable new resorts in the country,” said John Darby, CEO of The Beach Company. “Auberge has a terrific track record of creating the most unique hospitality experiences in the world, and this endeavor’s intimate setting will bring highly personalized service with a coastal experience inspired by the local environment.”  

“Collaborating with Auberge Resorts Collection and our partners at Kiawah River Development to bring The Dunlin to the Charleston area is an endeavor we are proud to add to our portfolio of real estate projects,” said Cary McNair, chairman and CEO of McNair Interests. “Auberge Resorts Collection’s recent accolades from Travel & Leisure’s 2021 World’s Best and Conde Nast’s 2021 Readers’ Choice awards promise to introduce Kiawah River as an international destination to an adventurous, cosmopolitan clientele.”  

Guests and locals will delight in inventive new culinary experiences at The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection. The signature riverfront restaurant will include an expansive outdoor deck overlooking Kiawah River’s waters and natural vegetation. The resort will offer two event spaces for gatherings, meetings, and celebrations, including a 10,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor event hall for life’s precious moments.  

Its namesake honoring the beautiful local shorebird, The Dunlin’s surroundings at Kiawah River showcase the region’s abundance of natural offerings. A preserved estuary, the destination is vibrant with sea island life such as roseate spoonbills, great blue herons, redfish and oyster beds among moss-covered oaks and pines, creeks, ponds, and wide spans of marsh grasses along the water. Memorable experiences and activities for all ages include fly fishing, crabbing, and boating excursions, revealing the sea island’s paradise that attracts paddle boarding on Kiawah River and hiking or biking on 20 miles of nature trails.  

Kiawah River offers the rare opportunity to live in a vibrant, new waterfront community near historic Charleston. As the region’s only agrihood, Kiawah River features multiple working farms, including a goatery, heirloom beef cattle and a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program that delivers fresh local food to residents and resort restaurants. Life at Kiawah River offers the simple pleasures of quiet country life while still being a short drive to the famed restaurants and attractions of downtown Charleston, voted #1 city in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure. Offering residences featuring classic sea island architecture, Kiawah River’s master plan and amenities are designed by a world-renowned team specializing in sustainable designs. For more information, please visit www.kiawahriver.com.  

The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection’s construction financing is provided by United Bank’s Charleston, SC offices. “As United Bank is new to the market, we are excited to play a part in the development and construction of The Dunlin at Kiawah River and we look forward to its grand opening,” said Clay K. Hughes, SVP commercial lending. The resort is expected to open in 2024. For more information, please visit aubergeresorts.com/the-dunlin.