05-04-2025
Johns Island resort one of the best new hotels in the world, travel magazine says
JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) – A 72 room resort that sits on the bank of the Kiawah River is one of the best new hotels in the world, according to AFAR.
The Dunlin, an Auberge Resorts Collection retreat made the list of 25 published Thursday by the travel magazine.
AFAR loved the colorful interiors of the space and the fresh seafood direct from the Lowcountry. Rooms start around $749 a night on average.
'Hugging a gentle curve in the Kiawah River, this Auberge Resorts Collection retreat sits 35 minutes by car southwest of Charleston yet feels worlds away in its serene marshland setting. The hotel, which opened in August 2024, captures the breezy nostalgia of a vintage coastal summerhouse thanks to designer Amanda Lindroth, who filled the 52 guest rooms and 20 suites with soaking tubs, four-poster beds, and antique birding books. By day, guests can explore the Lowcountry on naturalist-led kayak and boat trips, cycle beneath the moss-draped live oaks, or unwind with an organic facial or glass of wine by the waterfront pool. At sundown, they're invited out to the porch for Southern-inspired cocktail classes highlighting local spirits, before a dinner of warm blue crab dip and buttermilk-fried oysters at the seafood-focused restaurant Linnette's.'
Lauren Mowery, Southern Living
Rooms at the luxury hotel were inspired by sea cottages with honey oak floors and mint green accents across white-washed rooms.
Planning for the property began 20 years ago, according to John Darby, president of the Beach Company, which developed the space. When it came time to implement the plans everything went right, he said.
Johns Island's first luxury hotel offers guest a stay where they can experience southern coastal living
'Everything we had planned and hoped for is falling into place, and we'll be able to look back in 2025, 2026 and say, gee, this really worked, and I'm confident it will.' Darby said when the resort was originally opened.
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