“The Dunlin’s staff turn on the Southern charm, greeting you inside the sage-hued spa foyer with a warm smile.”

Azure Road Take

The Dunlin, a newly opened hotel by Auberge Resorts Collection, hugs the gentle curves of the Kiawah River on Johns Island. Only 20 minutes south of Charleston, it feels worlds away, evoking a well-appointed beach house from the 1920s thanks to interior designer Amanda Lindroth. The property’s lived-in style feels a bit vintage, a bit twee, and a bit hip, neatly summarizing in fabrics and furniture Charleston’s trademark style. The subliminal messaging of the soothing green palette of celadon and sage turns plain as dawn over the river when one tallies the hotel’s eco-friendly details, including the organic offerings at the Aster Spa.

Sustainability Chops

Around the Dunlin, observant guests will notice the absence of plastic; not a bottle or wrapper in sight. From refillable guest room toiletries with organic creams and lathers, to the restaurants and bars serving house still and sparkling water alongside menus that read like the greatest hits of nearby farms and fish camps. A partnership with non-profit eco-tour company Coastal Expeditions underlines the property’s point of view, which is that the hotel operates in stylish sympathy with the landscape and local culture.

At the Aster, guests have two skincare lines to choose from: socially- and environmentally responsible Biologique Recherche from France, and organic, herbal-based Farmaesthetics from Rhode Island. In the changing room, trays of hair care products feature the organic, seaweed-based sprays and shampoos from Captain Blankenship. A small retail area sells eco-friendly personal care products like natural, plastic-free deodorant, organic CBD body oils from Jamaica-based Jacana, and other similar lines. Moms can pick up non-toxic beeswax crayons for their kids.

The Treatment

I opted for a bespoke facial. The therapist started with a skin analysis then selected products based on my combination T-zone. We chose the Biologique Recherche line which included cleansing, exfoliation, a concentrated mask, and finished with face and eye creams and a creamy lip moisturizer. Prior to visiting the Aster spa at The Dunlin, I’d been using vitamin-A based Tretinoin. Effects of retinoid use on the face include redness, inflammation, and dry patches. Thus, I was pleased to look at my skin after the facial, which appeared even in skin tone with all traces of dryness and redness eliminated. When my treatment ended, I used the relaxing lounge for a few minutes to sip on herbal tea and snack on dried fruit before returning to reality.

The Vibe

The Dunlin’s staff turn on the Southern charm, greeting you inside the sage-hued spa foyer with a warm smile. The facialist was well-versed in the product lines, and made me feel comfortable and cared for. The property hires local aestheticians who have worked in spas around Charleston and know the area well, should you wish to chat with your therapist about local activities and culture while relaxing. Hues of green feature in every aspect of the decor, from Bird of Paradise plants, rattan chairs with overstuffed cushions, and celery-colored beadboard above crisp white wainscoting on the walls. Another touch I appreciated: the spa prices are inclusive of a 24% service fee. While one may argue whether that’s higher than you’d normally tip out your aesthetician, the fee is shared among all the property staff and it reduces the stress of choosing a tip amount at check-out. As a Charleston resident, I’d easily return to the Aster Spa at The Dunlin again. 

Accessibility

The Dunlin is fully ADA compliant and committed to inclusivity, offering accessible facilities and services to accommodate guests with disabilities. This includes accessible treatment rooms, public spaces, and restrooms, to ensure a comfortable experience for all clients.