Went to Soiled Doves Bathhouse during a recent trip to Carmel. I love the old cottage and hearing about the history of the place. I collect perfume and nicer bath products and I was the most excited to check this place out above all other places I had on my list. Betsy has everything from bath salts, soaps, bubble bath (which I got), lavender satchets, and much more. I've seen some reviews saying that the owner is unfriendly. I wouldn't say she came off particularly super warm but I wouldn't say that she was rude either during my visit. If I return to the Carmel area (likely since it's always been a favorite place with my family), I'd love to come back and try other products. The shop isn't that massive but has products both local and from further away (France). She put a ton of different products on me as samples and let me see what I liked. I went with a French branded bubble bath and a lavender oil. I haven't tried the bubble bath yet but the lavender oil is pretty. Perfect for relaxing right before bed. read more

The Soiled Doves Bathhouse - bubble bath & lavender oil - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - Carmel by the Sea, California

A few of us annually visit Carmel every September ~ last few years have not been the case due to family circumstances. This little shop is so sweet. Betsy is very knowledgeable about her products and willing to share the Best for you ~ I come with the intent of purchasing gift for others - but always walk away with something for self. Make a point of stopping by when in the area ~ read more

Lady not very nice. She had a hard time letting us smell or touch her products. She had wonderful products but I would prefer to buy online. Customer service was very disappointing for such a cute store. I felt uncomfortable with the lady hovering over us. read more

Anything goes into the bathroom, domestic or foreign, as long as it's serene, peaceful and calm you can find them here. Lots of selections of bath salt, soap and lotion in reasonable price. The owner was very friendly and even told us about the history of the house. She let us try out a lot of lotion products and the eucalyptus bath salt is so minty and refreshing. This is a cute shop not to be missed. read more

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Owner Besty very nice and knowledgeable. She provided a personal guided tour and provided history of the origin of soiled doves.

A tiny store I've passed so many times when visiting Carmel by the Sea. I always seem to miss it because the shop closes around 4:30 PM. This time I had almost 25 mins to get in there before it shuttered. They carry soaps, hand cream, lotions, etc. I found a rose scented cream and soap that I liked and purchased. She actually sold out on the cream but a shipment had arrived that she hadn't opened yet and sure enough after opening the box, inside was full of boxed tubes of the cream. It was pricey but worth it to pamper and do self care for the day. read more

I debated whether to write this as it took me weeks to process my experience. I felt it necessary to discuss this experience as I have processed it as an event that may have been different had I been Caucasian. I entered this business on 12/2/22, was greeted by Betsy, the owner, and opened a glass container with individually wrapped sinus packets. As I opened the jar, I removed one for purchase. Betsy stepped away from her counter and smacked my hand that held the sinus packet citing that I was not to touch the products. I was in shock and speechless trying to process how a stranger would physically hit me to prevent me from grabbing a product. I asked her if I had violated a policy of not touching and she told me that she services her customers directly. I was dumfounded by the audacity that I was physically assaulted by simply attempting to view and purchase a product. Betsy accused me of contaminating the products by smelling them. I placed the lid back on the container and then asked what I should do with the product that she had just smacked my hand for holding and contaminating. She told me to leave it on the hutch, which I did, as I left the store, speechless, racially profiled, and accosted. I find this interesting as I have reviewed almost every 5 star Caucasian woman's review on how the scent drew them in. Perhaps if my brown nose was white, I would have been allowed to enjoy and purchase the product. I left that business and an hour later was still upset and trying to process what happened. I called the business in attempts to report the employee, and learned that Betsy, the OWNER is who slapped my hand. When I addressed why she did that, she simply stated..."This is my business." Not an apology, not a clarification, but an entitled data point that took no ownership of her behavior. I write this to bring awareness that although this type of racist behavior is often tolerated, suppressed, frequently justified, minimized, and often not even called out, it is imperative that minority dollars and those with white privilege still understand the profound buying power we all have. I asked that you are selective as to where you spend your dollars....and to select a business that welcomes all colors , all noses, and all brown, black, and white hands, with a smile and a handshake and not with a slap! Betsy, thank you for the polarizing slap......I will always remember you, and I will continue to call out bigots like you at every encounter! read more

The Soiled Doves Bathhouse - Betsy, as you can see, you clearly know how to keep your hands to yourself. Try it again the next time a Latino visits your store. - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - Carmel by the Sea, California

Noelle's Yelp Notebook 2015 The Soiled Doves Bath House is one of the most charming shops in all of Carmel. It's been here for six years with the original location in Danville which has since closed). The shop is a quaint cottage filled with the most beautiful bath products. I came here today with my husband and son. They waited outside in the nearby garden while I shopped. Upon entering the shop I was greeted by Betsy the owner. I wandered about the shop smelling all the different soaps, lotions and bath salts. I was able to pick up a few gifts for my mom, my husband and myself. They carry the most wonderful soap and lotion brands from France and abroad. The ambiance in the shop is welcoming and serene. Overall they have a great selection of lotions, bar soap, liquid soaps, bath salts, aromatherapy scents, they also sell drawer liners (scents are pear/vanilla, lavender), robes, pajamas (cotton luxury ones), home decor, pillows. I'm so glad we stopped by today! This will be my go to spot for all my bath and aromatherapy needs :) Noelle's Notes One of my favorite shops in Carmel! read more

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One of my favorite little shops to visit in Monterey. The owner is so sweet. She has beautiful french linen tissue covers that are simply beautiful, I bought many for gifts last time I visited. Thank you! read more

I was waiting outside the shop in the little garden and noticed this charming cottage styled shop. I was instantly drawn inside the shop, it was a sheer happenstance! I was so glad to have wandered in because it smelled so heavenly, nothing like the artificial/chemically strong aromas that you smell in the mall shops.  The owner is the sweetest person I've met in a long time. She shared some sweet stories of her college days about lotions and bath products and was very passionate about all the products. We shared a great moment when we were discussing about how the memories associated with smell can last forever. She gave me almond lotion to rub on the palms and then spayed Eucalyptus oil, the whiff of the aroma of that combination was ineffable! Five stars for the decor, friendliness, products, prices and location. A must visit on your next trip to Carmel. read more

This is one of my favorite shops! It smells wonderful because all the products--soaps, candles, lotions--smell wonderful! Betsy is wonderful and knows so much about her products. And she goes above and beyond for her customers! We go shopping at the Soiled Doves every time we go to Carmel! read more

What a cute little store! The lady tending the store was super nice. Their bath stuff is amazing and it smells diving. The honey foot scrub is my absolute favorite! Definitely worth a visit! read more

Annual visits to Carmel require that I stop here too. The shop is so good fir picking out gifts & items for "self-care." Particularly prefer the Goat Milk line of products -- but so much else to choose from ... read more

What a cute shop with unique bath salts, aroma therapy sprays,lotions and oils. I'm addition Betsy the owner carries lounge wear and beautiful contemporary dusters. All her night gowns are made of cotton and have beautiful detailing. This little shop is a must see place when your in Carmel. The owner of the shop is a delight to work with my friends and I were walking by at 5:00 closing time and she was kind enough to open up for us. What a great we'll be back!! My new favorite Carmel shop read more

This is a beautiful shop. Betsy is generous with knowledge of the products she carries, and graciously offers her patrons a sniff of a heavenly scent. I always look forward to shopping in the Soiled Dove's Bath House when I'm in town and always hope to hear a poem or historic story regarding our country while I'm at the register. read more

Agh! Such a charming little store with great service and a nice aesthetic/premise. Details: - The sales lady is not simply the sales lady -- she is the OWNER! (Yay, black+female owned businesses!) That is a feat in itself my friends, given the area we're in. Her name is Betsy Durnell. - Inspired by her, given that she runs a bath+body shop (that's like crack to me) and she is also a woman of color, I had all sorts of questions. She explained she's owned the business for 20+ years, and this particular storefront for over 6 years (I think she may have said 8 but I'm rounding down to be on the safe side). She originally was based in Danville then opened the shop in Carmel-by-the-Sea. - "Soiled Doves" was a name on a sign near her original shop; she was inspired to name this shop after that name and didn't know the meaning behind it until later but decided to stick with it since the "tainted" boudoir women the name refers to also refers to strong pioneer women survivors prevailing against all odds -- not unlike herself! And frankly any woman of color trying to run a successful business. You can check out the dets on the name and history on her site! - She runs the business all by herself and likes the small, 1:1 experience she can offer clients. She travels far and wide to find items for her shop, and a lot of them are custom made by local artisans! - I'd say more but I think a lot of what you can learn here is best learned through conversation -- get to know this business owner, and discover and try out the yummy bath and beauty products! I myself wish I'd had more time to spend exploring but will be back for sure. The items smelled so yummy. I went for a citrus-scented liquid hand soap and minty-citrus body lotion + organic/reusable cotton makeup remover wipes! (Go green!) I don't doubt they'll last me a good while and keep me feeling pampered in my zen space (bathroom) for a long time to come. read more

The Soiled Doves Bathhouse - Betsy, the owner! - Cosmetics & Beauty Supply Near Me - Carmel by the Sea, California

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My wife and randomly walked into the place on a Sunday. The owner was extra my friendly as she showed us around. She showed my wife some lotion and that she mixed with eucalyptus oil. It was amazing and my wife loved it! We did not purchase it then, but I went back to the store to get this combo as a gift. It turned out that they were sold out of the lotion but she gave me two sampling cups along with the eucalyptus oil. I was impressed that she did not try to sell me another lotion as this was the only lotion that went well with the oil. Excellent customer survive and a great shop. I'm sure my wife will be stopping by again. read more

I love this shop. The lady is the nicest person ever! Every time we visit, we make a stop here. The items are well worth the price. It is such a friendly atmosphere. Hope all is well during this Covid crisis. I pray this place weathers the storm. Love, Joy and Alana. read more

If you come to Carmel, this is a must stop. It's truly one the nicest shops anywhere. I buy her soaps and put them in with my linens. The shop is a delight. read more

Elegant. The owner, not so much; can be rude. . But she has decorating style! read more

The owner allow for the sampling of the wonderful fragrant and non fragrant lotions, sprays, etc.. Her lingeries are exquisite. Being there made my soul happy and at peace.Be prepared to fall in love with this store and it's beautiful products. read more

Went to this shop today. Nice selection of soaps, lotions, salts, room fragrance and perfumes. I bought a rollarball today and I'm in love. The owner is so nice and patient. The only downside is it's a little hard to find. read more

Lovely shop and shop owner. Found perfect gifts to take home and a little something special for me! Do yourself a favor and stop by to meet Betsy - you will be charmed! read more

Adorable little shop packed full of wonderfully scented lotions, salts, soaps, and candles. You'll want to sample everything! They even have some great imported French lotions and soy candles. Some local massage therapists purchase their lotions here. Feel free to ask the friendly staff for recommendations. read more

This is my favorite store in Carmel. Every customer was warmly greeted. Their assortment is a mix of classic and new. Walking in is a treat and a purchase is a present. The owner took the time to educate me about the product. Wish the pajamas lingerie included a cashmere offering. They were probably sold out. A must visit. read more

This was one of my favorite stops while in Carmel. The owner is the kindest person and really makes an effort to connect with her customers. The inside of the shop is so perfectly decorated and it's beyond charming. You feel like you have stepped into a fairytale where the fairy Godmother pampers you with all sorts of beautiful and delightful scents. Thanks for a memorable day! I loved everything about your shop! read more

Lovely store and products. The proprietress is so nice & helpful. I got a body brush, it smells great and looks so girly on my vanity !

I look forward to coming to Carmel, because well, it is Carmel. But I seek out Two Soiled Doves. The owner is passionate and strident, two characteristics I value, and her products? Worth driving for. Can I find them elsewhere? Probably, but it's the place, space and the owner. It's special. read more

I fell in love with this place. The more I looked around in this cottage-style house, I was charmed by the locally made soaps and bath products. The saleswoman was very sweet and offered me some hand lotion since I had to rush out without buying anything. This is an absolute gem, definitely worth a visit! :) read more

I found this darling shop last weekend. The products are of such high quality. What really made my day was speaking with the lovely owner, Betsy. She was so welcoming and we spent time just chatting and she told us the history of the building and the story behind the name of the shop was beautiful. read more

A lovely store and the owner was so helpful. I will make a point of returning the next time I visit Carmel. read more

I was so excited to shop here after reading the reviews but as soon as we walked in the store, we were chastised by an arrogant, ignorant clerk. It was so bad we turned on our heels and walked out. Whoever this was, was not an asset to the business. We spent close to $1,000 that afternoon at stores in Carmel, and unfortunately for the owner, not at this store. Avoid if you want to have a cheerful vacation. read more

Lovely shop and very gracious owner. The products are beautifully displayed. A shopping pleasure; I will return.

Very lovely, knowledgeable and creative owner. Special, unique store that catches the eye in more ways than one. A real asset to the town of Carmel read more