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But it was upon arrival in St. Lucia where this bag really impressed. It transitioned seamlessly into resort life, holding its own as a style statement at Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort (which is a very stylish place to be). Because the leather trim and minimalist branding give it such a tailored look, it didn’t feel like a lazy beach sack—I could carry it straight from a morning on a sun lounger to a casual lunch at the beachfront restaurant, and then onto evening drinks without feeling underdressed. It looks and feels like a premium piece, not just something utilitarian.
Raffia can sometimes feel brittle, but this weave is very soft, so it didn’t snag on fine silk dresses or sundresses. The earthy tones of the natural raffia and rich leather trim felt entirely at home on the beach, too—and it held a full-sized towel, sunscreen, and a water bottle without losing its shape or bulging awkwardly.
Back home, I’ve continued using it—the wide base means that it’s a great work tote (yes, raffia has officially left the coastline this summer), and can comfortably house my lunch box flat, so leftovers arrive in the office intact. If there is any critique, it is that a light natural weave requires a modicum of mindfulness—you won’t want to place it directly onto wet sand or damp poolside tiles. However, the leather piping on the base does offer a small buffer of protection. As the trolley sleeve is removable, it did once pop open when I trundled over a particularly bumpy pavement too, so be careful if you’re lugging it on your suitcase away from the smooth floors of the airport.
Ultimately, Antler has designed a practical yet gorgeous piece that eliminates the need to pack a separate, bulky beach bag in your carry-on. By doubling as a sleek airport personal item and a sophisticated resort handbag, the Raffia tote justifies its place in any curated summer capsule wardrobe. It’s stylish, incredibly hard-working, and the perfect companion for a beachy escape, wherever you’re headed.
A version of this article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK.
