Bora Bora is associated with sunny vacations under the coconut trees, which is mostly the case. However, it can rain for several days during which the activities are not the same. You can’t control the weather, but how you approach these rainy days can change your vacation. Here are some activities to do on those rainy days.
1. Eating at the St James
Eating well will improve your mood. The Saint James offers a varied menu and emphasizes the quality of the products used. The Saint James also includes the St James Pastry Shop and the St James Wine Cellar. Thus, you can eat all day long. The Pastry shop offers brioche, pains au chocolat, croissants and a selection of pastries for breakfast. For lunch, you can choose a simple formula at the Pâtisserie du St James with a wide choice of sandwiches or have your lunch at the restaurant. Finally, take advantage of the Happy Hour at the bar and opt for a tempting selection of tapas. The raw ham is cut on the spot. The atmosphere at the bar is very pleasant. The restaurant and bar overlook the lagoon and you will be on the right side of the island to watch the sunset (maybe try again if the weather improves). The restaurant is of high quality and offers signature dishes such as the pepper steak flambéed with cognac in front of you just before the tasting. A real treat…
In addition, the Saint James is home to the Mahana boutique, which offers products from local clothing brands. There is really everything to change your mind and to treat yourself.
St James restaurant is open from Monday to Saturday all day long. Lunch is from 11.30 am to 2.30 pm, dinner is from 6 pm to 9 pm. Reservation is recommended on +689 40 676 462
2. Go shopping
It’s time to shop and buy your best souvenirs. You will find several souvenir stores in Vaitape near the pier and Tuvavau Square. The stores sell pareos, souvenirs, monoï, musical instruments, shirts and dresses. Visit the craft market to find local artisans. They offer jewelry, handmade monoï, shells…
Find the most beautiful Polynesian fabrics and souvenirs at the Chin Lee store.
If you want to discover local fashion trends, head to Salt Water, Bora Bora Original, or Mahana boutique in St-James. Bora Bora Original also offers many beautiful souvenirs to give to your loved ones or to treat yourself. If you are looking for local products only, Teavanui Shop located in front of the Bank of Polynesia sells only products made in Polynesia. You will find food products, soaps, candles, various articles but also a monoï bar to compose your own monoï. Ideal to discover the virtues of each perfume.
Looking for pearls? You will find some pearl stores in the center. Shopping will keep you busy, but don’t wait too long because many stores close at 5pm.
3. Pamper yourself
Another rainy day in Bora Bora. Treat yourself to a day at the Spa. Most of the hotels in Bora Bora have a spa and offer Day Pass Spa. Of course, you’ll need to make a reservation as they already welcome hotel guests. Find more information in the following article : Day Pass at the Deep Ocean Spa.
If there is no more availability in the hotels, it is possible to find massages on the island with Bora Land (Taina Massage : +689 357 314 or +689 245 424), Latitude Massage, Bora Bora Wellness, Tiare Massage, Institut Te Natura.
4. Visit the artists of Bora Bora
Bora Bora is full of artists. You can start by visiting the art gallery of Jean Pierre Frey. The paintings are beautiful. Moreover, you will be warmly welcomed and will have a good time at the gallery. Find out more in the article dedicated to Jean Pierre Frey.
Bye Bye from Bora Bora pottery workshop is located near Vaitape. Fanny and Guillaume have created unique pieces and their workshop is full of souvenirs to keep a piece of Bora Bora in you. Read more about these talented artisans.
There are also art galleries in Vaitape that you will find between the Bank of Polynesia and the Post Office like Bora Art Upstairs.
The presence of artists is not limited to the galleries, the works are also present in restaurants or hotels. For example, you will find works of Gilles Le Guen at the St James, the Beach Club or Bloody Mary’s, not to be missed.
5. Learn the Ukulele
Why not learning the ukulele, the emblematic instrument of Polynesia? You can buy them in stores in Vaitape. The Internet is full of tutorials to learn quickly. It will probably keep you busy for a while with a sweet and pleasant sound. Try to learn local music with Ukulele Tahiti.
Learn the Bora Bora song :
You can also find a selection of tutorials on the Youtube channel Upa Upa Tahiti.
6. Take a drive at the end of the day
Sometimes on rainy days, for a few minutes, the weather calms down. And when the clouds disperse around Mount Otemanu, beautiful scenery appear. Taking the car to get some fresh air and looking around can bring some nice surprises. For instance you can start in the direction of Matira towards Anau (St Regis and Four Seasons boat access). In Anau area, the road goes up and the view of Mont is really beautiful. Of course, the sky can remain overcast, but if it is uncovered for a moment at sunset, the clouds are colored. Also, when it rains, waterfalls appear on the mountain of Bora Bora. Wait until the mountain is uncovered to be able to see them. And keep in mind that rain is good for the island and Bora Bora does not lose its beauty.
7. Spend the evening at the Bloody Mary’s
Update : Bloody Mary’s in closed until further notice. A Bloody Mary’s hotel is under construction.
The Bloody Mary’s is very famous because many celebrities have been there. You will find their names at the entrance of the restaurant. In the evening, the Bloody Mary’s gathers tourists and locals at the bar or restaurant. The atmosphere is often very warm, you will have your feet in the sand, and there is regular musical entertainment with local bands. Once inside, you will forget the rain and will certainly have a good evening.
