The Raffles Tradewinds has long been a landmark hotel in Fiji's capital Suva. Located at the picturesque Bay of Islands in Lami on the outskirts of the city, it has recently undergone a change of management. European hotel group - Accor - has acquired the management rights and has plans for a major upgrade and refurbishment later in 2008. Accor currently operates three other hotels in Fiji, all in the Nadi region. These are the luxury Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa on Denarau Island, the Mercure Hotel Nadi (formerly known as the Dominion International Hotel), and the Novotel Nadi (formerly known as The Fiji Mocambo).

The Raffles Tradewinds is now the Tradewinds Hotel & Convention Centre, but following the upgrade it will be rebranded to the Novotel Capital Suva Hotel & Convention Centre.

Looking for a great coffee house or lunchtime restaurant in Suva Fiji? If your penchant is for a good Italian style capuccino or latte then there are a number of coffee shops now in Fiji where you can find something to satisfy your craving while visiting the Fiji Islands. For example there is the Bulacino in Nadi, or the Republic of Capuccino, which opened its first operation in Suva, and then continued to establish outlets in other main centres such as Nadi, Pacific Harbour etc.

However, if you are looking for the best of the best, for my money it's the ' Kahawa ' coffee house in Suva. Creamy long-lasting foam, a good crema, freshly ground and great tasting cofee and very pleasant service. When they opened at the end of 1999, their vision was to provide gourmet coffees in a relaxed, homely, and friendly environment, along with home-cooked cakes and savouries. They then introduced a sandwich bar, and fresh fruit smoothies.

Kahawa use Amanti coffee beans - Amanti is Italian for 'lovers' while Kahawa is the Swahili word for 'coffee' - a great combination perfect for coffee lovers!

Kahawa have two outlets in Suva - one at Ramarama House in Gordon Street (Ph: 679 330 6385), and the other at the Suva Central at Renwick Road (Ph: 679 330 9671.