2025 Autumn
Raiffeisen Bank
Banking is now part of our everyday lives. It works best when it is almost invisible: when we need it, we can act immediately, and when our life situation requires a unique solution, we also receive the right support. Raiffeisen Bank’s retail division strives to excel in this area: the goal is to make financial management simple, fast, and flexible—whether with the press of a button or with the help of an expert advisor.
“Many of our clients seek personal advice before making more complex decisions—and that’s exactly how it should be,” emphasizes Gábor Rajna, Deputy CEO responsible for retail services.
In recent years, digitalization has dramatically transformed the world of banking, and this is reflected in Raiffeisen Bank’s services as well, such as the myRaiffeisen mobile application, qvik payments, and Raiffeisen Online Broker.
Building, Creating
Csaba Palotai’s career began at the age of 20. Even then, he had already developed the dedication and curiosity that continue to drive him forward to this day. Precision, attentiveness, and a commitment to guest experience quickly became defining values for him. He rose rapidly through the ranks. He summarizes his professional credo as follows: “If you have a smiling, dedicated team who come to work with joy, then the guests will feel good too – and ultimately, business goals will also be achieved.”
A year before the planned opening, he began working on creating the operational foundations of the TRIBE Budapest Airport Hotel – a lifestyle brand targeting a youthful, dynamic audience. Csaba Palotai is not only managing hotels but also creating experiences, building community, and constantly seeking new challenges. A master builder, who works with faith and passion – every single day.
Tibor Kapu in space
Until June 25, 2025, his business card simply read: Tibor
Kapu, mechanical engineer. But from that day on, a new defining title was added: Tibor Kapu, the second Hungarian astronaut, who followed in the footsteps of Bertalan Farkas and reached outer space as a research astronaut. Born in Vásárosnamény, Kapu spent 20 days, 2 hours, and 59 minutes in space. During this time, he carried out extensive research, primarily testing Hungarian-developed space instruments and conducting around 60 scientific experiments prepared by Hungarian researchers. „Thank you to everyone around the world who contributed to this beautiful day,” said the 33-year-old Kapu after launch, concluding his message with the timeless words of Count István Széchenyi: „For one, everything is difficult; for many, nothing is impossible.” At his international press conference, he also made a lighthearted remark: „It’s now official: Hungarian paprika is the best — even in space.”
The 40th F1 Grand Prix
Lando Norris won the milestone 40th Hungarian Grand Prix, held at the Hungaroring, which is undergoing the biggest transformation in its history, and followed live on-site by a total of 300,000 spectators over four days.
The 40th Hungarian Grand Prix “stepped beyond” the track’s fences and also “appeared” at some of the iconic locations of our beautiful capital: the Chain Bridge was lit up in festive red-white-green, the winners of past Hungaroring races came to life in the mist of the musical fountain on Margaret Island, and F1 flags waved proudly on bridges and overpasses.
All in all, the 40th Hungarian Grand Prix was worthy of the anniversary, with both drivers and leaders of the sport speaking in superlatives about the renewed circuit. Lewis Hamilton, the record holder of the Hungarian race with eight victories, was almost shocked by the sight, but admitted that the Hungaroring had “earned” this transformation.
Hotel Ózon & Luxury Villas
One of the most dynamically developing segments of tourism is experience-based hospitality, which, beyond traditional accommodation and dining services, offers personalized experiences, diverse locations, and authentic local values. Hotel Ózon & Luxury Villas, located in the heart of the Mátra mountains, provides opportunities that combine the region’s natural treasures with carefully designed hospitality.
The hotel is situated at the foot of Kékes, at nearly 700 meters above sea level, surrounded by forests and protected natural areas. Crystal-clear air, a peaceful environment, and breathtaking panoramas create ideal conditions for complete relaxation and rejuvenation. Hotel Ózon complements these natural assets with thoughtfully designed, comprehensive experience programs, as well as health and wellness services, to provide guests seeking rest with truly lasting memories.
Silver Medal and Adventure
In the summer of 2025, we had an experience of a lifetime: we visited Istanbul, where not only the city’s countless wonders but also our son Olivér’s sporting achievements made the trip truly unforgettable. The occasion was the European Championship of the Hungarian U16 boys’ water polo team, under the leadership of head coach Norbert Dabrowski. At just 15 years old, Olivér played among boys a year older than him, and the team ultimately won the silver medal. To crown it all, he became the top scorer of the Hungarian team, leaving his mark not only in the pool but also in the statistics.
His biggest fan, his brother Dávid, was also with us – and of course, we as parents, Ancsa and myself, cheered the boys on with all our energy. The days between matches we spent exploring Istanbul’s fascinating sights, as the saying “mixing business with pleasure” proved perfectly true this time.
Between the Sea and the Cliffs
One of the most memorable experiences of this summer was a week I spent with my wife and younger son in Corsica. I had long dreamed of discovering this wild yet welcoming island, often referred to as the “jewel of the Mediterranean.”
Our journey began in Bastia. Already in the first days of our holiday, we rented a motorboat to explore the coastline. That alone was an incredible experience, as the landscape reveals a completely different face when seen from the sea. In the second half of the week, we crossed to the other side of the island, all the way down south, and stayed in Bonifacio.
As the days went by, I felt that Corsica revealed a new side of itself each day: at times wild and rugged, with its rocky shores; at other times friendly and inviting, with its quiet coves and Mediterranean towns. This diversity is what made the trip truly special. The island holds so many secrets that we will surely return one day.
The Success Story of Hotel Helikon
At the western gateway of Lake Balaton, on the picturesque shoreline of Keszthely, stands the city’s iconic hotel, Hotel Helikon**** Superior. Reborn in the autumn of 2022, the building has been renewed not only in appearance but also in the quality of its services. Since the spring of 2023, the modernized hotel has been managed by General Manager András Csere, who began his career in hospitality and went on to become a recognized professional in the hotel industry.
With over 30 years of experience in tourism, András Csere has held numerous positions in both hotels and the catering sector. He has specialized primarily in gastronomy and guest-experience-driven developments, and from the very first months he made it clear: at Hotel Helikon, the guest comes first. Under his leadership, the hotel has once again filled its spaces, regained its loyal regulars, and attracted a new audience as well – it is no coincidence that the summer of 2025 ended with full occupancy.
Quality and Timelessness
For me, work doesn’t really feel like work, because I love what I do. My brand has been around for ten years now, yet I still feel joy every time I see a finished garment – whether it’s a piece from a new collection or a unique custom order.
The name of the brand comes from my own name: Páncsity Kata. The first two letters, “pa,” are from my surname, “ka” from Kata, and “mé” represents me. I shifted the accent from the “á” because it sounded more elegant this way. My brand is essentially myself: my style, my personality, everything I am is present in my clothes.
A Pakamé garment is clean, elegant, yet noticeable. It is not ostentatious or flashy, but my customers are always asked where their clothes are from. The secret lies in the harmony of quality and style. I design pieces that are versatile, can be worn as part of a set, and remain relevant even years later.
Here we got to know the thoughts of the designer-owner.
Our Soul Has a Body
An extraordinary conversation with Judit Boros, spa beautician and soul healer, about the afterlife, the magic of touch, and the power of love.
When someone enters the Water Angel Beauty Center for the first time, once they move past the initial awe inspired by the refined atmosphere, they are overcome by an indescribable feeling: a sense of coming home.
Judit shares in the joys and sorrows of every guest who entrusts her, striving to help them in whatever way she can. She gives her guests a spiritual keepsake in the form of a quotation—chosen randomly, yet always strikingly accurate.
She takes pride in every working day, in her discerning clientele.She is proud to create, to beautify, to rejuvenate, and to remain authentic—because through her own example she demonstrates the power of constant care. She was born to inspire and convince people.
From the Glory Days to Redesign
There are few Hungarian fashion brands that became as defining a player both before and after the political transition as Griff Gentlemen’s. With their own production, primarily men’s clothing—and later, under the name Griff Collection, women’s products as well—the brand conquered the Hungarian market with quality garments and modern style, while also building a nationwide retail network.
But the story is not only about success: economic crises, the spread of shopping malls, the Covid pandemic, and shifting consumer habits posed serious challenges for the company. We spoke with the founding owner, Zoltán Sütő, about what led to the closure of the stores, how he experienced this on a personal level, and what plans he has for the future.
According to Zoltán Sütő’s philosophy of life, creativity, authenticity, purposeful perseverance, and a success-oriented mindset override everything else.
Hotel Abacus
The Abacus Business & Wellness Hotel**** Superior is located 25 km from Budapest, in Herceghalom. The hotel’s inspiring atmosphere, innovative environment and uncompromising gastronomical philosophy makes it the ideal place for family vacations, wellness weekends, conferences, business meetings and even weddings. The chef, Janos Kovacs, whose resume boasts with extensive foreign experience, uses simple, local and seasonal ingredients from Zsambek’s basin in his dishes. The majority of the spices he uses are grown in the kitchen’s own garden. Their dishes draw on both international sensibilities as well as the traditional Hungarian sense of taste; all while using modern culinary technology. The combination of gastronomical pleasures with a peaceful, familiar atmosphere and modern environment translate into more than half the guests being regulars. Their success was further confirmed when Abacus Business & Wellness Hotel won the title of Best Rural Business and Conference Hotel in Hungary.
A Fresh Boost for Sziget
This year, we had to rediscover Sziget all over again—but it was worth it, as every corner held something exciting in store. On the closing day, the 11 millionth “Szitizen” since the festival’s beginning arrived, and together with them, some 416,000 visitors enjoyed every single moment of the renewed festival over the course of six days.
Festival director Tamás Kádár also highlighted the event’s visual renewal. “Many have told us they haven’t seen Sziget’s visuals look this cool in a long time,” said the director.
According to Kádár, this was just the first step in a longer-term renewal process, one in which certain genre-based districts—such as music, street culture, and creativity—have already started to take clearer shape.
Always Forward!
Árpád László: “We believe that everything lasts forever, but that is exactly why change is necessary.”
I am the “fortunate” child of an era when Hungarian hospitality was still run from behind desks by people with little real expertise. The district catering companies opened restaurants according to the same mold, so the idea of implementing one’s own vision only took shape in the minds of a few independent thinkers.
He built an island in the City Park lake, and on it an elegant restaurant, which opened its doors on June 16, 1989. Both before and after that, numerous successful ventures have been tied to the name of Árpád László.
He believes in constant renewal. This spring, the restaurant and kitchen underwent a 150-million-forint transformation. A show kitchen was created where the staff can work under air-conditioned conditions. The restaurant itself was given an olive-green tone, with elegant furnishings and finishes.
Sweet as Honey
There is hardly a household in the world today where honey cannot be found in the kitchen, pantry, or on a shelf. Experts believe that a cave painting discovered near Valencia—dating back sixteen thousand years—depicts an ancient hunter “raiding” a beehive of that era. Honey-based marinades have been a staple in the kitchens of ancient civilizations and continue to hold their place in 21st-century culinary arts. We highly recommend using a honey-chili marinade for poultry or pork—not only is it an unbeatable flavor combination, but due to the properties of its ingredients, it is also considered an aphrodisiac, as the Roman poet Ovid wrote in the 1st century. Today, around 1.5 million tons of honey are produced globally each year, with the Greeks leading the world in per capita honey consumption. You can discover more fascinating facts by reading our article dedicated to honey.
The Role of Honey
Honey has been present in kitchens for centuries, but in grill and BBQ culture it has only gained a truly prominent role in recent decades. Beyond its sweetening power, it is a versatile ingredient that lends unique flavor, color, and texture to meats, sauces, and marinades.
One of honey’s most important properties is that it caramelizes when exposed to heat. On the grill or barbecue, this gives the outer layer of the meat a special, lightly smoky-floral sweetness.
One of the secrets of BBQ cooking is the balance of flavors. Honey pairs excellently with acidic ingredients.
Honey is not just a sweetener, but a key ingredient in the world of grilled and BBQ dishes. It can bridge sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors while adding texture and color to food. Anyone wishing to elevate their home grill parties should feel free to experiment with different varieties of honey—the result will surely be richer and more memorable.
Beautiful in Pairs
Food and wine pairings play an important role in the world of gastronomy. But how “set in stone” are these recommendations? How much can – and should – we experiment with wines that deviate from the so-called ideal pairings?
For a long time, science recognized only four basic tastes (sweet, salty, sour, and bitter), later joined by a fifth: umami. The dominant basic tastes in a dish help determine which type of wine is best suited to accompany it.
Streit-Zagonyi Winery in Villány offers a wide range of products, so whatever ends up on your plate, you’re likely to find a suitable bottle. For a salty salad with seafood, the Fremont Olaszrizling (Welschriesling) can be an excellent choice. The acidity of a tomato-based ragout can be balanced by a fresh Portugieser, while a matured steak or game meat calls for the “heavyweight” reds like The Union cuvée, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, or Merlot.
Wonderful Creatures
There is no end to the number of adorable dogs, cats, and other pets. Yet nature is by no means limited to household companions. In this issue—without aiming for completeness—we present some of the world’s most beautiful and extraordinary living beings.
For example, we showcase the almost otherworldly beauty of the white peacock, the snow leopard—an endangered species and the solitary hunter of remote mountains—and the quokka, a truly marvelous marsupial.
The aquatic world also abounds in wonderful creatures. From the countless species, we highlight one in particular: Olindias formosa, commonly known as the flower hat jellyfish.
Returning to mammals: the tiger—be it Siberian, Bengal, or Sumatran—may not be the king of animals, but it is certainly their prince.
And when it comes to beauty, butterflies cannot be left out. Among them, perhaps the most striking is the so-called swallowtail butterfly.
For Movie Lovers
The holiday has faded into a beautiful memory, the school bell has rung, and the busy grey weekdays have returned—yet this by no means implies that autumn holds no treats for film enthusiasts. On the contrary.
To start with, UIP brings one of its major releases: The Black Phone 2.
In the film adaptation of Stephen King’s novel The Long Walk, America is ruled by a totalitarian regime.
Prorom also makes a big splash this autumn with none other than the third installment of the hugely successful action film Now You See Me.
ADS Film likewise awaits cinema lovers with a wide selection—in October, doodle monsters will be taking over the big screen.
Ben Travis, author at Empire, describes The Peak as a blend of Friday Night Lights—Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose—and Nosferatu meeting at midfield.
Finally, Forum Hungary is bringing The Running Man to Hungarian cinemas.
Elegance in a Glass
Autumn is not only the season of harvest but also a time traditionally devoted to wine consumption. However, this period is about more than just enjoying fine beverages — it’s also about honoring traditions and observing both written and unwritten rules tied to wine culture.
The choice of wine alone carries great significance, as it influences many other aspects — such as the accompanying menu and even the selection of wine glasses, which should align accordingly.
Following the ideal tasting order that allows flavors to fully unfold, lighter, younger, fresher white wines with lower alcohol content are served first, followed by fuller-bodied, more intense, and robust red wines.
The wine glass is not merely an aesthetic element — it plays an essential role in allowing the wine’s aroma and quality to fully develop, thus ensuring the consumer enjoys the most complete and refined experience possible.
ZEMA – Gizella Collection
The new collection of ZEMA Hungarian Porcelain and Jewelry House was presented on August 20.
The ZEMA porcelain jewelry pieces were inspired by the wonder of the Buda Castle – the reconstructed St. Stephen’s Hall – and its unique fireplace. The first historically reconstructed hall of the palace pays tribute to our state-founding King Stephen I.
The name of the collection evokes Gizella, the first Christian queen of Hungary, who was beatified in 1911.
Social life
Through our society column, we aim to offer our readers an inside look at various high-quality, exclusive events, parties, openings, film, theatre and fashion shows, exhibitions, concerts, and sporting events—at least those we consider truly exceptional.
The list is endless, but all these occasions have one thing in common: quality, elegance, and style. From issue to issue, we strive to report on captivating happenings and programs that spark interest and inspire.
In our autumn issue, we attended a polo match combined with a party and a car showcase on the Danube.
Fiat Grande Panda
After the 2003 and 2011 generations, Fiat now truly revisits the spirit of the original Panda, produced between 1980 and 2003. The new Grande Panda evokes retro charm while offering modern, practical solutions: a distinctive, compact car under four meters in length, yet usable for families of up to 2+2, available at an accessible price with either electric or mild hybrid powertrains. Challenges set by the Stellantis group and the growing pressure of the electric market may both have contributed to Fiat finally capturing the essence of the original Panda so effectively.
Fiat’s special launch edition, named RED, can also be seen as a statement of social responsibility, with its red badge referring to civil movements combating pandemics. The name “Grande” indicates that the previous Panda model will remain in production for a few more years.
KIA Models
The Kia EV3 is not just another electric car on the market—it’s much more than that. This vehicle is the meeting point of boldness and distinctive style, redefining how we think about electric mobility. “Capable of More” is not just a slogan—it captures the very essence of the EV3. A compact SUV that delivers an outstanding EV experience with innovative technology and up to 605 km of electric range.
The renewed Kia Picanto takes the fusion of daring design and carefree travel to the next level. This small car is not merely a means of urban transport, but a lifestyle: edgy, fresh, modern, and in every detail suggesting that it’s ready for big-city adventures. Despite its compact size, it carries a huge personality and injects new energy into your driving style. The new generation Kia Picanto is not just a car—it’s a reliable companion that lives with you.
Celebrity Offspring
These beautiful young women, following in their parents’ footsteps, have now become stars themselves—or are at least well on their way.
Twenty-one-year-old Deva appeared in Dolce & Gabbana ads five years ago, at the age of 16, and later proved on the runway that she has more than just striking looks.
Ella Bleu Travolta acted alongside her father, John Travolta, in the film The Poison Rose, and since then has taken on more substantial roles.
For Lily-Rose Depp, growing up as the daughter of one of Hollywood’s most famous stars and a charming French actress-singer must have been an adventure in itself.
Kaia Gerber is often said to have had a tough start just by being born, and there’s no doubt she inherited the best genes from her supermodel mother, practically her spitting image.
Maya Hawke debuted on screen eight years ago, and in 2019 she truly made her name known worldwide.
Margaret Qualley, instead of pursuing dance, chose filmmaking as her true passion.
