2025 Spring

Ocean Canoeing

Gábor Rakonczay successfully completed a world-class endeavor when he arrived at the port of Antigua on March 8th, having paddled 5,123 kilometers in his solo canoe. He crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 75 days and 10 hours. This was his second extreme water expedition of this kind—following his own record—since he had already achieved the world’s first solo ocean canoe crossing in 2012, completing the journey in 77 days.

What could have driven him to take on such perilous challenges, constantly pushing the limits of human endurance? Our article seeks to answer this question while also highlighting other extreme athletes who test the boundaries of human capability. Among them is an ultrarunner who ran for more than a week with virtually no breaks, a cyclist-mountaineer who reached the summit of Kilimanjaro with his bike, and a swimmer who traversed the Amazon River from end to end.

Robots in Sports

Humanoid machines, or human-like robots, are becoming increasingly skilled and intelligent, integrating themselves into various aspects of our lives—including the world of sports. While athlete robots are unlikely to replace human athletes, who often push themselves to the limits, anytime soon, it is remarkable that some “artificial entities” are already capable of partially replicating human abilities. With the help of artificial intelligence, these machines continue to improve.

Take, for example, the Guinness World Record-holding Japanese basketball-shooting robot, which demonstrates incredible accuracy and could even compete in the NBA, the highest level of professional basketball. Last autumn, it successfully made a perfect shot from beyond half-court, a distance of 24.5 meters. Furthermore, there are now super-robots excelling in football, ping pong, boxing, and even tennis, showcasing astonishing levels of skill in these sports.

Hotel Silvanus

We spoke with Árpád Lantos, one of the owners of Hotel Silvanus, for whom the Silvanus Hotel—perched atop Visegrád—is as much a part of his life as his family. The 85-year-old director shared his thoughts on the fire that damaged the hotel, the road to recovery, and the renewal process.

“The days following the fire were spent comforting each other, constantly reminding ourselves that we had to get back on our feet! The only great fortune in this tragedy was that no one was injured, thanks to our well-trained staff.

The year 2019 was still wonderful, but then COVID hit. The Silvanus team stuck together and persevered through it all. Then tourism and hospitality flourished once more—only for us to literally burn down. But I can proudly say that we got back up, shook off the dust, took action, and, thanks to the dedicated efforts of many people, the hotel will be more beautiful than ever once the restoration is complete.”

The Treasures of the World

For a man, his dearest “possession” is typically the love of his life, as reflected in common terms of endearment such as my treasure or my darling—though, of course, in this case, the “ownership” is not something that can be measured in monetary terms. Similarly, there are objects, products, and commodities so unique, extraordinary, and unparalleled that their true market value is simply impossible to determine. And even when it is, acquiring them often requires an astronomical sum.

Take, for example, one of the queens of diamonds—the Koh-i-Noor, also known as the Mountain of Light, a legendary gemstone among the British Crown Jewels. As one of the most valuable diamonds in the world, its worth is simply immeasurable.

But beyond diamonds, we also explore rare and priceless stamps, cars, food, watches, books, airplanes, and much more.

Celebrate All Year Round!

András Csere, the hotel’s director—who took over the management of Hotel Helikon Keszthely in 2022—describes the hotel as one of Lake Balaton’s true gems, located in the western basin.

Nestled along the shores of Lake Balaton, Hotel Helikon is not only the perfect destination for relaxation and rejuvenation but also a premier venue for unforgettable events. The hotel welcomes guests with exciting events all year round, with the highlight of the winter season being the spectacular New Year’s Eve gala dinner and an all-night party.

On the last night of the year, the hotel dazzled its guests with special programs. Comedian Péter Aranyosi set the mood on New Year’s Eve Eve, while Brazilian dancers, magician Balázs Kiss V., and star performer Attila Kökény ensured an atmosphere of pure joy. Live music was provided by Albert Váradi and his band, who entertained guests throughout the night.

Dr. Lilian Nochta’s Smile

She graduated from the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Pécs.

A few years ago, a European representative of one of the largest invisible orthodontic companies asked me what her secret was. To which she replied: There is no secret. I heal with heart and soul.

When invisible aligner orthodontics first appeared in Hungary, she was among the first to try and apply it. Back then, these aligners were made manually, whereas today, they work in the world of digital technology—with 3D scanners and printers.

In 2024, the Straumann Hungary ClearCorrect team awarded her the “Icon of Smile” prize for the first time. That same year, they launched their YouTube channel, ClearLines.

Every year, it is her tradition to offer free orthodontic treatment to children in need.

She is grateful to her family, friends, teachers, and team—but most of all, to her patients. As she often says: Their smile is my smile too.

Active Creation

Urban and rural childhood, peasant and bourgeois values. György Streit experienced the sustaining power of different ways of life from a young age. Family, education, diligence, and perseverance have always been important to him, just like tradition and innovation. Twenty-four years ago, he founded a healthcare business, and ten years ago, he established a now-successful winery. As the owner of the Streit – Zágonyi Winery, he is a father of three, a reliable colleague, a loyal boss, and a businessman who sees work as a form of creation.

Perhaps the bourgeois way of life was missing from his past. He believes that people create value while enjoying a good wine. Through his winery, he seeks to support this way of life.

His present and future are defined by his children. He has two grown sons and a nine-year-old daughter. He is an active sportsman; combat sports, sailing, and motorcycling are integral parts of his life. Each involves struggle, just like every aspect of life.

Wine Trends and Trendy Wines

Anyone who has tasted more than one type of wine likely has a favorite. Some wines suit our personal tastes better than others. But beyond individual preferences, periodic trends also emerge. Consumer demand and purchasing habits clearly reveal which wines are most sought after at any given time. In this article, we explore what drives these short- and long-term trends.

The world of wine offers an almost endless array of choices. But how should we decide? Which bottle should we pick off the shelf? Which wine should we order by the glass at a restaurant? And is it worth following the latest trends?

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is often credited with the saying, “Life is too short to drink bad wine.” Keeping this in mind, everyone should find the varieties, styles, and vintages that suit them best.

Our Renowned Dishes

In gastronomy, it is a common tradition worldwide to name dishes after famous people. However, the sheer number of “renowned” dishes recorded in Hungarian cookbooks may be unmatched anywhere else. In this article, we offer a glimpse into this tradition.

As it is spring, it seems fitting to focus on the mid-19th century—the era of the 1848 Revolution and War of Independence and the Reform Era—since most of the culinary traditions tied to famous names come from this period. How close these stories are to historical truth is, at the very least, debatable, but exploring the topic is undoubtedly an entertaining pursuit.

What is the connection between Hungary’s first governor-president, one of its greatest poets, and the dishes named after or attributed to them? It might be significant, or it might be minimal. Nonetheless, these names always express a sense of respect through gastronomy for the historical figures they commemorate

Our Great Figures and Their Dishes

Hungarian history is anything but simple. Wars and conflicts raged around us, and Hungary was always involved in some way or at least suffered their negative effects. Hard times create strong people, and this was no different in Hungary. During difficult periods, strong individuals took the initiative, giving rise to renowned and famous writers, poets, politicians, military leaders, and statesmen.

These prominent figures not only shaped public life, history, politics, and literature but also influenced gastronomy. There are multiple versions of how certain dishes originated, but one thing is certain: these dishes were named after famous Hungarians either because they were first prepared for them, they were their favorites, or they inspired a chef to create them. That is why these dishes bear their names.

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.

Istria Tours 94

Anikó Straub’s name is deeply intertwined with the world of local travel agencies, and everything she does is driven by passion and love. Her agency has been serving travelers for 30 years, and for her, work is not just a profession—it’s a way of life. Every day, she gets to do what she truly loves.

“Whenever I can, I travel a lot because my profession is all about recommending destinations that I have personally experienced. This way, I can offer the best advice to my clients. Of course, it’s impossible to visit every country every year, but through our connections, we strive to gather the most up-to-date information. Given our name, we are practically at home in Croatia—we can find solutions for almost anything.”

Her philosophy is that life should be enjoyed to the fullest by finding balance between work, personal life, and leisure—always seeking everyday happiness.

Celebrities with Exotic Animals

This time, in our section showcasing the animal-loving community that spans borders and continents, as well as their beloved pets, we feature not just any pets, but those belonging to extraordinary people—and of course, their famous owners.

Dogs, cats, perhaps fish, hamsters, parrots, or guinea pigs—these are the most common and beloved pets among everyday people. While these animals are also popular among celebrities, we know of many world-famous figures who have chosen a more exotic and unusual species. In Hungary, more and more exotic animals are being kept as pets. Sometimes, one even escapes and makes the news. Among celebrities, there are also those who are passionate about unique animals or whose lives led them to have an exotic pet at home. Beware, though—this trend should be followed with caution, as it can lead to trouble!

Spring is Worth It Too…

Spring has finally arrived—the long-awaited season when people prefer to spend all their free time outdoors, barbecuing in the garden or going on hikes. However, movie enthusiasts remain unfazed by the warmer weather. If there’s a premiere, we’ll be there.

UIP Dunafilm brings us The Black Bag, starring Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender as intelligence agents at the peak of their careers.

Thanks to Intercom, The Accountant 2 hits cinemas, with Ben Affleck once again portraying the mafia’s bookkeeper.

Levon (Jason Statham)—The Worker—is employed at a construction site. When the owner’s daughter goes missing after a party, Levon sets out to find her.

ADS has recently launched its Ghibli series, featuring classic anime films from the legendary Japanese studio. Starting in April, Kiki’s Delivery Service will arrive in Hungarian cinemas.

Brought to Hungary by Fórum Hungary, Snow White makes its debut as a live-action adaptation.

The Gift of Flowers
Certain festive occasions almost “require” us to celebrate the person involved with flowers. At the same time, giving flowers without any particular reason can be an especially kind and thoughtful gesture.

Flowers also play a prominent role in the business world. They can be given at any time of the year and serve as essential accessories for formal occasions, whether as part of a festive commemoration or as decorative elements.

Giving flowers is, therefore, one of the most beautiful and at the same time most common ways to express love, respect, or gratitude toward someone—provided, of course, that we are familiar with a few unwritten rules about how to give them.

Just like words, flowers also convey a message, so it is essential to match the number, color, and type of flowers to the recipient’s age, gender, style, and taste, as well as the nature of the occasion.

Rococo or Op-Art?

An interesting pairing—perhaps even the question itself is intriguing. These two eras and styles are worlds apart.

And yet, believe it or not, the motif of the ZEMA collection was inspired by the interior of a Rococo palace. However, its color scheme and design language have resulted in a bold, edgy collection, brought to life with a vibrant palette and striking color combinations.

Op-Art is well known for playing tricks on the eye through optical illusions. This style emerged in the modern era, taking off in the 1950s and making a huge impact across all artistic fields, including fashion. Even today, alongside many new and old trends, Op-Art remains relevant. Though used less frequently in contemporary design pieces, it seems to be an evergreen style.

So, perhaps we have our answer: neither purely Rococo nor purely Op-Art, but rather a daring fusion of both in this new, extravagant ZEMA collection.

Cats 1600

Exactly four decades ago, on March 25, 1983, something magical happened on the stage of Budapest’s Madách Theatre: audiences witnessed Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical, Cats, for the very first time in Hungary, directed by Tamás Szirtes and choreographed by László Seregi.

That evening left a profound mark not only on Hungarian theater history but also marked the beginning of a new era in the country’s musical theater scene. The production was met with rapturous acclaim from both audiences and critics, while theater professionals hailed it as the triumph of the season.

The cast played a crucial role in the production’s success. The stage was graced by legendary performers such as Éva Almási (Grizabella), Péter Haumann (Gastrofar George), and Ilona Bencze (Bombalurina).

Péter Haumann’s performance remains particularly unforgettable—critics dubbed him “the most complete cat.” Naturally, his contribution was honored during the milestone 1,600th performance.

Social life

Through our society column, we aim to provide our readers with an exclusive glimpse into various high-quality and prestigious events, including parties, openings, film, theater, and fashion premieres, exhibitions, concerts, and sports events.

The list is endless, yet all these events share common values: quality, excellence, and style. Issue after issue, we strive to bring you engaging reports on exciting happenings and programs.

In our spring edition, we covered events such as a night at the Opera, the Athlete of the Year Awards, a carnival ball, a Women’s Day party, as well as jewelry and fashion shows.

The Art of Travel

Gergely Kanalas shares his thoughts with our readers on his love for cars, his professional journey, and the exclusivity of the DS brand.

He has spent almost his entire career in the automotive world. He started 25 years ago at the then Peugeot Hungária as a product manager and later continued at Citroën until 2019. In 2019, the DS brand was introduced to the Hungarian market, a task that required a dedicated person, and he was entrusted with managing the brand, handling all its commercial and marketing responsibilities.

As a brand leader, he oversees all commerce- and marketing-related tasks in a true multitasking manner. Recently, he has also been entrusted with Citroën’s marketing. His goal is to enhance the recognition of the DS brand and implement the new strategy for Citroën.

DS Automobiles is a premium brand born in Paris in 2014, aiming to embody the art of travel.

Dynamic and Inspiring

In our spring issue, we showcase the following cars:

The MINI Aceman clearly represents the interactive car of the future, as its unique combination of lights, sounds, and smart features makes every journey unforgettable.

The new Ford Puma is a dynamic, driver-focused SUV that combines sporty design, advanced technology, and excellent space utilization.

The Ford Explorer impresses with its distinctive SUV design on the outside and outstanding technical features on the inside.

The KIA Sorento embodies a progressive SUV style inspired by a bold new vision, striking a fine balance between eye-catching and understated design.

The Kia Sportage is the epitome of advanced engineering and an inspiring driving experience, drawing inspiration from nature and exuding confidence and dynamism.

The next-generation Nissan Qashqai takes SUV design to the next level, blending boldness with sophistication.

The Nissan X-Trail N-Trek is the perfect companion for every adventure, whether navigating city streets or tackling the toughest terrains.

97th Oscar

This year, the 97th Academy Awards ceremony took place, and as has often been the case in the history of Hollywood’s most prestigious celebration, the gala once again brought surprises. The coveted Best Picture award, which many believed would go to a major Hollywood blockbuster, was instead claimed by a much smaller-budget production, Anora, which took home a total of five golden statuettes. Meanwhile, successful productions like the ten-time nominee Wicked achieved far more modest results. Demi Moore, too, was unable to take home the Oscar she had once almost felt was in her grasp. However, Adrien Brody not only won for himself but also brought glory to the Hungarians when he was recognized as the best for his role in The Brutalist, portraying a Hungarian architect. There was no shortage of funny quips, touching speeches, and of course, stunning evening gowns at this year’s Oscar gala. Additionally, in a unique tribute, this year, they also honored the Los Angeles firefighters.

Legendary Friendships in Hollywood

Who says two men can’t share the same space? Quite the opposite—these world-famous movie stars are the best of friends and have been each other’s unwavering support for decades. But how did their friendships begin?

We write about the friendship between Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, who grew up just a block away from each other.

We can’t forget about the two heartthrobs, George Clooney and Brad Pitt, whose friendly rivalry continues, but mostly in good fun.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire share a bond formed by childhood experiences.

Here are the two comedic superhero stars, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman.

And then there’s Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, who seem like brothers.