2026 Autumn
Immediate Financial Solutions
“Digitalization is no longer a special service; it is a fundamental customer expectation. The question is not whether a financial transaction can be handled digitally, but how simply, quickly, and securely it can be done,” says Gábor Rajna, Deputy CEO responsible for the Retail Division at Raiffeisen Bank.
It is no coincidence that the digital customer experience has become one of the most important areas of competition among banks. This is reflected in the professional recognition Raiffeisen Bank received this year: Euromoney magazine named the institution Hungary’s Best Digital Bank for Retail Banking. According to Euromoney’s assessment, Raiffeisen Bank made significant progress over the past year in digital customer acquisition and customer service.
A personal loan can also be applied for 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing a solution when an unexpected, major expense arises.
The World Cup of Records
This World Cup was richer than any previous edition in dramatic twists, outstanding individual performances, and statistical milestones. Thanks to the expanded 48-team format, a total of 104 matches were played, ushering in a new era in World Cup history.
Spain emerged as champions, defeating defending champions Argentina 1–0 after extra time in the final at New York–New Jersey Stadium. The decisive goal came in the 106th minute, when Ferran Torres found the net, securing Spain’s second FIFA World Cup title in history.
The race for the Golden Boot remained fiercely contested until the final weekend. Kylian Mbappé overtook Lionel Messi by scoring twice in the third-place match, finishing the tournament with 10 goals to claim the Golden Boot. It marked the second time in his career that he finished as the FIFA World Cup’s top scorer.
The tournament’s six leading goalscorers combined to score a total of 44 goals.
Lake Bled
When we arrived in Bled, we immediately understood why it is considered one of the most beautiful and romantic places in Slovenia. Nestled among the breathtaking mountain ranges of the Julian Alps, the emerald-green Lake Bled is home to a tiny island rising from its center, crowned by a picturesque church. Meanwhile, perched high on a cliff overlooking the lake, the more than thousand-year-old Bled Castle stands guard over the history of the area. The whole scene looks as though it has stepped straight out of a storybook.
On our very first day, we set off on a long walk along the lakeshore. The scenic walking trail, which is approximately six kilometers long, revealed a different side of the lake with almost every step. Sometimes we admired the church standing on the island, sometimes we enjoyed the silhouette of the castle, while at other moments the surrounding mountains were reflected in the calm surface of the water.
Our next adventure was exploring Bled Island, located in the middle of the lake.
Of course, we didn’t want to miss out on swimming either, especially in the summer heat.
Where History Meets the Seaside
Located on the shores of the Thermaic Gulf, the city is both lively and peaceful, modern and historic, while the atmosphere of Mediterranean life can be felt everywhere. Thessaloniki is the second-largest city in Greece, where ancient, Byzantine, and Ottoman history comes together with the vibrant energy of modern city life.
One of the city’s most famous landmarks is the White Tower. Standing on the waterfront, this massive cylindrical building has become an inseparable part of Thessaloniki’s skyline.
From here, the long seaside promenade begins, one of the most popular and enjoyable areas of Thessaloniki.
Heading towards the heart of the city, the area around the Arch of Galerius and the Rotunda is particularly fascinating, as this is where the ancient history of Thessaloniki feels almost within touching distance.
You can also enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city center around Aristotelous Square.
Mykonos
During our week-long holiday in Mykonos, we wanted to find the perfect balance between relaxation and exploration. Our hotel provided a pleasant retreat every day. We enjoyed the peaceful surroundings, the pool, the sunshine, and the stunning views, but we never spent a single day simply doing nothing. We explored the island’s unique and special places one after another, while every evening we returned to the charming little streets of Mykonos Town.
Over the course of the week, we managed to find exactly the balance we had been looking for in a true holiday. During the day, we relaxed at the hotel, enjoyed the pool and the views, while also setting off each day to discover another side of Mykonos. Historical sights, ancient ruins, a boat trip, beautiful beaches, jet skiing, sunsets, and atmospheric dinners all came together to make our trip truly complete.
Faith, Humility, Perseverance
These three words are far more than Dr. Viktória Marosi’s leadership philosophy—they have shaped her entire life. As a table tennis player, she learned that every achievement is the result of years of dedication and hard work. As a leader, she believes that true authority comes not from a job title, but from performance and leading by example. Since 1 July, she has served as Regional Director of Alfa Network’s Pólus Directorate, leading a team of ninety professionals.
It was both moving and inspiring. At the end of June, during a symbolic ceremony, Tamás Rittinger handed her the key to the office in front of the entire directorate. In that moment, six years of hard work and success came together. An important chapter had come to a close, and a new one had begun—one in which she now bears responsibility for shaping the future of the Pólus Directorate.
In 2024, she was named Manager of the Year from among the network’s 130 managers. In the annual performance competition, she also finished in third place in both 2024 and 2025.
Lili’s Smile
In the previous installment, we followed the journey from digital scanning to a personalized 3D treatment plan. Now we have reached the stage where the virtual plan becomes reality and the gradual transformation of the smile begins.
One of the greatest advantages of clear aligner treatment is that tooth movement is carefully planned in a series of small, precise steps. Each aligner moves the teeth one stage closer to their ideal position. For this reason, it is essential that patients wear the aligners in the prescribed order and for the recommended duration—ideally 20 to 22 hours a day.
The success of the treatment depends not only on meticulous planning but also on the patient’s commitment and consistency. Compliance is one of the most important factors in achieving predictable and successful results.
This is precisely why treatment should always be supervised by a qualified orthodontic specialist. If refinements or additional corrective aligners become necessary, a new intermediate treatment plan must be created to ensure that the teeth continue moving safely and accurately toward the desired outcome.
A Date Above the City
There are evenings when you’re not just looking for dinner, but for an experience that takes you away from the routine of everyday life. That’s exactly what we had in mind when, on a Friday evening, we chose the sky bar at the TRIBE Budapest Airport Hotel, located near Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, for a romantic dinner.
TRIBE Budapest Airport offers a completely different atmosphere from a traditional airport hotel. Its contemporary design, clean-lined interiors, and youthful ambiance create a setting that is both elegant and welcoming. It’s an excellent choice not only for travelers but also for a relaxing evening out.
The panoramic rooftop terrace provides a unique perspective of the surrounding area. As night falls, the lights of the runways and the sight of aircraft taking off and landing create a truly distinctive atmosphere. Few experiences compare to enjoying a cocktail or dinner while watching flights depart for destinations around the world or arrive from faraway places.
LOZAR
Interview with Réka Lotfi-Schadi, Founder of Lozar: “A Great Dress Is One That Gives Confidence to the Person Wearing It.”
For the past nine years, Lozar has been a distinctive presence in the Hungarian fashion scene. Known for its sporty yet elegant women’s wear with a strong, recognizable identity, the brand quickly found its loyal audience.
From an early age, Réka loved drawing, experimenting with colors and shapes, and observing the way people dressed. She was fascinated by how clothing can express mood, personality, and even confidence.
She worked as a stylist on music videos and fashion editorials before realizing she wanted to create something that would allow her to fully express her creativity while giving her greater flexibility in her work.
To date, the Fashion and Art Show has been held five times, bringing together the worlds of fashion and contemporary art. The event series is built around a unique concept: for each edition, Réka selects a contemporary artist and transforms their artistic vision into a fashion collection inspired by their body of work.
Sky Stones
For painter Zsuzsanna Udvarhelyi, alchemy serves as a vital bridge between psychology and ancient wisdom traditions.
One of the fundamental principles of alchemy is the parallel exploration of the physical and spiritual worlds. Everything reflects and maps everything else. These seemingly abstract paintings are, in fact, magnified gemstones and prisms that also function as mirrors of the Earth—works that reveal the soul of our planet.
These artworks are instruments of insight, gradually unveiling the mysteries of our place in the universe. Each piece is both a hypnotic meditation and a tool for self-discovery. Zsuzsanna Udvarhelyi instinctively imbues her creations with a sense of otherworldly wisdom. Her paintings serve as gateways to unseen dimensions, offering glimpses into ethereal realms and the hidden interconnectedness of the human soul. Through her art, she invites the viewer to trust their intuition and embrace the transformative power of heightened perception.
Hotel Helikon
Few hotels on the shores of Lake Balaton successfully combine the legacy of the past with the promise of the future of hospitality. Hotel Helikon in Keszthely is one of them. Thanks to its comprehensive renovation in recent years and the professional leadership of General Manager András Csere, Hotel Helikon has become not only one of Keszthely’s best-known landmarks but also one of the most iconic hotels on Lake Balaton.
Its prime waterfront location, contemporary elegance, and high-quality services come together to create a destination that appeals equally to families, couples, active leisure travelers, and business guests. The hotel offers 176 modern guest rooms, spacious communal areas, and a three-level wellness centre, welcoming visitors throughout the year.
According to Hotel Helikon’s philosophy, a holiday at Lake Balaton is about much more than summer beach days. The hotel’s extensive sports and recreational facilities reflect this vision, encouraging guests to enjoy an active getaway in every season.
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.
Goose on the Grill
For centuries, St. Martin’s Day has been one of the most celebrated occasions in Hungarian gastronomy. According to tradition, “Whoever does not eat goose on St. Martin’s Day will go hungry all year,” which is why goose dishes appear on the tables of countless families every November 11. While most people associate the occasion with crispy roasted goose legs or a whole oven-roasted goose, grilling offers outdoor cooking enthusiasts an excellent way to prepare this traditional delicacy with a distinctive twist.
The rich, robust flavor of goose lends itself particularly well to grilling. The smoke from charcoal or hardwood adds a delicate smoky aroma to the meat, while the slow cooking process keeps it tender and juicy, allowing the skin to become beautifully golden and irresistibly crisp. One of the secrets to a perfect result is careful preparation. Ideally, the goose should be rubbed the day before with salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic, and marjoram, then left to rest in a cool place overnight so the flavors can fully develop.
St. Martin’s Day Goose
Every year, the eleventh day of November is St. Martin’s Day according to the Christian calendar, or simply Martinmas in everyday, secular terms. According to folk traditions, it is the celebration of the new wine and the harvest. But why did St. Martin’s Day become such a significant occasion?
Not only because the life story of St. Martin of Pannonia, who lived in the 4th century AD, intersects in several ways with white-feathered geese. While studying Central European folk traditions and rural lifestyles, we can find several explanations for the custom of serving goose dishes in November.
Both folk traditions and modern cookbooks contain countless simple and elaborate methods for preparing goose. Goose liver, meanwhile, has been a culinary delicacy enjoyed by the most elegant restaurants and the aristocratic elite for decades, perhaps even centuries. A whole roasted goose or roasted goose leg can also hold a worthy place on a Christmas menu.
The World’s Most Expensive Animals
The value of animals is usually impossible to measure in money, yet there are individual animals and entire breeds for which collectors, breeders, and sports enthusiasts are willing to pay fortunes. Prices are often determined by genetic background, rarity, breeding achievements, or sporting performance. The price of an exceptional specimen can sometimes rival that of a luxury villa or even a private jet.
At the top of the list of the world’s most expensive animals are usually racehorses.
Even more surprising is that among racing pigeons there are also multimillionaire “stars.”
In the world of dogs, the Tibetan Mastiff is considered one of the most valuable breeds.
Special cat breeds also change hands for remarkable sums.
Among aquatic creatures, high-value ornamental fish represent the very top of the market.
In the exotic animal trade, rare parrots such as the kakapo, as well as reptiles and ornamental birds, can also command extraordinary prices.
The Cinema’s True Season
As the days grow shorter and the evenings become increasingly chilly, the true cinema season is upon us once again. During the autumn and winter months, audiences can look forward to a diverse selection of films: gripping thrillers, romantic stories, spectacular adventures, unique animated features and highly anticipated comebacks will all take their place on the big screen.
There will be plenty to choose from in the months ahead, whether we are in the mood for a captivating story, some light-hearted entertainment or a truly moving cinematic experience. So it is the perfect time to settle into the comfort of a cinema seat, as the new season promises plenty of memorable adventures on the big screen.
We have selected films distributed by ADS Service, UPI Media, InterCom and Forum Hungary.
Protocol in a Cup
In the rush of everyday life, drinking coffee or tea is often reduced to little more than a means of getting one’s caffeine fix. Yet the serving and consumption of hot beverages form an integral part of the social conventions of private, business, and diplomatic life alike.
Stylish hospitality begins with the selection of the finest ingredients. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our choice of loose-leaf teas and freshly ground premium coffees.
When it comes to tea and coffee services, fine, high-quality porcelain sets the standard. Accordingly, the use of paper or plastic cups should be firmly avoided—unless, of course, the occasion is an outdoor or mobile event.
When we understand and observe these subtle rules, drinking coffee or tea becomes more than a biological necessity or a habitual ritual. It becomes a refined expression of social culture and the art of spending quality time at its highest level.
ZEMA
The ZEMA Van Gogh Collection has been one of customers’ favorites for years. These unique porcelain jewelry pieces captivate their wearers not only with their beauty, but also with the inspiration they draw from the breathtaking works of the world-renowned artist.
Now, let’s turn our attention to Vincent van Gogh himself. His time at the asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence in southern France was one of the most significant and, at the same time, most productive periods of his life. During his stay there, he created nearly 150 paintings, including one of his best-known masterpieces, Irises, whose motifs can also be found throughout the ZEMA porcelain collection.
The ZEMA Van Gogh Collection is therefore more than just a line of jewelry—it is a tribute to the artist’s genius, a small piece of art that we can carry with us every day.
Sziget 2026
The 2026 Sziget Festival has come to an end, once again proving to be one of Budapest’s most important international cultural events. Held on Óbuda Island, the festival welcomed approximately 357,000 visitors over the five-day main program and the associated events.
The 2026 edition of Sziget began under unique circumstances. The festival returned to the interests of its founder, Károly Gerendai. This year’s event was therefore both a period of transition and an opportunity to prove itself. It had to demonstrate that Sziget could continue to maintain its international appeal while also refreshing its identity and overall image.
The festival continued to embrace a multidisciplinary approach. Alongside its musical lineup, visitors could enjoy theater, circus, performances, community and NGO programs, as well as unique art installations. One of the greatest strengths of this diverse offering was that festival-goers were not simply coming for a series of concerts, but for a multi-day cultural experience.
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 covered car launches and attended equestrian polo events, the Derby, and fashion shows.
Different Characters
The Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 Coupé is a perfect example of how luxury, sportiness and modern technology can come together in a single, distinctive model.
The TIGGO 8 is designed for those who refuse to compromise on spaciousness, modern technology or a premium appearance.
The new-generation Citroën ë-C5 Aircross is the perfect embodiment of the brand’s philosophy.
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 is a model that reimagines our ideas about sustainable mobility.
Alfa Romeo has always created cars that appeal to the emotions, where stunning design and a sporty driving experience go hand in hand. The new Alfa Romeo Tonale takes this philosophy to a whole new level.
The Fiat 500 Cabrio is an iconic city car that combines the freedom of open-top driving with the elegance of Italian design.
Few cars are able to preserve their character across generations while continuously adapting to the demands of the modern age. The new Fiat 500 Hybrid embodies exactly this.
Forever Young at Sixty
People often say these days that 50 is the new 30—and if that’s true, then perhaps 60 is the new 40. Looking at the famous and beautiful women below, it hardly seems like an exaggeration. What do they all have in common? Remarkably, they were all born in 1966, which means they are celebrating—or will celebrate—their 60th birthday this year.
Cindy Crawford says her husband has talked her out of cosmetic surgery. Halle Berry continues to maintain her incredible physique. For Salma Hayek, good posture is the secret to staying in shape. Janet Jackson has finally returned to her ideal weight. Sophie Marceau’s twenty-something daughter has inherited her mother’s striking beauty, while Julianna Margulies considers herself fortunate if she can fit six workouts into a single week.
And 2027 is just around the corner, bringing another group of celebrated beauties into the sixty-plus club. The list is every bit as impressive: Nicole Kidman, Pamela Anderson, and Julia Roberts will all reach the milestone. It certainly seems that Hollywood has discovered the secret to staying forever young.
Global Superstars and the Sport
To begin with, it is worth noting that the relationship between sport and global celebrities has evolved far beyond the image of a famous face appearing in a VIP box at a stadium. Today, sport has become one of the most significant intersections of entertainment, business, and social responsibility, where actors, musicians, and athletes reinforce one another’s brands. Over the past decades, countless memorable stories have demonstrated that these connections are not merely marketing strategies, but are often built on genuine friendships, shared values, and a common passion.
In the age of social media, this relationship has become even stronger. A single photograph or video featuring a celebrity alongside an athlete can reach tens of millions of people within just a few hours.
Today, this phenomenon has grown into a powerful cultural force that inspires millions around the world. Film stars and musicians introduce new audiences to different sports, while athletes increasingly become influential role models within the entertainment industry.
From the Sports Field to Worldwide Fame
For most people, the names of world-famous stars are associated with the big screen, the stage, or television, yet many of them have impressive sporting backgrounds. Some gave up professional careers in sports to pursue the arts, while others won national championships or came close to reaching Olympic level. Their stories clearly show that the road to success often begins on the sports field.
The connection between sports and the entertainment industry is becoming increasingly common today. Former athletes go on to become actors, TV presenters, or musicians, while many celebrities have serious sporting backgrounds. What they have in common is discipline, perseverance, a competitive spirit, and the ability to start over after experiencing failure. Perhaps that is why so many world-famous stars say that they learned their first lessons about success not on a film set or on stage, but on the sports field.
