Roger Allen is the CEO of
Holistic Life Kft. and is focused on leading the company's expansion within the spa and wellness industry.
Roger is presently seen as one of the leading spa business consultants in the CEE region and brings a global spa experience to the local Hungarian market.
British born, Roger has spent over 14-years working in senior positions in the leisure industry that has seen him take posts from in Europe to the US and all across Asia. Roger regularly contributes many educational articles to leading professional leisure publications and speaks often at health and wellness conferences.
1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
I arrived in Budapest in November of 1998. My reasons for Hungary being a destination? Well, would I be the first Xpat to be influenced by an attractive young lady?
2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
Yes, I have been very fortunate to have worked in many countries including many places in Asia (Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand) and the US.
3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
I was very surprised by the wine and food, it really is very good.
4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
St. Stephen's Basilica, Castle District, Parliament, see the Chain Bridge at night, try traditional crispy duck and or goose liver with Hungarian wine. And your visit to Budapest should not be complete without a visit Levendula Day Spa!
5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
Fish Soup!
6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Good bottle of White wine.
7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?
Igen, because it was one of the first words I learned.
8. What do you miss most from home?
Well, home is really where ever I lay my hat as it has been a while since I left my home in the UK. But if there is something I really miss that I can't get in Hungary - Ben & Jerry's Fish Food ice cream, wow this stuff is really something else.
9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
Well, I served in the Parachute Regiment before a knee injury brought my career to an abrupt end and so if I could do my time again I'd love to do return to the Para's and see how far I could advance in the special forces.
10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
Any laborious 9-5 manufacturing job. No way!
11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Barcelona.
12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
Caribbean
13. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
Band - UB40
Film - Any Peter Sellers movie
Hobby - Swimming
14. What can't you resist?
Work.
15. Red wine or white?
Red - A fine bottle of Monarchia Wines Nimrod III
16. Book or movie?
Book
17. Morning person or night person?
Morning
18. Dog person or cat person?
Dog
19. Buda or Pest side?
Pest
20. What would you say is your personal motto?
To be always be positive, attitude determines altitude and "never, never, never give in"