Laila Stock

About Laila – How the Orient captured my heart

My enthusiasm for travel has accompanied me for as long as I can remember – to be precise, since my birth: At three months old, I embarked on my first big journey with my travel-loving family to India. Numerous other trips followed through Asia, Africa, and Central America. But especially the Orient has captivated me from the very beginning: the vibrant traditions, the impressive architecture, the extraordinary hospitality.

Since 2024, I have been able to live out this passion professionally at Take Memories. I love to stroll through souks, engage in conversations with people, and discover the stories behind a travel destination. For me, the Orient is primarily defined by what one finds away from the well-known sights: small alleys, inconspicuous tea houses, places where no guidebook has yet been. And then there's the cuisine, which is simply incomparable, along with this special, inviting food culture – a glass of tea and a few dates are often enough there to feel instantly welcomed. I want to enable you to experience exactly these moments as well.

Places that particularly inspire me

Egypt

Surprisingly, it was primarily the cuisine that captivated me in Egypt. Koshari has become my new favorite dish since my last trip – whether elegantly at the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza overlooking the Nile or as street food in Aswan, right among the locals. The warmth and hospitality of the Egyptians is especially evident to me in how richly and lovingly food is served there. I admit: I also reached my own limits in this – who likes to say no when new delicacies are constantly being served? The Arabic specialty restaurant at the Four Seasons combines exactly these flavors with one of the most beautiful views of the Nile that I know – a place where luxury and true culinary depth complement each other perfectly.

Morocco

In Morocco, it was primarily the hotels that made my stay even more special. There, they are not just a place to sleep but an essential part of the journey: the spa culture with hammam, the close connection to the landscape. My personal highlight was the Selman Marrakech with its iconic spa and a dinner in the former stable – an experience that will stay with me for a long time. The Arabian horses on the expansive grounds, the clear architectural lines, and the view of the Atlas make the property one of the most stylish I have experienced in all of Morocco.

Qatar

Even if Qatar was often viewed critically in connection with the 2022 World Cup, Doha has truly experienced an upgrade for me. What I particularly like is that Qataris and expats are visibly proud of their city and openly express it. The new district of Lusail is especially worthwhile for those who miss the more original Dubai – without hustle and crowds. However, my personal highlights were outside the city: the Our Habitas Ras Abrouq and the wellness paradise Zulal Wellness Resort . The Our Habitas impresses with its minimalist architecture right in the desert landscape directly by the sea – design and nature in perfect harmony. In Zulal, traditional Arabic healing practices merge with modern wellness concepts into one of the most holistic retreats I know.

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi has developed so rapidly in recent years that a day trip from Dubai is no longer enough. For me, at the center stands Saadiyat Island with exciting museums like the Louvre Abu Dhabi, attractions like the Abrahamic Family House and teamLab – and right next to it a dream beach. Anyone who finds pure beach vacations too one-dimensional should not miss the Qasr Al Sarab – my personally most beautiful experience in the desert. Surrounded by the highest dunes in the country, the Anantara feels like a mirage of sandstone castles – especially the sunset from the rooftop terrace has left a deep impression on me.