Moroccan storytelling, the tradition of Hikayat, is a rich oral tradition with a history of over 1,000 years, where performers in public squares and circles share tales that impart morals, lessons, and cultural values. These stories, like parables, have diverse influences from Arab, Sub-Saharan African, and Berber cultures. The tradition, is experiencing a revival through initiatives like the World Storytelling Cafe in Marrakech and yearly festivals.

Some stories were recorded, and other stories are passed orally. Today this form of entertainment in danger of becoming extinct. Previously, hikayat was found in cities throughout Morocco, but today Marrakech’s Jema el-Fna’a Square is one of the last places to find the old stories and there are fewer and fewer storytellers. Cafe Clock offers a new venue and an opportunity for young Moroccans to train in this ancient art.

We believe in personal experiences, what is luxury after all? A five-star hotel or layers of personal experiences?  Our local team has organized a private story telling evening for me several times and for clients, in one of the intimate extravagantly decorated private salons at Villa des Orangers  – it is pure theatre with two actors reciting ancient Moroccan stories, with the backdrop of a wood burning fire and the sound of an ancient oud played by a local musician. Heaven, truly heaven!

Villa des Orangers, In the heart of the medina, not far from the entry to the souks and the main square, two French brothers have transformed a historic riad, just twenty seven rooms and suites nestled in a rambling garden and small pools. Opening onto two courtyards—one of which has a swimming pool—the rooms and suites, each named for a local spice – think saffron, nutmeg, and turmeric, and decorated in rich gem shades.

Unpacking List: It’s not the things you take with you that define your Journey; it’s the experiences you have and the memories you bring home.