Get a job as a "barefoot bookseller" in the Maldives

If nothing makes you happier than finding the perfect holiday read, then a dream job awaits in the Maldives as the newest “Barefoot Bookseller”.

Ultimate Library, along with the luxury five-star Soneva Fushi resort, created the pop-up bookshop in the Maldives in 2018. Each year since they put out a call for someone looking to leave it all behind and take up the post of running the shop – gaining the attention of lovers of books and travel around the world. The most recent bookseller, Chrissy Ryan joined last November and spent her days writing blog posts, hosting creative writing classes, curating libraries, swimming, snorkelling, reading on the beach and doing yoga.

Writing on the Barefoot Bookseller blog, Chrissy said "I’ve moved 6000 miles across the planet, left my friends and family behind me and found a whole new community on a small island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. I’ve tested my boundaries and re-discovered my sense of self."

Thanks to her time as the Barefoot Bookseller, Chrissy said she's "had the privilege of sharing my love of literature with people from all around the globe, and hopefully I have inspired them into a love of reading as well."

What happened when we won the travel job of our dreams

Now, the shop will open its doors again in mid-October, and another new staffer is required to take up the task of barefoot bookselling on the beautiful Baa Atoll for six months. The bookseller will help resort guests with literary experiences like writers’ workshops and personal reading consultations. Whoever gets the job will also be free to come up with new and interesting ideas and have plenty of down time to enjoy island life, dividing their time between library, beach and jungle.

The successful applicant will have a month’s pre-departure product training with the team from Ultimate Library, and will then fly to the Maldives for the six-month placement. Wondering how to score the dream job? The ideal candidate will have a passion for books and be able to interact with guests of all ages. They also must have “excellent written and verbal English skills” and will be writing a blog about their experiences. They will also have to have the skills to host workshops and other events with guests.

The Maldives is currently accepting international tourists, with few requirements for travellers despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

If that sounds like you, you can learn more about the role @barefootbookseller or www.barefootbookseller.com. Apply for the job online here.

This article was first published on July 25, 2019 and updated on September 28, 2020.

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