Barefoot Bookseller offered chance to run bookshop on Maldives desert island for a year

Applications to run a bookshop on a desert island resort in the Maldives for a year have reopened. 

Ultimate Library and luxury resort Soneva Fushi are again recruiting for "possibly the best job in the world" for a placement as a "Barefoot Bookseller" in the Maldives. The placement will begin in October and will run for 12 months.  

The first placement began in 2018, originally for six months, but as of last year the role at Soneva Jani was extended to 12 months. Organisers said since this trial run of the longer placement was successful and allowed the resort to continue to have literary events throughout the quieter months, they are going to do the same at Soneva Fushi. 

The role can open up a number of opportunities. Head of Zeus’ former head of communications Chrissy Ryan, went on to set up the BookBar bookshop and wine bar in Islington after her placement.

The advertisement says: “While most of us find that holidays are the only opportunity we get to read for pleasure, finding the perfect book that enhances your destination and opens your mind can be a challenge. Previous Barefoot Booksellers have provided guests with unforgettable literary experiences from writer’s workshops to personal reading consultations. We are interested to see what new ideas you can bring to the role! 

“The ideal candidate will be a team player with a passion for books and the ability to engage with guests of all ages. They will have excellent written and verbal English skills; a lively tone of voice to write an entertaining blog that captures the exhilarating life of a desert island bookseller, and the skills to host workshops and other guest experiences. They must have the ability to fit in with the distinctive Soneva culture.” 

Those who are interested can apply here.