The first-ever pop-up bookshop of Ultimate Library in the Maldives was in 2018 at Soneva Fushi. Along with it came the residency job of ‘ The Barefoot Bookseller’, a listing that goes viral every year when booksellers pass on their batons. Since its initial installation in Soneva Fushi, the bespoke library curated by passionate book experts has found its place in other premium properties in the nation, including Soneva Jani. As far as dream jobs go, barefoot bookselling is unrivalled in comparison to the usual, mundane desk jobs.
Ultimate Library’s individualised services take care of every distinctive feature of the library, from design, curation, logistics, installation and tactical optimisation. Book collections are cherry-picked to emphasize the values and sustainable ethos of the place and to cater for cultured guests looking to be intellectually stimulated. To meet every brief, the curation is meant to educate, entertain and inspire avid readers amid the synchrony of nature.
A Barefoot Bookseller not only sells books but has to be the gracious host of a myriad of activities. From creative writing lessons, reading out-loud sessions and customising book recommendations upon requests, the residency job of six months is an eye-opening experience. The chosen successor has to document their residency by weekly blog posts that will inspire to revitalise a community of book lovers.
The baton has finally passed on to a local, Malsa Maaz, the first Maldivian to have secured her spot as a resident Barefoot Bookseller in Soneva Jani. Ultimate Library embodies an integral approach to adding warmth and texture to a definition of a place. Its presence in the Maldives is increasing with resorts like Patina Maldives, Fari Islands and LUX* Resorts and Hotels adding to the barefoot concept of living. The residency that demonstrates all the characteristics of a dream job and more represent an aspiring role if seeking the ultimate work-life balance in nature’s cues.
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