A luxurious resort in the Maldives is on the lookout for a new bookseller

The high-end resort is seeking a dynamic individual to fill the role of bookseller on a private island. A love for books is essential.

That's right, you read it correctly.

Philip Blackwell, the former head of British bookstore chain Blackwells, is now hiring for a role that could easily be in the running for 'best job in the world.'

Besides sharing literary recommendations with affluent guests, the bookseller will also be expected to maintain a fun and engaging blog about their travel adventures, along with leading creative writing workshops.

The ultimate dream job

Applicants must relocate to the resort, renowned as 'the original desert island hideaway in the Maldives,' and commit to at least three months in the role.

Located just a 30-minute seaplane ride from Malé International Airport, Soneva Fushi lies within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, offering luxury villas just steps from pristine white sand beaches.

The temporary bookshop's selection, curated by the publishing house Phaidon, will feature a wide range of illustrated books focused on art, design, fashion, and cooking, alongside titles that capture the essence of the local environment.

We’re looking for someone creative and inspiring who can perhaps encourage even more people to discover the joy of reading, which is something vacationers love to do,” Blackwell shared with The Guardian.

Blackwell, a descendant of Benjamin Henry Blackwell, founder of Blackwells, now heads The Ultimate Library, a company that designs bespoke library collections for luxury resorts like Six Senses, JW Marriott, and private estates.

For every hotel library they create, Ultimate Library also contributes a reading and reference library to a local institution to support the community.

“The perks are truly unmatched,”

“The salary may be modest, but the perks are absolutely unmatched,” he remarked. “This position will evolve, and it’s partly up to you to seize this exceptional opportunity to its fullest.”

“For many, this is the ultimate job. If I were 25 again, I’d be doing it.”

While the desert island bookseller position is a dream job for many, it’s certainly not the only sought-after role that has inspired people to consider abandoning their routines and taking flight.

In May, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park started seeking a caretaker for the Low Isles, located off Port Douglas in North Queensland. The role included occasional snorkeling and conducting surveys of pied-imperial pigeons.

Earlier this month, God’s Little People Cat Rescue posted an opening for a cat enthusiast to manage the day-to-day operations of their feline sanctuary on the Greek island of Syros.

The temporary bookstore is set to open its doors on October 1.

The announcement was made on the UK book industry site Book Brunch (subscription required).