Soon, the sun will be replaced by overcast skies. Shorts will be packed away, and sweaters will be the apparel de rigeur. But you know where you could continue wearing your swimsuit year round? In a tropical resort. And, if you worked at one, you could liberally sun yourself and frolick on the most gorgeous beaches in the world.
But who wants to serve drinks to picky tourist families or clean up rooms after couples have gotten their vacation freak on? No one. You could, however, celebrate the written word on the daily at a pop-up bookstore in a luxury resort in the Maldives. That would be great, right?
Because guess what? That dream is an achievable reality. Someone hit the #dreamjobalert
Phillip Blackwell, of the Blackwell family known for the eponymous chain of academic UK booksellers, is seeking a literary all-rounder to serve mega-rich guests at the Soneva Fushi resort, where he is opening a shop as part of his Ultimate Library. Founded almost by accident, the Ultimate Library curates book collections for resort across the globe There are now more than 250 projects around the world, including over 30 luxury hotels and resorts, a cruise ship, a London private members’ club, and a Kenyan game reserve.
One awesome aspect of Ultimate Library is that the company donates a reading and reference library to a local institution that can benefit locals for every resort library they establish. That’s the kind of employer you want.
The lucky duck selected for the position will be responsible for helping customers find the perfect beach read, as well as teaching creative writing classes, entertaining children with exciting tales of derring-do, and writing “an entertaining and lively blog that captures the exhausting life of a desert island bookseller.”
As for pay, Blackwell was guarded in an interview with The Guardian, during which he noted: “The pay is derisory but the fringe benefits unparalleled. The role will evolve and it is in part up to you to make the most of this unique opportunity. It’s a dream job for many people. If I was 25 again I would do it.”
Located on the unrivaled beaches of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Soneva Fushi is exclusive and spendy, charging guests $2,000 a night for a one-bedroom villa and $26,000 for the nine-bedroom Private Reserve. Sadly, if hired, you won’t be staying at the resort. Instead, you will be housed nearby. But, you will spend all your time at work connecting with the sort of rich and famous high rollers who frequent the paradise. Maybe they will invite you to stay over?
If you accept the position, you have to commit to a three month stay minimum. Whatever. If one of us got that job, they would have to bodily remove us from the bookshop while we wildly screamed “Squatter’s Rights!” So, that probably won’t be a problem, will it?
Applicants should send an e-mail to pb@ultimatelibrary.co.uk.
