Books, Beaches, and Bliss: The Maldives Barefoot Bookseller

The Barefoot Bookseller: Dive into the life of a book lover living the island dream—where every page turn is as refreshing as an ocean breeze.

Imagine this: you’re on a remote island in the Maldives, surrounded by turquoise waters and soft, powdery sand. Your biggest worry? Which book to pick up next. That’s the life at Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani. The Barefoot Bookseller takes center stage as both a literary guide and a kindred spirit for book lovers in paradise.

How did it start?

The Barefoot Bookseller concept started in 2018 at the luxury resort Soneva Fushi to create a pop-up bookshop. Guests are offered personal book recommendations, creative writing workshops, or quiet moments to read by the ocean. This role has attracted adventurous book lovers from around the world. Each bookseller brings their unique flair to the role, often leaving many stories about their island adventures behind.

What does a barefoot bookseller do?

The job isn’t just about selling books. It’s about creating an experience that blends the serenity of the Maldives with the joy of reading. The Barefoot Bookseller hosts everything from lectures to bibliotherapy sessions, making the role as much about connecting with people as it is about connecting them with books.

For those of us stuck in the daily grind, barefoot bookselling might sound like a distant fantasy. But it’s a reminder that there’s always room to escape our lives temporarily—whether through travel, literature, or both. And who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll find yourself in the Maldives, sipping on a coconut while a Barefoot Bookseller hands you your next favorite read.

Find out more at BarefootBookselleter.com!

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