Aussie bought a ramshackle tropical island for $15,000 – and turned it into a paradise resort Song Saa

Aussie Melita Koulmandas never set out to buy a tropical island

But it’s now 20 years since she snapped up a small piece of paradise in south-east Asia.

Melita, who is from Sydney, moved to Cambodia with her then husband when she was 30.

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They had been visiting the island, Song Saa, on an old fishing boat when it was offered to them by a villager – for just $15,000.

The couple, who had been living in capital Phnom Penh, decided to jump on the opportunity.

They planned to transform it into a hotel resort – despite having no prior experience. Melita’s background was in design, not hospitality.

And the island was in a bit of state.

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“The island was in a severely degraded state at the time, so purchasing it was just the beginning,” she tells 9Travel.

“In reality, it’s a lot of hard work and it requires immense dedication and commitment.”

The couple raised money to regenerate the island and create a resort, Song Saa Private Island.

Now an award-winning luxury resort

It has now won multiple awards and commands high prices for an ultra luxurious stay.

A 45-minute speedboat ride from the nearest port, it has villas over the water and in the jungle, with the emphasis on ethical and sustainable practices.

But the mother of three boys, aged between nine and 16, admits transforming the spot has not been without mishaps.

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Over the past two decades she has been through a marriage split, a cancer diagnosis and the pandemic which shut down travel.

“We’ve had too many mishaps to count, but the great thing is that none have been catastrophic,” she tells 9Travel.

“Each one has taught us valuable lessons.”

Best places to visit in Cambodia

Melita sees herself as a “guardian” of the island, alongside the locals and staff.

Her team initiated and co-created Cambodia’s largest marine protected area, plus have set up the Song Saa Foundation which backs everything from conservation to education and healthcare.

“When I first arrived, the waters were completely overfished, and the islands had significant amounts of rubbish,” she says.

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“Over the last 20 years, we’ve worked hard to change that,” she adds, urging Aussies to consider a visit to Cambodia.

“Cambodia is very different to Thailand or Vietnam – it has a unique energy that’s different from anywhere else.”

As well as seeing the nation’s temples, which she says is a highlight, she recommends trying the food.

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“You’ll also find incredible farm-to-table dining experiences, catering to all budgets,” she says.

“Wat Chocolate is a must and, if you’re a coffee lover, try 3 Corners Coffee, which all which are harvested by small-batch farmers in Mondulkiri.”