Aussie Melita Koulmandas never planned to buy a tropical island
But it’s now been 20 years since she snagged a little piece of paradise in the southeast Asia.
Melita, who is from Sydney, has moved Cambodia with her then husband when she was 30.
They were visiting Song Saa Island on an old fishing boat when a villager offered it to them for just $15,000.
The couple, who lived in the capital Phnom Penh, decided to take advantage of the opportunity.
They planned to convert it into a hotel resort despite having no previous experience. Melita’s background was in design, not hospitality.
And the island was in a bit of condition.
“The island was in a seriously bad state at the time, so purchasing it was just the beginning,” she tells 9Travel.
“In reality, it is a lot of hard work and it requires tremendous dedication and commitment.”
The couple raised money to revitalize 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 features overwater and jungle villas with an emphasis on ethical and sustainable practices.
But the mother of three boys, aged between nine and 16, admits the site’s transformation has not been without mishaps.
Over the past two decades, she has experienced a marriage breakdown, a cancer diagnosis and the pandemic that paralyzed travel.
“We’ve had too many accidents to count, but the good thing is that none have been catastrophic,” she tells 9Travel.
“Everyone 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 and established the Song Saa Foundation, which supports everything from conservation to education and healthcare.
“When I first arrived, the waters were completely overfished and there was significant amounts of waste on the islands,” she says.
“Over the past 20 years we have been working hard to change that,” she added, urging Australians to consider a visit to Cambodia.
“Cambodia is very different from Thailand or Vietnam – it has a unique energy that is unlike anywhere else.”
In addition to seeing the country’s temples, which she says is a highlight, she also recommends trying the food.
“You’ll also find incredible farm-to-table dining experiences for every budget,” she says.
“Some chocolate is a must and if you are a coffee lover, try it 3 Corners Coffeeall of which are harvested by smallholder farmers in Mondulkiri.”