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

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.

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.

(The island was overgrown and needed a lot of work to transform it into a luxury holiday destination. (Supplied)

"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.

(Aussie Melita Koulmandas bought Song Saa Private Island in Cambodia. (Supplied)

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.

(Song Saa private Island is a luxury resort which is to connect guests with the environment. (Supplied)

(Aussie Melita Koulmandas never set out to buy a tropical island - but now she owns a luxury resort. (Supplied)

Best places to visit in Cambodia

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

(Song Saa private island features luxury villas with pools. (Supplied)

"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."

(Angkor Wat in Cambodia is a big attraction. (Getty)

Ref: Aussie bought a ramshackle tropical island for $15,000 - and turned it into a paradise resort (travel) Photo Credit-Supplied, Getty