30 July 2025
By Publisher Ray Carmen
From Puerto Rican roots to Punta Cana paradise—his music, his life, his legacy
Caribbean Calling: His Roots & Retreat
Julio Iglesias has long called Punta Cana, Dominican Republic his second home. A proud Dominican citizen since 2005, he spends most of his off-tour time island-side, enjoying serene solitude where “sometimes to do nothing… means two hours floating in the water and thinking, ‘Oh God, what a lucky man I am’” .
Beyond beach bliss, his ties run deeper. His grandmother hailed from Guayama, Puerto Rico, and Julio proudly acknowledged the island’s influence when he became the first non-Puerto Rican artist to receive a star at the Puerto Rico Walk of Fame in 2016 . He has said Guayama felt like home, and that he knows Puerto Rico so well he could walk from Ponce to Mayagüez unaided .
Music & Impact
A true global star, Julio has recorded hits in more than 15 languages, sold over 300 million albums, and performed thousands of concerts across five continents .
His 1984 English breakthrough, 1100 Bel Air Place, featured duets with Willie Nelson (“To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before”) and Diana Ross, landing him firmly in pop legend territory .
He’s equally beloved in Latin music circles—with Grammy-winning albums such as Un Hombre Solo and countless hits cementing his heartfelt vocal legacy in Spanish-speaking countries .
Dominican Devotion: Life & Investment
Julio’s love for the Dominican Republic extends far beyond vacation. He invested in hotel complexes and even part-owns sections of Punta Cana International Airport, often collaborating with Oscar de la Renta, his dear friend and fellow Dominican icon .
His romantic relationship with Miranda Rijnsburger further cemented his Caribbean lifestyle; together, they raised a family in Punta Cana and built a dream villa, blending Spanish, Dominican, and Balinese architecture across lush tropical grounds .
Super Catty Says…
Julio Iglesias didn’t just serenade nations—he bridged cultures with croon.
He transformed an island love affair into architecture, artistry, and anthem:
“He’s the Latin lover we all swooned over… and the Caribbean son who lounged in paradise like he wrote the soundtrack to it” .
From Guayama roots to Punta Cana palaces, Julio turned tropical whispers into global echoes—and made the Caribbean part of his heart’s home.
