Former North Carolina basketball star Reggie Bullock is making headlines off the court after unveiling his now-complete $10 million private island in Belize. The former Tar Heel, who played in Chapel Hill from 2010 to 2013, showcased the island in a recently released YouTube video that quickly spread across social media, drawing widespread attention from fans and travelers alike.
The island, located in the village of Placencia along the eastern coast of Belize, has been a long-term project for Bullock. Known today as “Bullock Island,” the property spans five acres and features a heart-shaped layout that instantly set it apart when images first surfaced online. After years of development and construction, the project is finally complete—and now open for the world to see.
Bullock originally purchased the island a few years ago, aiming to create a private retreat for himself and his family. But as the renovations progressed, he gained a new appreciation for hospitality and the idea of transforming the island into a destination for travelers. Today, the property includes a main residence, five luxury cabanas, a basketball court, a beach bar, and multiple recreational areas designed to give visitors a one-of-a-kind Caribbean experience.
In the latest video tour, hosted by YouTuber Will Mitchell, Bullock spoke about his evolving vision for the island. He explained that what began as a personal vacation home eventually became a passion project centered around sharing the space with others. That shift led him to officially convert the island into a boutique resort, complete with a booking website for guests seeking an exclusive getaway.
“I came here initially to build my vacation home,” Bullock said during the tour, “but within that process, I felt another love for something. I’m an athlete, right? And I felt another love to give hospitality back to people. So I just started to turn this into a resort and just try to keep people here.” His words captured how the island became much more than a private escape—it became an investment in lifestyle and legacy.
Not long after purchasing the island, Bullock sat down with former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton on a podcast, where he revealed the emotional connection behind the island’s heart-shaped design. He shared that he immediately knew it was the right property because two of his twins are named Heart and Soul, creating a personal and symbolic tie to the shape of the land.
“It’s five acres big, it’s shaped in a heart shape,” Bullock told Newton. “I knew that this was the island because one of my twins’ name is Heart, and the other one’s name is Soul. I was like, ‘Oh it’s a perfect heart island.’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, this is it.’” The story only added to the fascination fans now have with the unique getaway.
Bullock also described the purchase as part of a broader mindset shift. He explained on Newton’s podcast that he wanted to explore new ventures outside of basketball, saying, “God ain’t making no more land,” which pushed him to think creatively about long-term investments. The island became one of those opportunities—an ambitious project that now stands as one of the most remarkable player-owned properties in sports.
Now 34, Bullock last played in the NBA during the 2023–24 season with the Houston Rockets. Over the course of his career, he suited up for several franchises, including the Clippers, Suns, Pistons, Lakers, Knicks, and Mavericks. Known as a reliable shooter and seasoned veteran, he carved out an 11-year run in the league before turning his attention to new ventures.
Before his NBA career began, Bullock starred under legendary coach Roy Williams at North Carolina, helping lead the Tar Heels to two Elite Eight appearances. His best season came in 2012–13, when he averaged nearly 14 points and 6.5 rebounds per game while establishing himself as one of the team’s most dependable two-way players.
Today, Bullock’s legacy extends beyond basketball and into tourism, entrepreneurship, and lifestyle development. With Bullock Island now open to guests, he enters a new chapter—one where his name continues to shine, not on the court, but across the turquoise waters of Belize.
