As World Cup fever sweeps the globe, we look beyond the stadium and towards the destinations favoured by one of football’s biggest stars.
Between record-breaking achievements and global fame, Cristiano Ronaldo has cultivated a travel diary filled with private islands, Mediterranean escapes and luxury retreats. Yet away from the stadium lights, press conferences and training sessions, where does one of football’s most famous athletes choose to spend his downtime? Ronaldo’s favourite destinations reveal a travel style centred around privacy, family, sunshine and some of the world’s most exclusive resorts.
Unsurprisingly, Ronaldo travels in extraordinary style. The Portuguese footballer frequently flies aboard his highly customised Gulfstream G650 private jet, allowing him, his fiancée, Georgina Rodríguez, and their children to move seamlessly between destinations. For someone whose life is constantly under public scrutiny, privacy is perhaps the ultimate luxury.
One destination that has become increasingly important in recent years is Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. Since moving to the Kingdom, Ronaldo has been spotted enjoying breaks at some of the region’s most exclusive resorts, including Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and The St. Regis Red Sea Resort. Located on its own private island, Nujuma is accessible only by boat or seaplane and offers spectacular overwater and beachfront villas inspired by the natural beauty of the Red Sea. It is among the most exclusive addresses in the region. I imagine Ronaldo spending his days here enjoying time with Georgina and their children, snorkelling in crystal-clear waters and embracing the privacy that is increasingly difficult to find elsewhere.
Closer to home, Dubai remains another favourite escape. The city has long been associated with Ronaldo, who owns property in the emirate and frequently visits there throughout the year. Given its proximity to Saudi Arabia, it offers the ideal weekend retreat. Whether staying at one of the city’s ultra-luxury beachfront resorts, dining at some of its most celebrated restaurants or attending major sporting events, Dubai combines convenience with an elevated lifestyle that feels like home.
When summer arrives, however, Mallorca often calls. The Spanish Island has become one of the Portuguese star’s most cherished family destinations, offering an entirely different pace. Over the years, he has been photographed enjoying Mediterranean holidays aboard his luxury yacht, cruising along the island’s dramatic coastline with Georgina by his side. I picture them spending lazy days anchored in secluded coves, swimming in turquoise waters and enjoying family time. The Tramuntana mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the island’s more exclusive villas, offering privacy while remaining close to some of Mallorca’s most beautiful beaches and villages.
Not far away lies Marbella, another destination closely linked to Ronaldo’s lifestyle. The footballer owns a holiday home on Spain’s Costa del Sol, situated within an exclusive gated community overlooking a golf course. Marbella combines everything that seems to appeal to him: year-round sunshine, luxury properties, world-class dining and an international atmosphere. It is easy to imagine mornings spent training, followed by leisurely afternoons with family and evenings dining along the coast.
Then there is Miami. Like many international athletes and celebrities, Ronaldo is drawn to the energy of the Florida city. While his football commitments frequently take him around the globe, Miami offers a blend of luxury, sport and entertainment that feels perfectly suited to his lifestyle. Here, yacht culture, waterfront living and sunshine create an atmosphere that mirrors many of the destinations he already loves.
Travelling like Cristiano Ronaldo is not simply about private jets and five-star resorts. It is about seeking out destinations that offer privacy, sunshine, exceptional service and, above all, quality time with the people who matter most. And while most of us may not be arriving by Gulfstream, we can certainly borrow a little inspiration from the destinations that have captured the attention of one of football’s greatest-ever players.
