Inside World Cup lodge that prices £2,200-a-night and can host Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portugal squad will be based in a luxury hotel during this year’s World Cup – with the road to the USA, Canada and Mexico well underway
Cristiano Roaldo and the Portugal squad know where they will staying during the World Cup (Image: Gualter Fatia, Getty Images)
Cristiano Ronaldo will still enjoy a lavish lifestyle when he leads Portugal into the World Cup. The 40-year-old, who holds the record for the most goals scored in men’s international football, is preparing for his final shot at the sport’s most prestigious trophy.
Ronaldo has scored an astounding 143 goals in 226 caps, setting records for the most international goals and the number of games played for any country. His illustrious career has seen him propel Portugal to victory in Euro 2016 and secure two Nations Leagues.
However, the World Cup trophy has remained tantalisingly out of reach for the iconic striker. The former Manchester United ace was part of the Portugal squad that made it to the semi-finals in 2006, knocking England out of the competition.
Since then, Portugal have only reached the quarter-final stage in 2022 and Ronaldo is keen to end his country’s long wait for their first World Cup win. In their quest for glory, Portugal have pulled out all the stops.
According to Marca, the squad will use a five-star resort in Mexico as their base for the upcoming tournament. With the World Cup being hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico, a team’s choice of accommodation is crucial for logistics.
Despite none of their group matches taking place in Mexico, Portugal has opted for the luxurious Fairmont Mayakoba resort on the Riviera Maya.
The glamorous Fairmont Mayakoba, located just a few kilometres from Playa del Carmen, is where Ronaldo and his teammates will be unwinding in luxury, surrounded by top-notch facilities, as they gear up to clinch the World Cup.
The hotel sprawls across 97 hectares of rainforest and coastline, offering direct access to the beach. It boasts five swimming pools, including a massive 3,000 square-metre main pool complete with a bar.
There’s also an infinity pool overlooking the water, exclusively for adults. Players looking to relax can take advantage of the resort’s premier golf course.
The site also houses other sports facilities, as well as spaces designed for privacy, providing Portugal with ample room for training.
The hotel offers 401 rooms, and luxury rooms start at a rate of £866 per night and go up to around £2,227. The accommodation options include beachfront suites and private bungalows, with the Portugal squad likely to be staying in the more expensive rooms.
All rooms at the Fairmont Mayakoba are equipped with marble bathrooms, deep bathtubs and coffee makers. With the resort surrounded by water, there will be plenty of opportunities for the Portugal players to enjoy a swim.
Mexican publication Excelsior has revealed that the hotel was selected to accommodate Ronaldo and his team due to its strategic location. It’s a mere 40-minute drive from Cancun International Airport, making their potentially lengthy travels more manageable.
During their World Cup group stage, Portugal will face off against a play-off winner and Uzbekistan at Houston’s NRG Stadium. A direct flight from Cancun to Houston is a breezy two-and-a-half hours.
Their other group match against Colombia will take place at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. Conveniently, a flight from Cancun to Miami clocks in at just one hour and 40 minutes.
If Portugal triumph in Group K, their round of 32 match will be held in Kansas City, which would require an almost three-and-a-half-hour flight.
If they follow this tournament route, their round of 16 game would be hosted in Vancouver, a journey of over four hours from Cancun.
