For many travelers, vacations are about escaping everyday life and exploring the world. Hilton Grand Vacations offers plenty of ways to elevate your getaway, from spacious accommodations in world-class destinations to HGV Ultimate Access*, a program where Members and Guests can add exclusive travel experiences to their itinerary.
As part of HGV Ultimate Access, Hilton Grand Vacations partners with celebrity ambassadors, like Annika Sörenstam and Joey Fatone, who are equally passionate about vacations.
One Hilton Grand Vacations Brand Ambassador is Michael Ray, a multi-platinum country-rock music singer and songwriter.
“I’m a proud Hilton Grand Vacations Brand Ambassador. We’ve done a lot of fun things together, like the 2023 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions and private concerts with HGV Live!” said Michael. These performances are exclusively for Hilton Grand Vacations Members and Guests, offering up-front access to intimate, world-class shows.
"I love seeing Members and being a part of Hilton Grand Vacations. So far, I’ve performed for Members in Orlando, Las Vegas and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina —and that’s just the beginning."
Get ready to sing along to hit songs like Platinum-certified "Think A Little Less" and "Whiskey and Rain," or listen to songs from Michael’s new EP, “Dive Bars & Broken Hearts.”
We spoke with Michael about the influences behind his latest music. “Life, in general, is what inspired my EP,” he said. “I’ve gone through a lot in the last few years, and I had no choice but to grow and be inspired to make music.”
Where did the EP title come from? Dive bars and the people who frequented them inspired the country musician. “Dive bars and broken hearts go together. These hole-in-the-walls are where you meet regular people going through what you’re going through,” said Michael.
Plus, dive bars were integral to his musical journey. Michael grew up going to them in Central Florida with his father and grandfather, then started playing at juke joints. So the album returns to his dive-bar roots, even as he performs at venues like the Grand Ole Opry.
On your next vacation, consider Michael Ray’s advice, visit a local dive bar and get to know the locals for a truly authentic experience. “Locals know the little hidden gems, spots that aren’t the most popular places but are worth seeing. Guess where locals go to?” Michael asked. “Dive bars. So venture off the beaten path, find a dive bar, meet some new friends and discover that special place only you’ll experience because you found that local watering hole.”
“My ideal dive bar needs a pool table, a jukebox with old country songs and a good two-for-one drink selection. I also want to feel the history of the place and see all the things patrons have added through the years. Those little details make a great dive bar. If I wanted to go to a nice place, I wouldn’t go to a dive bar,” he laughed.
Listen to Michael Ray’s new EP, “Dive Bars & Broken Hearts,” anywhere you listen to music. And check out our upcoming HGV Live! concerts and stay up-to-date on the latest and greatest events.
Read “If You Love To Travel And Try New Things, Hilton Grand Vacations Is for You” for one Hilton Grand Vacations Member’s review of HGV Ultimate Access, one of the many perks of timeshare.
*To attend HGV Ultimate Access events (valued between $500–$1500), Guests must attend a membership portfolio review or timeshare presentation after the event, during their same stay. If you do not attend the membership review or timeshare presentation, the retail value of the event may be charged to your credit card. HGV Ultimate Access events are subject to availability, nontransferable and subject to change without notice. Experience fee applies, minimum of $99 per event, to be paid at time of booking. Offer dates may change due to event availability. Offers may not be used in conjunction with any other promotion.