Iberostar Waves Miami Beach Unveils Feel the Waves Mural Project by Wynwood Artist of the Year René Mäkelä

Aligned with Miami’s new wave of urban art, Mäkelä’s five immersive murals create an experience where art becomes part of the guest journey.

 

 

(Miami, February 3, 2026) – Iberostar Waves Miami Beach proudly announces the completion of Feel the Waves, a bold new decorative art project featuring a series of five immersive murals by award-winning Spanish artist René Mäkelä, also known as “Mäkelismos.” The murals transform the hotel into a living art gallery, inviting guests to experience Miami’s culture, rhythm, and energy at every turn.

 

A Perfect Canvas for Urban Art

Located in the heart of Miami Beach and just steps from iconic city attractions, the property serves as an inspiring canvas for Mäkelä, recently recognized as Wynwood’s Artist of the Year, to reinterpret the city’s vibrant identity through his signature urban and expressive style. The result is a bold visual narrative that captures Miami’s essence: sun-soaked, multicultural, and unapologetically creative.

 

“Miami has always been a city of color,” said René Mäkelä, Wynwood Artist of the Year. “With Feel the Waves, I wanted to create an immersive experience for guests to feel more connected to the beauty of Miami’s nature and the vibrancy of its culture.”

 

As a Spanish brand, Iberostar Group found a natural synergy in collaborating with Mäkelä, whose celebrated murals and installations have become iconic fixtures throughout Miami. His work has long contributed to the city’s urban art landscape, making him a recognized institution in Miami’s artistic community. His work’s international reach has attracted high-profile commissions and collectors across art, fashion, sports, and culture, including Cara Delevingne, Madonna, Vinícius Jr., Antoine Griezmann, Manny Machado, Cam Newton, and Pope Francis, who has publicly recognized his work.

 

“We are honored to collaborate with such a dynamic and innovative artist, and we’re thrilled to offer guests an experience where art is an integral part of their stay, reflecting Iberostar’s commitment to style and authentic local experiences,” said Candy Almonte, General Manager at Iberostar Waves Miami Beach.

 

The Murals

• Feel the Vibe: Welcoming guests upon arrival, Feel the Vibe bursts with color, graffiti-style lettering, and iconic local expressions, celebrating Miami’s multicultural rhythm and creativity. It’s a visual introduction to the creative journey that awaits and makes for the perfect photo opportunity.
• Feel the Taste & Feel the Flow: These two murals celebrate the pleasure of experiencing Miami with all the senses: flavors, rhythm, and freedom. Both pieces are inspired by the marine wildlife native to the region, featuring sea turtles and dolphins.
• Feel the Nature & Feel the Freedom: A striking vertical composition, this mural celebrates Miami’s tropical biodiversity. Two towering flamingos dominate the design, surrounded by lush graffiti-style vegetation and subtle nods to the coastal ecosystem, making it the largest mural and an unforgettable statement piece.
• Feel the Sun: Concluding the artistic journey, Feel the Sun celebrates Miami’s sunshine and beach life. Reimagining the iconic Miami Beach lifeguard tower through Mäkelä’s rebellious urban lens, the mural is an ode to the luminous spirit that defines the area.

 

Commitment to Sustainability

All murals were created using eco-friendly, water-based paints that minimize environmental impact. These sustainable materials reduce the release of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ensuring a safer application process while delivering high-quality, long-lasting finishes. The choice of materials reflects Iberostar’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility and respect for the natural world.

 

About Iberostar Waves Miami Beach

Located in the iconic Art Deco district of South Beach, Iberostar Waves Miami Beach features Mediterranean-inspired architecture, a unique facade, and arches that frame a charming inner courtyard. Just steps from the best entertainment for couples and families looking to explore the city and its beaches, it is also close to the Miami Convention Center, making it ideal for business travelers who want to combine work and leisure. It has a boutique hotel feel with 80 rooms, and several rooms feature a terrace so you can soak in Miami’s vibrant atmosphere. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, an outdoor rooftop pool and terrace, 24-hour reception, meeting rooms, and room service, while also implementing a variety of sustainability measures to care for the environment. For more information and booking, go to https://www.iberostar.com/en/hotels/miami/iberostar-waves-miami-beach.

 

About Iberostar Group

Iberostar Group is a 100% family-owned European company with 70 years of experience in the tourism industry, as well as entrepreneurial roots dating back to 1877 in Mallorca (Spain). Its main line of business is Iberostar Beachfront Resorts, renowned for its commitment to delivering happy and memorable guest experiences on the best beach locations. It operates over 100 four- and five-star hotels in 14 countries under three brand segments: Iberostar Waves, Iberostar Selection and Joia by Iberostar. 

 

Guided by a talented team of over 35,000 people from 95 nationalities, Iberostar is a global leader in responsible tourism, championing sustainable practices through its innovative ‘Wave of Change’ movement. The company integrates environmental protection, social and economic well-being, and cultural heritage into its business strategy, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For more information, visit www.iberostar.com