At Iberostar Waves Miami Beach, checking in now comes with a splash of street art. The boutique hotel has unveiled Feel the Waves, a bold decorative art project by award-winning Spanish artist René Mäkelä—also known as Mäkelismos—that turns the property into a walkable, immersive gallery inspired by Miami’s color, culture, and coastal energy.

Set in the heart of South Beach’s iconic Art Deco district, the hotel feels like a natural canvas for Mäkelä, recently named Wynwood’s Artist of the Year. Known for his expressive urban style and global following, the artist brings Miami’s personality to life across five large-scale murals that guide guests through a visual journey of rhythm, nature, and sunshine.

“Miami has always been a city of color,” Mäkelä has said of the project. “With Feel the Waves, the goal was to create an immersive experience where guests feel connected to the beauty of Miami’s nature and the vibrancy of its culture.” From the lobby to the rooftop, art becomes part of the stay, not just something to admire in passing.

A VISUAL LOVE LETTER TO MIAMI

The mural experience begins with Feel the Vibe, which greets guests upon arrival. Bursting with graffiti-style lettering, bold hues, and playful local expressions, it captures Miami’s multicultural rhythm and creative pulse. It’s equal parts welcome sign and photo backdrop, setting the tone for what lies ahead.

Next come Feel the Taste and Feel the Flow, two murals that tap into Miami’s sensory pleasures. Inspired by native marine life, the works feature sea turtles and dolphins swimming through Mäkelä’s signature urban aesthetic with a nod to the city’s deep connection to the ocean and its laid-back, free-flowing spirit.

The largest and most dramatic piece, Feel the Nature & Feel the Freedom, stretches vertically with striking impact. Towering flamingos take center stage, surrounded by lush, graffiti-style tropical vegetation and subtle references to Miami’s coastal ecosystem. It’s a showstopper mural that celebrates the city’s biodiversity while staying true to Mäkelä’s rebellious, street-art edge.

The journey concludes with Feel the Sun, an ode to Miami Beach itself. Reimagining the iconic lifeguard tower through an urban lens, the mural captures the glow, warmth, and carefree energy that define life along the shore.

ART WITH A GLOBAL VOICE AND LOCAL SOUL

Mäkelä’s collaboration with Iberostar feels especially natural. As a Spanish hospitality brand, Iberostar shares cultural roots with the artist, whose work has become a recognizable part of Miami’s urban art landscape. Beyond Wynwood, his murals and installations have attracted international attention and high-profile collectors across art, fashion, sports, and culture—including Cara Delevingne, Madonna, Vinícius Jr., Antoine Griezmann, Manny Machado, Cam Newton, and even Pope Francis, who has publicly recognized his work.

For Iberostar, the partnership reinforces a commitment to authentic local experiences. “We’re thrilled to offer guests an experience where art is an integral part of their stay,” says General Manager Candy Almonte. “It reflects our dedication to style, creativity, and a strong sense of place.”

SUSTAINABILITY MEETS STREET ART

In keeping with Iberostar’s broader environmental values, Feel the Waves was created using eco-friendly, water-based paints that minimize environmental impact. These materials reduce harmful VOC emissions while ensuring vibrant, long-lasting finishes.

A BOUTIQUE STAY WITH CREATIVE ENERGY 

With just 80 rooms, Iberostar Waves Miami Beach maintains an intimate, boutique feel. Mediterranean-inspired architecture, a charming inner courtyard, rooftop pool and terrace, and select rooms with private terraces make it an inviting base for couples, families, and business travelers alike. Located just steps from South Beach’s entertainment and close to the Miami Convention Center, the hotel effortlessly blends work, leisure, and now, art.

At Iberostar Waves Miami Beach, Feel the Waves isn’t just something to see. It’s something to experience: one mural, one moment, and one Miami vibe at a time.