Restaurants and galleries crowd São Paulo’s Pinheiros neighborhood, but unlike the swank Jardins area nearby, dynamic hotels have been noticeably absent from this stretch of the Brazilian metropolis. The arrival of Pulso, then, is even more alluring.
Part of Praça Henrique Monteiro, a mixed-use development encompassing a residential tower, the 57-room Pulso Hotel Faria Lima is the vision of CEO Otávio Suriani, who has worked at Estancorp since 2012. Founded by Suriani’s father, the real estate development company is also behind the Estanplaza hotel portfolio.
“Travelers increasingly desire to experience the flavors, colors, art, and music of a place, aiming to connect with the city and return home with a deeper understanding of their destination,” says Suriani, noting how Pulso Hotel Faria Lima fills a gap in São Paulo by eliciting “an aura of tranquility within the vibrant district, still new to this kind of luxurious business.”
Designed by Studio Arthur Casas, the firm responsible for the entire Praça Henrique Monteiro project, Pulso Hotel Faria Lima marks the launch of Suriani’s 5-Star lifestyle brand that “reflects the heartbeat and rhythm of the city, as well as the pulse of wellness and vitality that we want the hotels to embody,” he adds. (A second Pulso outpost on the other side of Brigadeiro Faria Lima Avenue is expected to open in 2027.)
This peaceful vibe is first introduced to visitors in the outdoor and indoor gardens hatched by local landscape architect André Paoliello. Ipê trees and other native flora enliven the brise-soleil façade that architect Arthur Casas considers both timeless and understated. “The metal slats on the exterior were designed to strike a balance between discretion and prominence. As they cover the folding windows, they add dynamic movement,” he points out.
Inside the open lobby, more greenery in the courtyard is buoyed by Brazilian painter Nuno Ramos’s nearly 100-foot-long artwork. These vibrant elements complement the energy exuded by restaurateur Charlô Whateley’s two distinctive venues. Green lacquer, ceramic tiles, and stone shards come together in Bistrô Charlô, while the more casual Boulangerie Cha Cha is an earthy hangout flaunting a fireplace. There’s also Sarau Bar that beckons for cocktails and live music with its mélange of brass, marble, and mirror.
“The common areas are not just functional spaces, but integral parts of the hotel’s identity and ambiance,” says Casas. “We always wanted to design a hotel that truly integrates with São Paulo, rather than isolating itself behind walls.”
A suspended glass volume houses the spa, swimming pool, sauna, and gym, and the serene vibes extend to the guestrooms that Casas outfitted with furniture and objects culled from his own expeditions to shops and markets in the Bixiga quarter. In addition to designs from powerhouse Brazilian modernists like Jorge Zalszupin, Sergio Rodrigues, Percival Lafer, and Geraldo de Barros, Casas dreamed up a few of his own.
“I love the idea of the treasure hunt for rare and antique pieces that lend personality to the rooms,” he explains. “The goal was to design environments that feel like a second home. We wanted the hotel to be an inviting experience for everyone, making a meaningful impact on the city’s cultural landscape.”
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