Being a soulrebel
means living a life aligned with your values.
In the hills of Rio de Janeiro, I tried to build that life for myself.
Come and join me.
— Juliane, host & founder
soulrebel rio is my home in the Atlantic Forest — a private house in the hills of Santa Teresa where the forest comes through the windows, Rosy cooks plant-based food from scratch every morning, and Rio de Janeiro reveals itself slowly, the way it should.
I'm a cook, an educator, an author, and a mother. I opened this house to people who travel to feel, not to tick boxes. Whatever brings you here — a room for the night, a cooking class, a retreat for your group, or just curiosity — you're welcome at my table.
Come as you are. Leave nourished, inspired, and renewed.
Retreat with us. Live like a Rebel.
Stay
A private loft with a jacuzzi and panoramic views. Four suites surrounded by forest. Breakfast by Rosy every morning. This is not a hotel — it's a home, and you're a guest in it.
Learn
Cooking classes rooted in Brazilian food culture — fermentation, cacao, flavors you won't find in a recipe book. I teach because food is how I understand the world.
Retreat
For facilitators and groups looking for a private home in Rio — I move out, you move in. Vegan catering by Rosy included. The whole house, entirely yours.
Meet Juju, founder of soulrebel rio
I'm originally from northern Germany. I came to Rio de Janeiro in 2017 and never really left — not because I had a plan, but because sometimes a place chooses you.
I have a degree in History, a Master's in conflict mediation, and years of teaching behind me. I write about Brazilian food culture. I raise my son surrounded by the forest. And I run this house with the same philosophy I try to live by: slowly, intentionally, with good food at the center of everything.

This is not classic pay-per-sleep place. This is a place where you come as a stranger and leave as a friend. What makes difference are people. Juju and Ari have... read more wonderful family and they made harmonic and peaceful oasis, where you could be a part of it. They were always here for us, and help us in one very stressful situation. After a day spent in hectic jungle city of Rio it was perfect experience to drink beer and watch city lights from terrace, or to wake up in very soft comfortable bed in shadow of bamboo trees, or just to play with cute friendly dogs. Be surrounded by all those nature and wonderful people helped us to charge our batteries again. Only minus is that we couldnt stay longer. One advice for other guests: Bring your mosquito sprays, it could help a lot!
Thanks Juju and Ari a lot and we hope to come again!
Davor
9/10/2023
Juju is literally one of the best hosts I’ve ever had. She hand makes the vegan breakfast- from the milk to the jam and baked goods. She also super friendly... read more and offers helpful advice such as cab apps and lowkey beaches. The property and space is authentic and feels very homie, the hot tub was very hot and great. Only con is that Ubers will cancel often due to distance up the mountain/road construction during the day. But the location is peaceful and beautiful.
Analiese
2/26/2025
O apartamento é lindo, tudo estava bem limpinho e tivemos dias ótimos. Não tivemos problemas com uber - pedindo black ou comfort sempre - a área é segura e os... read more anfitriões são super gentis sempre à disposição para ajudar. E de fato, que delícia de café da manhã! Obrigada Ju, nós amamos 💛
Victor
3/27/2025
I stayed here for my birthday celebration & it was truly a peaceful experience. I was surrounded by nature & I woke up to an amazing view everyday. I will... read more definitely book another stay when I come to Rio❤️
Briana
11/19/2024
Awesome place, extremely friendly host! Must visit if you are staying at santa teresa! Would definitely go back.
Ezan
12/31/2023
Gratidão Juju e Ariel pelo acolhimento em seu maravilhoso espaço, um paraíso no meio de Santa Tereza, mas "Santa" foi a ideia de vocês em criar esse cantinho aconchegante, confortável,... read more elegante e acolhedor, de ótimo serviço e instalações, a paz no meio do Rio de Janeiro, com vistas maravilhosas, muito verde e pequenos mimos como a visita do maestro Tucano, que com seu canto e beleza encanta, realmente tudo muito charmoso. E para agregar ao serviços a culinária é divina, com sabores e aromas dos deuses. Agradecidos pelo carinho e mimos que nos presentearam. Super indicamos o espaço.
Margareth
1/09/2023
Julianne is one of the most welcoming hosts we have experienced, greeting us upon arrival. Every morning was met with the most amazing views of the city below, and the... read more terrace was where most time was spent in the evening. This beautiful property had a lush pool/outdoor area, surrounded by breathtaking nature and even a mango tree. The hosts' pets were certainly a highlight of our visit, especially Loki the dog who showed us around our first day. We recommend trying the breakfast service, which was thoughtfully curated by Julianne. Our stay was unforgettable, and we hope to return in the future!
Alex
1/19/2025
Juliane foi ótima, super atenciosa!
O espaço é igual da fotos, super charmoso.
Não dá para ir à pé para o centrinho de Santa Teresa, é ideal... read more para quem quer curtir o espaço, a natureza e uma bela vista.
Flaviana
5/13/2023
Best Airbnb ever! The house must've been some mad architect's fever dream -- meant in the most positive way: the minute attention to detail, the varied design elements, the unique... read more features. Just amazing! The loft is spacious, with an incredible view from the huge balcony. Off the beaten path somewhat, but the wooded surroundings are lovely (and if you wanted to be at the beach you wouldn't be reading this review). Enjoyed hanging with locals at the bar up the road -- sweet people, language gap notwithstanding. Most importantly, Juliane and Ariel are such wonderful hosts...caring, generous, attentive, fun, eclectic, and very smart. A pleasure just listening to them talk about their love for their home and fam, friends and visitors, lifestyle. Like the good old days of vaca rentals, when you could actually make new friends. And I feel I have. Recommend without qualification (and sign up for Juju's cooking class, it's a blast!)
Ron
1/28/2025
We had a fantastic stay, Juju was extremely kind and welcoming. The house is beautiful and a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of central Rio. Only downside was... read more that it was a bit difficult to get Ubers up in the hills. But, Juju was very forthcoming and helpful about how best to get transportation.
Annabel
3/20/2025
Sehr toller Aufenthalt!
Wenn man etwas Ruhe vom Trubel in Rio brauch, genau richtig!
Super schönes Loft!
Gerne wieder!
Larissa
4/10/2023
I spent a week in Rio, partially down in Ipanema and the remainder up in Juliane's place- I got a taste of two different flavours of Rio. If you are... read more looking for a peaceful location, that feels safe and cozy with great views of Rio and don't mind a bit of a commute to get to the city (Getting an Uber was sometimes a bit of waiting game!) then this is the perfect spot for you. One thing to note is that while the apartment itself is your own private space, it is connected directly with the host's family home- so that needs to be taken into consideration. For me, this was ideal- I felt welcomed into Julianes home and her whole family (especially the dogs!) were extremely welcoming. I had a bit of a rough week in Rio, and Juliane went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable despite the setbacks which I truly appreciate. While I myself am not vegan, her incredible vegan breakfasts blew me away- and were the best breakfasts I had in my time in Rio!
Julian
10/27/2023
The loft is just as pictured - beautifully furnished and incredible views. The location is a quiet escape from the rest of Rio. Juju is a very friendly host and... read more very responsive. Would definitely recommend!
Bartholomew
2/14/2024
Myself and my son had a wonderfully relaxing stay and I would definitely come again and recommend to my friends.
Julianne is an incredible host who genuinely puts... read more a lot of thought and care into sharing the community lifestyle she has created. We were served a lovely vegan breakfast, had a wonderful massage and jacuzzi bubble bath and deep sleep in a very comfortable bed. Total decompression after a long flight!
The Loft is hugely spacious and stylishly decorated, set up above Rio in the lush and peaceful green area of Santa Teresa.
The only downside was we felt slightly stranded as sometimes taxis and Ubers were difficult to order and a bit disappointed that the swimming pool was out of action. However, everything else made up for this.
Janie
8/03/2023
This is the most special place I have stayed - a perfect place for a retreat to rejuvenate, write, reflect, enjoy, heal, expand. Juliane is amazingly helpful and open... read more while also respecting whatever space you may need. This loft is beautiful, with a view that touches your soul. I loved every minute. Juliane also helped coordinate a fabulous massage for me, cooked me great vegan tacos, made my stay easy, and her gratefulness and expansiveness is contagious! I ate at the little local restaurant right down the way and made friends there. The world is small but full of big kindness - this place celebrates that!
Nikki
11/28/2024
Wow- when I tell you this is the best airbnb experience I have ever had, it’s true. The loft and home is beautiful, private, and offers amazing views. But what... read more was truly magical was the way JuJu and her family welcomed us and made us feel at home. We also had Juju’s vegan breakfast which was hands down the best breakfast we’ve have ever had. I can’t speak highly enough on this home and Juju and her family. It truly made our experience in Rio that much more amazing.
Chesley
5/08/2024
Das spezielle an dieser Unterkunft ist nebst der tollen Lage, nahe an der Natur zu sein und schnell überall in Rio, vorallem auch die tollen Menschen die diesen Ort zu... read more einem sehr speziellen und willkommenden kleinen Kosmos machen. Wir haben uns super wohl gefüht! Ariel und Juliane sind sehr zuvorkommend und haben uns in allen Belangen unterstützt.
Vielen Dank für alles!
Simon, Joy und die kleine Rona
Simon
1/10/2025
We went for New Years to unplug and get a good view of some fireworks. The space is really great and Juju was incredibly welcoming and a great host. It... read more was perfect for us to stay for a couple of days out of the hustle and bustle of the city.
Jack
1/02/2024
We were so happy with our stay! Beautiful home and really nice cute dogs 🙂 perfect place to relax while you’re in Rio.
And the vegan breakfast was amazing! They... read more make there own tempeh ❤️❤️
Bo
9/19/2024
Amazing private loft with an incredible view! Juliane and her husband were kind and welcoming. Juliane was great to talk to and provided great recommendations! Puppies were super cute and... read more welcoming too! Sometimes it would take longer to obtain an uber later in the evening since its uphill and roads are narrow. However, reserving the ubers really helped. 10/10 stay.
Linette
2/10/2025
Juliane’s place is very idyllic and peaceful, would recommend if you want to go on a retreat and get away from the chaos of the city. We really loves the... read more dogs that came to cuddle every day 🙂
One sidenote is that, because it is quite far, so you will need some more patience getting and uber from and to the airbnb.
Tiarma
9/03/2023
Such a beautiful and unique place. My wife and I loved the stay. Vegan breakfasts are the best ones I tried in my life, I think. If I had someone... read more cook for me like that, I'd be a vegan in a heartbeat.
Albina
1/13/2024
If you're looking for a place to stay in Rio to enjoy the jungle and replenish your soul, this is the place for you. Juju has created a beautiful home... read more that offers guests a stunning and comfortable stay. You'll start your day by waking up to the sounds of the jungle and being greeted by the dogs. We recommend taking a cooking class; the Flavors of Brazil class was our favorite because we learned how history impacted the foods locals eat. The rest of the trip we could recognize dishes at restaurants and understand their origins. So cool! Juju made sure we had everything we needed and suggested amazing alternatives for when rain cancelled our plans. This enabled us to keep away from crowds, interact with locals, and see the city from a unique perspective. And soaking in the bath after a day of exploration was the perfect way to wind down for the night. The home and community that Juju has created and shares every day with her guests is truly what made our trip memorable! Thank you Juju!
Kevin
10/05/2023
Un'oasi di pace nel caos frenetico di Rio. Juliane e il compagno sono stati magnifici host, la casa ha un suo carattere, non è il solito luogo per turisti. Se... read more vado a Rio vado da Juliane, non c'è competizione.
Andrea
3/01/2024
Juliane et son mari m’a vraiment bien accueilli, je me suis sentie comme à la maison. Le logement est vraiment bien décoré !
Mélanie
2/15/2025
C’est les yeux fermés que je vous recommande ce logement. Que vous soyez seul, en volonté de paix et repos, ou à deux pour visiter Rio, c’est avec certitude que... read more vous trouverez votre bonheur. C’est l’équilibre parfait entre intimité, bienveillance et échanges. Vous serez à votre place. Le loft est splendide….. rien à dire, la vue est à couper le souffle, les équipements sont parfait, la décoration est parfaitement pensée, la salle de bain est unique est l’emplacement est parfait. Le petit déjeuner est excrément bon et complet,( parfois un peu trop, une sieste sera nécessaire pour terminer) vous serez surpris du pouvoir du vegan. Enfin, c’est un gros coup de cœur pour Juliane et ariel, leur personnalité rajoute un charme à la maison, ils répondent dans des temps records, vous laisse votre intimité, sont extrêmement gentils et je suis sur qu’ils sauront parler votre langue quelques soit. En bref, c’est un 10/10.
Leandra
12/29/2023






