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.

It was outstanding experience! Probably the best Airbnb I’ve ever been to - I’m at least 10 years an Airbnb user - the place is extremely authentic and exotic: the... read more pictures doesn’t make it justice, it looks 10x better. There is a super delicious and healthy restaurant at the place “soul rebel” which you can feed from all meals. The views and history aspects close by and from the place itself are indeed breathtaking. Sugar loaf and Christ the redeemer are just at the corner! The owner Juju is a super woman: a vegan chef, makes 100/100 in hospitality skills and is very friendly and down to earth person. I came in with my baby, Juju made sure to think out of the box. She’d prepared our loft with kid’s toys, diaper changer, baby swimming pool - which was all a great surprise for us. Juju also helped on taxi drivers recommendation! In general, she made us feel at home as part of her family. I will never forget our superb stay with her, and hopefully we will be back many times again!
Karina
10/18/2023
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
We had such a fabulous time at Juliane. We did not want to leave. We were welcomed ever so warmly, the place was truly magical and it was a cherry... read more on top after our 3 week travel across Brazil. We hope to be back <3
Erik
5/03/2025
We had a wonderful stay at the loft. The place is beautifully restored and decorated and the views are magnificent. Juju is such a great host, always responsive and so... read more welcoming and friendly. We opted for the breakfast each morning, lovingly made by Juju, and it was one of the highlights of our trip- highly recommend.
Getting to the property is straightforward; we took an Uber from Leblon. We found that the yellow taxis were a little hesitant to go into Santa Teresa but Ubers are fine and affordable. The hills are very steep but the Uber drivers are used to them. Even in the rain which is quite an experience !
We would definitely come back to stay with Juju if we are lucky enough to return to Brazil.
Caitlin
12/24/2022
The place was beautiful and Ari was very welcoming and helpful. The dogs were super cute as well! Muito obrigada!
Erin
6/25/2024
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
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
We had a wonderful stay at Juju and Ari’s place
The flat is beautiful. It is a quiet and peaceful place, perfect to relax while visiting Rio.
Special... read more thanks to the hosts who are lovely and careful.
They also make amazing breakfasts.
I highly recommend this place !
Alizée
12/30/2024
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
Stunning location, beautiful interior, excellent communication, and great breakfast! Thank you so much!!
Nicole
8/11/2024
I was looking for a place where I could feel safe, get local experience, and be close to nature. Also, a quiet place to work during weekdays
Well,... read more I got a lot more than that.
This place exceeds the expectation. It's so beautiful and magical. The ambiance, location, and views make this place so special and unique.
Ariel and Juliane add another dimension to the experience. I briefly met Juliane before her Europe trip. She got me introduced to several art&culture groups and hiking groups. It helped me to explore the city in no time. I can call myself a Carioca now 😀
Ariel was always there to address my concerns. He offered his personal phone wifi when there was a brief internet outage. He paid for services when I ran out of cash. Never expected this level of hospitality from airbnb hosts.
Food service is another perk of staying here. Rosy is an awesome cook. She and Terri served delicious breakfast and lunch with professional touch.
The overall experience is very rewarding.
Sujaya
6/23/2023
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
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
Nós passamos uma excelente estadia no Loft da Juju!
Fomos acolhidos com muito carinho por uma família com um engajamento e propósito lindos!
O lugar é calmo, a decoração do... read more casarão é única e de muito bom gosto.
Em uma parte do Loft tivemos uma vista panorâmica para a cidade do Rio e outra parte para a natureza. (O ponto alto é o Jacuzzi que dá a impressão de estar tomando banho no meio da mata).
Não deixe de experimentar o café da manhã da Juju. Cada dia tivemos uma nova surpresa e a gente ficava ansioso pra descobrir o menu do dia. Uma verdadeira explosão de sabores com ingredientes locais escolhidos e preparados com muito amor pela mente criativa da Juju!
Foi uma experiência única e sem dúvidas voltaremos em nossas próximas estadias no Rio! Merci beaucoup Juju e família! ♥️
Gabriella
4/14/2023
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
Adoro locais com personalidade. Esse tinha muita. Amei demais relaxar na minha própria companhia nesse lar.
Bianca
3/06/2024
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
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
Staying here was the cherry on top of our trip to Brazil. The location is amazing, sitting on top of the city with amazing views and a short drive to... read more restaurants and the rest of the city. The loft is gorgeous and very comfortable, and we were treated like family by the hosts. I'm so glad we picked this space and I would highly recommend it!
Sarah
9/28/2024
It really is a peaceful, safe, and comfortable place to lay your head at night. And the BATHTUUBB!! 😭🙌🏾 It was wonderful. Well worth the stay. Two things to be... read more aware of:
1) Coming in after the front entrance is locked. Make sure to take the plastic thingy off the key pad, or else it won’t work. It wasn’t in the instructions so I had to bang on the door. 😬 Sorry.
2) When Ubering, copy and paste the address from airbnb app into Uber. Apparently, there are different neighborhoods that have the same address. Remember what the front of house looks like to help guide your drivers to the right place. Could never pinpoint the exact location.
Otherwise, fantastic place to stay.
Rae
1/05/2024
Absolutely beautiful spot! The views were amazing and it was easy enough to drive back and forth to sites in Rio. Juliane was a wonderful host, with helpful recommendations. Highly... read more recommend for a beautiful and peaceful spot in Rio!
Melissa
11/06/2023










