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.

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
Sehr toller Aufenthalt!
Wenn man etwas Ruhe vom Trubel in Rio brauch, genau richtig!
Super schönes Loft!
Gerne wieder!
Larissa
4/10/2023
My wife and I had a great time staying in Santa Rosa! Juliane made everything easy and gave us helpful tips about everything.
Incredible value. Easy drive to Copacabana and... read more Sugar Loaf, very close to Christ the redeemer.
Highly recommended!
Daniel
2/03/2025
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
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
Paradies in Rio mit grandioser Aussicht. Weg von der Grossstadt und trotzdem schnell überall. Immer wieder gerne!
Lara
9/14/2023
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
Juliane était très sympathique et toujours réactive, c’est agréable. Le petit déjeuner vegan en supplément est très bon.
La localisation est un peu excentrée mais la vue du balcon... read more est magnifique.
Le lit est un peu (trop) mou. L’air conditionné fait énormément de bruit, ce qui n’est pas très agréable la journée ou la nuit.
Lors de notre passage, beaucoup de travaux autour de la maison ce qui rendait l’accès à la piscine compliqué (vis-à-vis des ouvriers et du bruit environnant).
En résumé, un bon séjour, un rien trop cher pour ce que c’est.
Julien
1/20/2024
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
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
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
A tranquil, beautiful retreat from the intoxicating Rio craziness. On the edge of the Tijucu rain forest, expect to see Toucans visit you in the haze of the morning and... read more exotic butterflies flitting between trees as you munch on your tropical fruit breakfast. Sound idyllic? That’s because it is! A 30-40 minute walk gets you into the heart of the bustling Bohemian neighbourhood of Santa Teresa with access to the wider city from there. Julianne and Ariel are great hosts. It’s a way of life and not just about hosting. Always on hand to help, offer insider tips and make their guests feel part of the family during your stay. Had a fab morning with Julianne and other guests grabbing some healthy breakfast in Santa Teresa before absorbing the sensory overload of a Carnival Blocco in full swing. Followed by a more sedate ramble through one of the many markets Rio has to offer and buying up all the tropical fruit we could find! Thanks for a great stay guys! Highly recommended!
Russell
2/21/2023
Nous avons passé 4 jours chez Juliane et Ariel, et avons adoré le loft ainsi que le quartier. Un peu loin a pieds du centre de Santa Teresa, mais nous... read more n’avons et aucun souci à trouver des taxis pour descendre ou remonter. Par ailleurs, il y a un petit restaurant excellent à 100m de chez eux, ainsi qu’un petit bar très sympathique. Le loft est décoré avec goût et la vue est époustouflante. Juliane avait pris soin d’y déposer quelques jouets pour enfants et notre fils était ravi ! Le petit déjeuner de Juliane est juste une merveille. En tant qu’hôtes, ils ont été très réactif et accueillant, nous ont donné de bons conseils et nous ont permis de rester chez eux en attendant notre vol du soir. Si nous revenons à Rio, nous reviendrons chez Juliane c’est certain !
Léa
4/19/2024
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
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
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
Allegra
3/17/2023
Juliane was a beautiful host! She was so attentive and helpful throughout our stay. The place itself is incredible. It has the perfect balance of beautiful nature and wildlife and... read more a stones throw from the city. Christ the redeemer was literally 10mins in an Uber or a nice hike. The energy of the loft is energising and having the pool to take a dip was so lovely. Don’t even hesitate as it’s actually a piece of paradise. We’ll be back one day 🥰🙏✨💛
Charlotte
9/22/2024
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
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
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
Wir haben Weihnachten in der Loft von Juliane verbracht und hätten keinen schöneren Ort dafür wählen können. Die Ruhe war nach einer langen Reise genau richtig; auf der Terrasse unter... read more Mangobäumen mit Blick über Rio hätten wir gerne noch paar Tage mehr verbracht. Juliane war immer ansprechbar und hat mir sogar mit einem Problem mit meiner Kreditkarte geholfen. Der Aufenthalt war perfekt!
Anne M. K.
12/26/2024
Rayssa
6/16/2024
Juliane et Ariel sont de vraiment gentils hôtes. L'atmosphere de leur maison est à leur image, douce calme, amicale et paisible.
Le loft se situe en haut de la maison.... read more La décoration est aussi belle que sur les photo et c'est un très bel endroit pour vivre.
La vue est fantastique!
La maison est située sur les hauteurs de Rio, avec l'avantage d'être plus au calme et à l'ecart du bruit de la ville.
Un très bel endroit!
Marie
2/23/2024
THE FOOD....... I went to Soul Rebel without knowing what to expect, The house was super clean and nice, very unique style surrounded by nature and away from Rio's hustle.... read more The view is completely breathtaking and Juliana is not only a great host but also an attentive and kind person...
But most importantly... THE FOOD.. sweet Jesus baby Mary and joseph... This is some of the best, healthiest food I've had, not only in Rio, not Only in Brasil, but in my whole life... I was well nourished for every day and I couldn't believe it was vegan.
Thank you so much, I'll def be coming back at least to eat!
Briant
7/25/2024







