Who we are - What We Do
It's more than just a place, it's an experience...
More than just a place, Val’s Place is an experience—one that nourishes the soul, awakens the senses, and brings people together in harmony. Nestled between the embrace of the forested mountains and the endless blue of the sea, we are a sanctuary where music, nature, and human connection intertwine.
This land breathes with energy, carrying stories of laughter, dance, and shared moments under the stars. We are the home of renowned wellbeing festivals and retreats—gatherings where hearts open, bodies move, and spirits soar. Ecstatic Dance Festival (October), Jazz Festival (August), El Circo Festival (May), and Omandbass Festival (May) are just a few of the magical experiences that unfold here. Throughout the summer, our stage comes alive with local and international artists, each performance a portal to something greater—something that lingers long after the last note fades.
Beyond the festivals, Val’s Place welcomes wanderers, seekers, and those longing to reconnect with the essence of life. Our camping grounds offer a space for stillness or celebration, for solitude or community. Here, beneath a sky painted with sunsets, travelers come together—sharing meals, exchanging stories, and often, surrendering to the spontaneous rhythm of a jam session. Even when our restaurant rests, an outdoor kitchen stands open, inviting you to cook with your own hands, to savor the simple joys of life.
As summer fades, we turn inward. Val’s Place transforms into a sacred ground of renewal. The restaurant closes, but our hands stay busy, tending to the land, nurturing our organic garden, and breathing new life into every corner of our space. Just as the seasons change, so do we—always evolving, always growing, always becoming.
This is more than a destination. It’s a way of being. A journey back to the heart. Welcome to Val’s Place.
Our Story
On October 9th, 1983, our parents met at a friend’s wedding, and it was love at first sight. By June 1985, they were married in Ayia Marina Church, and in 1986, they had their first child, Maria. In 1987, while expecting their second child, Evristheni, they moved to the village of Gialia to raise their children in nature. Their third child, Dimitris, was born in 1988.
In the early 90s, the Cypriot government gave our father land as compensation for his losses during the Turkish invasion. They built greenhouses and began growing their own produce. Soon after, they were gifted a house above their land, which had previously been a community space for Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot women. Our parents turned it into ‘O Kafenes tou Andrea,’ and in 1993, with the arrival of their youngest child, Valentinos, they renamed it ‘Valentino’s Café/Snack Bar,’ serving kebabs and refreshments.
With our mother’s vision, we all contributed to creating this place, pouring love into every project. Raised amongst the trees, we learned to appreciate nature and every living thing around us. By 2010, Evristheni and Dimitris had started their music journey, and Valentinos soon followed. The family began performing every Friday, turning ‘Valentino’s Café’ into a vibrant, musical gathering spot. Maria, the eldest, started her business, ‘Tiny Little Things by Marilou,’ making custom handmade products. In 2015, Valentinos and Evristheni took over, and our small paradise was reborn as Val’s Place.
Eleni Loizou
Our mother was born on the 14th of April 1962 in Ayia Marina, Polis Chrysochous. Living right at the seafront and surrounded by the forest, her connection to nature is profound. Growing up with her 3 siblings and parents- both of whom worked very hard to provide for their children - she lived a humble life. Despite hard conditions their family radiated love, joy and were truly rich in life, for they felt blessed to live together united with nature. This special bond is reflected through her love for life, her love for everyone around her. At the age of 18 she moved to Nicosia to work.
Her dream was to create a space where people can gather together and discover the benefits of nature, discover their selves and connect with each other.
Andreas Loizou
Our father was born on 16th of May 1958 in Pano Zodia , north of Cyprus, but was forced to move to Astromeritis after the Turkish invasion in 1974. He grew up with his 6 siblings and his parents who fought hard to build their new life. Since the age of 13, he worked as a builder, supporting his family and at the age of 18 he served two years in the military. In his early 20's he begun working in Nicosia.
He is the one that follows and supports our mother and her dream.
Evristheni
An established musician in Cyprus,Evristheni graduated from the University Of Nicosia in 2013 with a Bachelor of Music specialized in Vocals Jazz performance. She has been a member of the Amalgamation choir since 2015 participating at various places such as Fengaros,Windcraft festival and the Commonwealth day in England.Evristheni has performed at various venues and concerts around Cyprus and internationally.
In addition to that she has also been teaching music the last 12 years.
Valentinos
Val is a renowned guitarist, singer, and song-writer. He begun his journey in music at 16-years-old, falling in love with the guitar. Day-in-and out he began playing until he had mastered the instrument. Finding his passion, he knew he had to dive deeper into the world of music and obtained a bachelor in Music at the European University, graduating in 2017. He is well-known for his unique songwriting, making use of our rich Cypriot dialect, Val has fused the traditional with the modern. His music inspires emotion and movement, touching on social and spiritual subjects.
Tylene Wood, a well-seasoned yoga therapist originally from the Southern United States, Arizona. She grew up right next to the border of Mexico and has deep roots in its tradition.
She met her husband, Valentinos Dimitriou, while volunteering on the island. Her husband and his family are the owners of Val's Place.
She was first introduced to yoga when she was 12-years-old. After this meeting she craved to dig deeper into what yoga truly is.
When she turned 18 fate led her to a two-year teacher training program in Arizona. She continued her yoga education by completing the yoga therapeutics program. She has studied prenatal yoga with dedicated teachers while being pregnant herself. Trained by Iyengar teachers, she has learned a method of Hatha yoga with refined precision which allows her to teach people from all walks of life. Her intention as a professional Yoga Therapist is to help clients listen to their inner selves and find the courage to step out of their comfort zone in order to promote healing and growth. She has a broad knowledge of the human body accompanied by a degree in Integrative Health from the school of Nursing at Arizona State University.
Ilios is the real boss of Val’s Place. He is Val and Tylene’s son and the protege of the magical land. This little prince works all day in the field (xorafi), is always doing work, and never stops running outside. He loves the ocean, tractors, motorcycles, and his cat, Peesperini. You don’t want to let him catch you sitting on the job, he will not be shy to tell you “do work!”. He is the reason it is always sunny at Val’s Place!
Who we are
You are welcome to meet us in person!
Our full story here...