If you've only ever had matcha as something someone hands you across a café counter, a Hallnara workshop is a genuinely different experience. It's less about drinking matcha and more about learning to make it properly, the whisking motion, the water temperature, the quiet few minutes it takes to go from powder to a proper frothy bowl. And the current event goes well beyond just a tea session.
The latest one, called Summer Sweat & Reset, is a full wellness day hosted at W Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, combining movement, breathwork, and ceremonial tea into one experience. Here's exactly what to expect if you're thinking about booking a seat.
The short version
One day, two sessions, built around slowing down. A morning built on breathwork, creativity, and a mindful matcha ceremony. An evening built on yoga, sound healing, and a hojicha ceremony to wind things down. Or book the full day and get both, plus full access to the hotel's gym, pool, and sauna in between.
Morning Reset | 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
This session is designed to start your day grounded rather than rushed. It moves through three parts:
A guided breathwork session to clear the mind, led by a certified Wim Hof Method instructor. An art therapy exercise that isn't about artistic skill it's a slower, more reflective way to reconnect with how you're actually feeling. And finally, a mindful matcha ceremony to close the morning, where you'll be guided through whisking your own bowl properly, start to finish.
This is priced at Dhs 250 per person.
Evening Restore | 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM (women-only)
The evening session is a different energy entirely, and it's reserved exclusively for women. It includes a gentle yoga flow, a sound healing session designed to help release physical tension, and a warm hojicha ceremony to close things out in stillness rather than rushing back into the evening.
Also priced at Dhs 250 per person.
Full Day Pass | the best value option
If you want the complete experience, the Full Day Pass at Dhs 400 gets you both sessions back to back, plus full access to the hotel's gym, pool, and sauna in the hours between so you're not just showing up for your session and leaving. Full day guests also receive an exclusive matcha tasting gift set to take home.
The Hallnara Matcha Pop-Up
Between sessions, there's a dedicated matcha pop-up you can step into at any point during the day. This is where the hands-on part happens:
A guided matcha whisking demonstration, where you actually learn the traditional technique rather than just watching it. A tasting of Hallnara's ceremonial-grade Kagoshima and Okayama matcha, plus hojicha, side by side, so you can taste the actual difference between origins. A chance to meet the Hallnara team and founders in person. And exclusive event-day offers on Hallnara products if you want to take something home with you.
Who's actually leading the sessions
Every session is led by a named practitioner rather than a generic instructor, which is part of what makes the day feel considered rather than assembly-line.
The matcha and ceremony sessions are led by Natty, Hallnara's co-founder, who brings her Asian heritage and years of studying Japanese tea ceremony directly into how she teaches the whisking ritual turning what could be a quick demo into an actual moment of stillness.
Breathwork is led by Andrey Bezruk, a certified Wim Hof Method instructor and co-active coach. Art therapy is led by Anastasiya Kolesnikova, a co-active coach and holistic art therapy practitioner. Yoga and sound healing are led by Meena Karani, a certified Advanced Reformer Pilates instructor and 500-hour certified yoga teacher.
What's included beyond the sessions
Your ticket isn't just for your booked time slot. It includes full facility access for the day, the gym is open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, the rooftop pool deck is available all day, and the sauna and steam room are there for proper thermal recovery afterward. Complimentary valet and spa towel service are included, and all mats, tea ceremony tools, and wellness materials are provided on-site, so there's genuinely nothing you need to bring except yourself.
Practical details worth knowing before you book
Location: W Abu Dhabi, Yas Island. A full address and map link are sent in your booking confirmation.
Parking: Complimentary parking is available, and valet is also offered on-site.
Dress code: Comfortable activewear for your session, plus a swimsuit if you're planning to use the pool. A light cover-up or change of clothes is a good idea for the matcha pop-up and any downtime.
What to bring: A yoga mat if you have a preference, though mats are provided. A water bottle. Swimwear if you want pool access. Everything else, including sauna towels, is provided.
Cancellations: Tickets are non-refundable but fully transferable let the team know at least 48 hours before the event if you want to transfer your spot to someone else.
Is this worth booking?
If you've been curious about matcha beyond just drinking it, or you're looking for a genuine reset day rather than another standard spa visit, this format does something most wellness events don't it actually teaches you something you can take home. The whisking technique, the ceremony, the pacing of it. That's the part that stays with you after the day is over.
Spaces are limited to 30–35 guests per session to keep the experience genuinely intimate rather than crowded. If you want to book, or check whether a future date or a Dubai edition has been added, reserve your spot here or reach the team directly on WhatsApp at +971 50 995 5360.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is the Hallnara matcha workshop held?
The current Summer Sweat & Reset event is held at W Abu Dhabi,Yas Island. Full address details are provided in your booking confirmation email.
Is the matcha workshop suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, the mindful matcha ceremony is guided step by step, so no prior experience is needed. It's designed to teach the proper whisking technique from scratch.
Is the evening session really women-only?
Yes, the 5:00 PM Evening Restore session is reserved exclusively for women.
Can I attend just the matcha pop-up without booking a full session?
The matcha pop-up runs between the scheduled sessions for ticket holders. To attend, you'll need to book either the Morning Reset, Evening Restore, or Full Day Pass.
Does Hallnara run matcha workshops in Dubai?
The currently listed event is in Abu Dhabi. For the most up-to-date schedule, including any future Dubai dates, check the Hallnara Events page or contact the team via WhatsApp.