Carnival City

A quick weekend getaway is always a treat. And event better when it's technically, literally right on your doorstep. I popped over to Carnival City for a weekend to see what they have going on there.

So Carnival City is a top-class, circus themed, entertainment & casino complex situated in Ekurhuleni, in the East of Gauteng. The main casino is housed in what looks like a very large circus Big Top Tent & has been festively decorated in a kaleidoscope of colours. 

A bit of stats: there are more than 60 gambling tables & over 1,700 slot machines in the casino to keep the adults entertained. But fear not, there is a games arcade & a cinema to provide exciting entertainment for the kids. And if gambling is not really your thing, then there is Spa & Beauty Salon on site where you can go relax & have a good pampering session. 

Eating out at Carnival City leaves you spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding on a restaurant, whether it be for a sit-down or fast food meal. So there is something for everyone & you'll most definitely find exactly what you are looking for.

Not keen to drive home after attending a concert in the 3,500 seater, Big Top Arena? Then you are in luck & just book in at the 4-star Carnival City Hotel. (It's walking distance from the main entrance & is connected to the main casino for convenience.) Offering 105 luxury rooms, all with the basics to make your stay a pleasant one, so it really is a treat.

Just spend the morning in bed, taking in the comfort of that hotel lifestyle, then head on down for a spot of buffet breakfast that has a wide variety of freshly prepared food. And if you don't want to go home just yet, why not enjoy the rest of day next to the outdoor swimming pool in the sun & relax soaking up the rays & sipping on something cold from the bar. (Naturally I opted for a G&T in this case.)

Top Model - South Africa 2018

What is fast growing into one of the biggest (and prestigious) modelling competitions in the country, the Top Model SA 2018 Grand Finale took place at the Carnival City - Big Top Arena. And are we impressed? Yes!

Top Model SA is part of Top Model Worldwide, which is one of the leading international, professional model search competitions, with a proven history of discovering some of the best new model talent there is. (Remember guys, this is not a pageant. It is a modeling competition.)

So back to the Grand Finale. So thousands of guests attended the incredible production led by the renowned Choreographer & Producer: Willie Venter. That sure is one thing that I must say, even with a few missed cues & models crossing paths at the wrong moment, the production was done incredibly well. Adding to that, you do need to know that most of 80 contestants have never walked on a ramp before, nevermind doing that in front of thousands of people & whilst it is being broadcast worldwide live via AfriLive.

Melissa Magiera (22) from Cape Town & Alexander Jenkinson (18) from Cullinan walked away with the title of Top Model SA 2018 winners.

"Always believe in yourself, no matter what. Hard work & determination will always get you what you want." - Melissa Magiera 

"The harder I worked, the luckier I got. It's still so unreal." - Alexander Jenkinson

"It took a lot of self discipline & hard work. But it all paid off. This is life changing." - Jayme Scott

The Fresh Face category is for the ladies who don't qualify for the international model height requirements. And this year, the stunner; Jayme Scott (19) from Roodepoort walked away with the title.

Congratulations to the entire Top Model South Africa team on what was truly a wonderful event. Check out #TMSA18 on social media to see who was posting what!