Here's a family aching for a dose of warm weather over Christmas and New Year. “We’ve been discussing it for months, but, unfortunately we can’t find anything to suit everyone,” says Jane through gritted teeth.

All agree they want good weather and a swanky hotel in an area with a bit of a buzz to it. “We like to be within walking distance of good local restaurants, so we can graze around and find our favourites,” says Jane.

While the girls might be content to lounge poolside, the men are more active. James is an athlete who runs up to 10 miles a day, and he and his dad enjoy tennis, sailing and water-skiing. A spa would also go down well. For 10-14 days over Christmas and New Year, the total budget for the family is £8,000-£10,000.

THE FAIRBOURNS

Mike is the general manager of a health-care company. Jane is a head teacher. Their children are James, 19, and Grace, 17. They live in East Grinstead, West Sussex.

Last CD bought

Mike: Queen — Greatest Hits
Jane: Will Young — Keep On

Last book read

Mike: The Lighthouse by PD James
Jane: On Beauty by Zadie Smith

Favourite food

Both: Italian

Favourite tipple

Mike: French reds
Jane: pinot grigio

Page 2: the Doc suggests Cape Town, Miami and Phuket

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PRESCRIPTION ONE: Cape Town

What better cure for winter blues than to step off an overnight flight and find yourself in Cape Town, a young, vibrant city packed with natural wonders and bathed in summer sunshine? The Fairbourns should base themselves at the five-star Table Bay Hotel, on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the hub of the city’s bar, restaurant and live-music scene. There’s a spa in the hotel, a sailing centre on the doorstep and water-skiing nearby. James can join the morning joggers on Clifton beach or hook up with Cape Runners Against Gravity (www.crag.org.za), which organises trail runs on Table Mountain. New Year is celebrated with gusto: there’s a three-day carnival, and spectacular fireworks on the 31st. Ten nights’ B&B costs a total of £9,112 with ITC Classics (01244 355300, www.itcclassics.co.uk).

PRESCRIPTION TWO: Miami

South Beach is laid-back, stylish and one of the few places in America where you don’t need a car. Stay on the strip and you’re within easy walking distance of a plethora of bars, restaurants, shops and cafes. The seafront — a perpetual parade of beautiful people — is a great place to stroll, skate, cycle or run.

There’s no shortage of hotels: I suggest the Loews Miami Beach, a five-star biggie. It has a spa, sailing, windsurfing and kayaking, bikes and in-line skates to rent, plus tennis and water-skiing five minutes away. Temperatures should hit 24C. Two weeks, room-only, costs £7,656 with Virgin Holidays (0871 222 1232, www.virgin.com/holidays).

PRESCRIPTION THREE: Phuket

The Fairbourns tell me Thailand is on their wish list, but they can’t work out where to start. I’d suggest Phuket: great beaches, lots to do and perfect weather. Go for the Katathani Beach Resort, set on a stunning stretch of sand, with tennis courts, a spa and fitness centre, plus sea kayaking, parasailing and snorkelling nearby. The twin beaches of Kata Noi and Kata Yai make ideal running tracks and the resort of Patong — crammed with bars, shops and night markets — is 20 minutes away by cab. Eleven nights’ B&B, in two junior suites, including dinner on December 24 and 31, costs £8,348 with Trailfinders (0845 054 7777, www.trailfinders.com).

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