Along the well-worn trail of sun-washed beaches awash in margaritas, I began my discovery of Mexico years ago, taking occasional day trips to nearby ancient ceremonial sites and visiting colonial Mexico, where fantasy cities reminiscent of old Spain had miraculously landed, often atop the old ceremonial centers. But on a visit in July ’10, my search was for obscure pueblos where daily life unfolds much as it has since the coming of the Spanish conquistadores in the 1500s. The pueblos along the shores of Lake Pátzcuaro, located in the state of Michoacán, were my dream come true.

What do these disparate famous people — real and fictional — have in common: James Bond, Phileas Fogg, Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, the Duke of Wellington, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Rudyard Kipling and Gwyneth Paltrow? They all are or were members of private London clubs, many of which are just as fascinating, historic and beautiful as the standard London landmarks.

My husband and I spent a weekend in Alicante in February 2011, and I’d like to share what we saw, what we liked and what might be possible for you if you’re interested in going it on your own.