We're looking for a romantic week away in Tuscany in the quiet countryside in a great hotel with a pool. Not looking for a family-type retreat this time.

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance, all.

As I was doing research into Tuscany last year, I came across this place and, while I have no direct knowledge of this place, I saw alot of positive coments about it and you can't beat the location. From here, day trips to Cortona, Sienna, MOntepulciano, and perugia are feasible. The beauty of the countryside cannot be described. I elected not to stay as DDs wanted an in town experience. For sure, if you go here, go to regional Wineries for their Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. An amazing wine.

Also, This is nice, http://www.gargonza.it/description.htm
also may want to look at http://www.lafoce.com/

Sorry, the above post should be referring to the Borgo Tre Rose - http://www.borgotrerose.it/en/index.html

Ah, I am so glad you asked!

Villa Poggiano very near Montepulciano. We stayed here in 2007 and hope to return sometime in this lifetime. It was wonderful! http://www.villapoggiano.com/. Contact the owner, Stefania, with any questions or concerns.

La Saracina closer to Pienza, but in the same general area as Poggiano. We stayed here in 2004. It was lovely but more of a country Inn feel. http://www.lasaracina.it/

You will be very happy with either since both are totally dreamy. IMO, Poggiano is more luxurious of the two.

I'm booked at http://www.sienahouse.net/?js=a for this September. Great reviews at Trip Advisor and excellent interactions with owners prior to booking. And they just put in a pool though the web site does not yet show it.

Look at Terre di Nano

CiaoNY, I don't know your budget but we stayed here and it was absolutely marvelous. http://www.castigliondelbosco.it/

My husband and I stayed at a really lovely villa in the Chianti region last year called Villa Torri. www.letorri.com From there we visited several towns, and used their bikes to ride to some quaint nearby towns and castles. It is easy to take a day trip into Florence by bus, and they handle everything there for you including tickets to museums. It is a family owned villa- and the food is fabulous traditional Tuscan cuisine. Gabrielle the son, runs the place very well.We met several other couples at their Saturday welcome dinner which is included in the price. We would definitely go back again!

Thanks, all. This gives me some homework now.

ekc, our budget may be pretty generous. Your wonderful suggestion is certainly a contender, but we were hoping to get this done for something closer to €200 per night. We'll see what's out there.

Villa Poggiano has some rooms for about 200 Euro/night. I think these rooms are not in the main villa but have their own lawn and lounges to savor the Tuscan countryside from. Take a look.

I've recommended Terre di Nano to a few people after my stay, and they loved it (so did I!)

We visited two wonderful properties in different price ranges while in Tuscany in November.

Villa il Poggiale:http://www.villailpoggiale.it/

and Borgo della Limonaia (60-90 euros per day, depending on season, with weekly rates)

You can read more about them at Notable Travels:
http://www.notabletravels.com/destin...Trafalgar.html

I had reservations here and had to cancel the trip. I WILL go back. It's a moderate option with pool - and check out the reviews -
http://www.letorri.com/
I found it via a recommendation on Slow Travel